Resume Thoughts, Tips Help You Land that Job

Our last post discussed the tools a job seeker can use to conduct an effective job search.  Over the next several posts, we will take a more in depth look at each of the components.

Resumes are one of the most basic tools that job seekers use. Nearly every job opening requires that a resume be submitted. There are various formats that job seekers should follow, but it is important to remember what the resume’s purpose really is: It is a tool to get you in for a first interview. 

No employer is going to hire you solely based on this document. The idea/goal is to get an interview scheduled and then, once you meet with the employer face-to-face, you can get more in-depth and sell your experience and skills. Think of a resume as an invitation to the interview.

The basics of what a resume describes nearly never changes: Name, address, phone number and e-mail are essential.  Give employers as many different ways to contact you as possible. Many job seekers include a LinkedIn address as well as the standard e-mail address. Written correctly, a resume should only be a page or two. Lay the document out to have a nice balance of information and white space. That balance makes your skills easy to read and understand.

All too often a resume is overlooked due to spelling and grammar errors. Spell check is an essential tool from software programs, but not always enough.  Be sure to have trusted contacts review your resume for errors or suggestions. From there, you will need to edit and re-edit often until you are hired. Plan to update your resume as you develop new skills, take on volunteer experiences or complete any type of classroom training.

Resume styles vary widely from job to job and person to person. It would be impossible to go over every type of resume; so we will outline the most important things to include (or not include) on your resume.

• Be specific: Each resume submitted needs to be tweaked to fit the job opening;
• Let the employer know what you can do for them: Match your skills to their needs;
• Sell yourself: Tell the employer why they need you and what you have to offer;
• Back it up: Don’t include points that can’t be explained at the interview;
• Numbers talk: Whenever possible include dollars saved, percentages increased, etc.;
• Accomplishments: What you did and what did it lead to;
• Education: Beyond high school — if you have your GED or HSED, or other educational attainment, it should be note.
• Volunteer work: This shows a community minded, motivated person.

Free resume advice can be found at the Workforce Development Center. Employment Case Managers run workshops that will expand on the thoughts presented here. One-on-one resume reviews or even resume creation can also be arranged. Call or stop in to find out more:

• Waukesha County 262-695-7800
• Ozaukee County 262-238-2882
• Washington County 262-335-5300