A new resume can jump-start your career. Your network
contacts may ask for a resume and some industries
absolutely, positively demand a resume as the price of
admission. When you begin thinking of your resume as a
power source, the results can be astonishing.
1. Your resume is a sales tool. It is not a place for
therapeutic self-disclosure or true confessions. Be honest
but present your accomplishments in the most positive way.
2. Leave tricky questions ("Why did you have six jobs in ten
years?" "Why are you applying for an entry position after
you've been running the show?") for the interview. Practice
interview responses with a support group, friend or career
coach.
3. If chronology works against you, opt for a sales pitch
letter or use your network to get past the screeners. If
you can't avoid a resume, some experts will advise a
functional resume. However, once you show up for an
interview, expect to be asked for a chronological review.
4. Focus on accomplishments. "Supervised ten people on a
project that finished three weeks before deadline and fifty
thousand dollars under budget."
If you're over fifteen, you do not have "duties." You have
"responsibilities" and "accomplishments." Anyway, nobody
cares about what you were supposed to do. They want to know
what you contributed.
5. Exploring multiple jobs? Tailor your resume to each
position and each field. Show that you understand your
target firm's problems -- and are uniquely equipped to solve
them.
6. Do not let anyone write your resume for you. Accept
suggestions and feedback but the final product should be in
your own words.
7. Use your network to review the final product. Ask at
least six people in your field for candid feedback.
The final test: How do you feel when you read the resume?
When you feel proud of your resume, and you're eager to
share it with everyone you meet, you're ready to move.
