Redefining the Resume

Most job hunters send out these mass appeal resumes. They attempt to hit the keywords of their industry while staying true to the traditional resume rules. Yet many find themselves jobless at the end of their hunt. Often wondering how a person with such qualifications is unable to at least get an interview.

Regardless of the industry that you are interested in, competition among job seekers is pretty intense. The nature of the working environment has changed. The ability to telecommute, the increasing diversity, small businesses entering the global marketplace, and technological advancement has changed the way we view working. In order to stay competitive in today's job market, job seekers need to upgrade their tactics as well. And, the best place to start is the resume.

One of the most creative innovations to today's resume is the video. There is a movement among young professionals trying to set themselves apart by submitting a video resume. Although this is very creative, in traditional industries it may not be the best idea. Occupations such as Accounting or Investing are probably not the ones in which you chose to submit a video resume. This type of creativity lends more to careers in media or fashion. Also, consider the "foot" that you are putting forward. If you chose to go with a video resume, make sure it's of professional quality. You don't want to send in a video that looks like it was created in your basement.

Tailor the resume headings to fit your situation, as well as the job and industry that you are applying. Typical headings like work history and education may be fine, but it's possible they don't make you shine or high light your true abilities and potential. For example, if you are breaking into a new industry, you work history may not impress a potential employer. Additionally, if you have not obtained a higher degree than the high school diploma, you should substitute the education heading. Depending on the job you are seeking and your experience, consider headings like qualifications summary, supervising experience, or computer skills. Remember these headings are merely designed to organize the areas that make your light shine brightest.

Keywords are great, but you should also focus on results and figures. More employers seem to be impressed by numbers. So, it pays to know your value and brag about it. Don't just say you lead a team or supervised a group. How many people were in that group? If you had an idea that saved the company money, how much money was saved? Don't just say that you were a salesperson. How many sells did you make per day, week, or month? This type of detailed information goes along way in business related occupations.

It is no longer uncommon to have or see a resume that is greater than one page. But it's very important to be sure that the added information makes you look better and not worse. Two-page resumes should only be considered if you have a great deal of experience in the industry in which you are applying. Do not add frivolous information just to make your resume longer. So, if you are a recent graduate, a two-page resume is probably a bad idea. However if you are seasoned professional, it may set you apart and prove that you are more qualified than your peers. Two page resumes are also common in education. Job seekers who have experience in teaching a variety of subject for numerous grade and academic levels my find the two page format the best at displaying their abilities.

Whatever you do to set yourself apart from the herd, it is important to keep in mind that it is still an employers' first impression of you. It should be flattering, impressive, and lasting. But, remember you don't have the same type of job search that your parents had; why have the same resume?