Building an Effective Resume
By Angie S. Jones

You've written your resume and applied for the job, now you wait, and wait ... and hear nothing from the employers.

Is it because there aren't any jobs out there or is it because of your resume? Somebody is getting that job that you applied for and they may not have been the best candidate for the position.

In this highly competitive job market you must have one of the top resumes in order to be considered for the position. The resume must be structured so that employers will read it and quickly see the value that you'd bring to their organization. Your resume is a marketing document; truthful, accurate, but not the place to be modest.

If a Toyota commercial boasted that their cars have 4 wheels, a steering wheel and brakes would that make you rush out to buy their new car? Probably not. The same holds true with your resume. Your resume needs to focus on your skills and previous accomplishments showing the hiring manager what you can do for them. Most job seekers make the mistake of creating a backward-focused, one-size-fits-all resume. This type of resume rarely works when an employer receives hundreds of resumes for an open position.

Does your resume start out with the "old-fashioned objective" telling employers what you want in your next job? Why not turn that around and summarize your skills and experience to show them what you can do for them?

Also, many employers now ask that you apply online and upload your resume into their vast database of applicants. There, your resume will be scanned and filtered for certain industry related keywords. The more keywords they find on your resume the more likely your resume will be printed and ever reach the hands of the hiring manager. This is how many of the best candidates for a position may be overlooked during the hiring process.

Format is also crucial; chronological or functional? It is important to learn how to best structure the design of your resume showcasing your skills and experience to match the needs of the hiring manager.

If you prefer to remain open to different career opportunities you will need a "targeted" resume for each position in order to be effective. Sell yourself as the most qualified candidate by quantifying your accomplishments whenever possible. Show the employer the level of responsibility that you've held, as well as the successes that you've had throughout your career. An effective, well-written resume will significantly shorten your job search time and often results in a higher salary offer.

Angela Jones, CPRW, CEIC

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