It's YOUR resume!!
How often do I hear the following: I've had 5 people review my resume in the past 6 months and I'm so very confused.
I have one comment to make to that oft heard expression. That comment is...it's your resume and what ever works for you is what you're going to submit anyway!! Now for the truth.
When you bring your resume to a person (or organization) to review and give you "pointers", be sure to find out the history or the "resume" of the person to whom you are bringing it. Sometimes these are "well wishers" who want to help. Sometimes they are (themselves) using a template that they've been instructed to use. Sometimes they are people who have read a good book on resumes and feel they have full grasp of how resumes should be written.
Others are with an agency that actually survives on writing resumes for people. Their "bread and butter" is writing resumes. Sometimes you don't even meet the person who actually writes it! Your goal/mission is to collaborate with the writer. The only one who knows you is YOU!!
Many resume writers are on staff, getting a salary for sitting there and writing your resume for you. Still others work straight commission and get paid only when one visits with them (me, for example).
Many changes have come to pass over the last year or two. Among these changes are: "References Available Upon Request" is no longer used....why? Because they are obtainable from the application!! Another is the actual "Objective". That is obsolete because you are, in effect, telling the employer what you want to do! Does he care? The "Summary" is far more important. It tells the recruiter/hiring manager what you "bring to the table". It should depict most of what his advertisement reads! Are you a Veteran? Then say so!! Finally, please watch your typos. One typo and your resume is moved "to the other pile".
The other controversial issue is "how many pages". Some people are "stuck" on the one page resume. If you have 20 years experience, how can you fit even a fraction of that on one page? Remember that "summary" I mentioned? That's the part that is read in the first 7 seconds. If you have 20 years experience or a college degree, you cannot get away with less than 2 pages. Do you have a Masters? If so, that implies that you have projects, thesis, internships, etc that you were compelled to undertake. They require you fortify your resume for the position for which you are applying. A person with a higher degree can deal with a 3 page resume. Mind you, they may never read it....but, if they are serious, they'll want to know you are serious.
Suggest you share this as wide as possible. I stand ready to help the serious job seeker. Although my competition asks for $200-500 at the low end, I guarantee I will charge far, far less. Email your resume to me at hra246@gmail.com and we'll talk.
Above all, remember that the resume you want people to read will depict YOUR background. It's YOUR resume!
Meanwhile, check out my LinkedIn Profile and www.facebook.com/AppelResumeWriting.
