Greetings Searchers!
Your resume is no longer a simple list of facts; it’s a marketing tool that can change your life. How you present yourself and your skills will decide what direction your career will take, either to better opportunities or disappointment, if not written correctly. I’m not telling you this to scare you, but far too many individuals think that resumes are simple facts and in a time where the market is extremely competitive, facts are not good enough.
The hiring agent will decide in the first 30 seconds of looking at your resume, if they are even going to bother reading the complete document. So you had better see that your opening sale is a winner. Sorry gang, if you think they’re going to read that six page book that you are calling a resume… Forget it. They don’t have the time. It doesn’t matter if you are a top executive or not, if it’s more than two pages, you’re gambling with your career and that’s not a risk you should be willing to take.
Key words aren’t a guarantee, either. There are articles out there that make key words sound like the silver bullet to beat the scanner, but it doesn’t work that way. Experience is important and still holds it’s weight and key words are covered, if you have the necessary experience. There are key software programs and computer skills for various positions; they should always be listed along with job specific skills. These are what will be scanned for and as long as you have the skills, you’ll be covered. A word of warning… Including skills that you don’t have WILL blow up in your face. Please don’t try it.
If you’re concerned about your ability to present yourself, hire a professional to assist in writing a sound resume. That way you can be confident that someone is looking out for your best interests.
Be honest, be confident, keep it under control, and remember that you get out of a job search what you put into it.
Hello Searchers!
Welcome to 2008 and to my new career blog. My plans for 2008 include encouraging, coaching, and advising on how to search effectively for jobs, setting career goals, ways to prepare for interviews, and other tasty tidbits of how to make your career dreams reality. So much is possible, if you are willing to do your homework, have a resume up to date and ready, network, and aggressively seek out options. It’s all a matter of the effort that you put forth.
The key is a marketing mindset. It’s product YOU and that is an incredible product (and have a resume that shouts it). So often we have it pounded into us that we are to be modest, but in your job search confidence is imperative. Now don’t get me wrong, keeping an ego in check is also a good thing, but you have to “Know” that you can do this job and that you have exceptional talent and skill to offer an organization. If you don’t believe it, why should the hiring manager?
I know what you’re thinking. You aren’t a marketer or sales professional. Maybe you hate sales, but the truth is that you sell yourself every time you meet someone. You put your best foot forward and most likeable self out there or at least I hope you do. It’s the same thing with job hunting. I’m not saying that you’re to sell your soul for the job (although we all know of companies that want that, but that is another story altogether), just be confident, know that you are a valuable employee with a great deal to offer (soul not included) and have a resume that proves it. Experience speaks volumes.
Make marketing a lifestyle and even if you love your job, you never know what the future brings. Always keep an open eye for opportunity. Be confident in your abilities; greet everyone with a smile, a strong handshake, and great eye contact… You’re not only networking, you may even make a powerful friend.
It isn’t a crime to love your job and it IS possible.
Until next time… Remember the hunt is on!
