Resumes should never be "cookie-cutter" since one size will never
fit all positions you are seeking. You should modify your resume for
each position you are applying to by utilizing key words contained in
the job requisition of that position, otherwise, you have very little
chance of being canvassed for an online position that you may be a
perfect match for based on your skills.
When constructing your resume, you can choose from a chronological (reverse order, most common), functional (skills based) or hybrid (combination of a chronological and functional) resume. You will also need an ASCII (unformatted text) resume that can be copied and pasted into job search engines such as Monster.com or Careerbuilder.com. You will, more than likely, have an opportunity to upload your Microsoft (MS) Word resume into the job search engines as well.
Competition
is fierce so you must arm yourself with the proper tools that will set
you apart from other job-seekers. Your resume should be unique, visually
pleasing, contain some quantitative data and speak directly to each
vacant position you are applying to. As an applicant, you should have a
"job-seeking-toolbox." In your job-seeking-toolbox, you should have the
following items: resume, cover letter (letter of introduction), thank
you letter (post interview), resume portfolio (Google this) and the
right attitude to persevere in these tough economic times.
In the early days of resume writing, the resume document mainly consisted of the following sections:
Sections:
* Contact information
* Objective statement
* Professional work experience
* Education (degrees or certificates, etc.)
* Computer experience
*References
Today, there have been some modifications to the sections of the resume to now include the following sections:
Sections (additional):
* Job title(s) (targeted positions sought)
* Summary of skills / competencies
* Social affiliations/associations
The two section that are largely omitted today is the objective statement section since this section does not say what the potential employer will receive if they hire you and tends to be a self-serving of the job seeker (you) and the references section since it is known that you will provide viable references once prompted.
Some of the above named sections can be carried over onto your cover and thank you letters as well. Those sections are your contact information section and your summary of skills section to aid in the creation of your brand whereby your cover letter will mirror your resume and your resume will mirror your thank you letter visually.
A compliment to your branded resume, cover letter and thank you letter is the creation of a resume portfolio. Resume portfolios are given to interviewers during job interview to show potential employers samples of your work experience. Resume portfolios (Google it) will differ from person to person, job to job but can consist of the following documents compiled in a nicely constructed Resume ½ inch book binder:
Portfolio (binder):
* Cover sheet (displayed on the outside of the binder)
* Resume (MS Word document)
* Document depicting what you will do in your 1st 90 days on the job (MS Word document)
* Sample presentation (MS PowerPoint slide)
* Sample Excel spreadsheet (MS Excel) linked to the PowerPoint slide
* Display a copy of your degrees, certificates, awards, etc.
After following the above regimen of preparing your professional job-seeking documents, you will be fully equipped for job interviews that are awaiting you. Make sure you do your homework, research the company, practice interviewing skills, network on LinkedIn.com and always follow-up with job leads and inquiries.
Having the right attitude, proper preparation and dressing for success will ultimately land you your dream job/career.
When constructing your resume, you can choose from a chronological (reverse order, most common), functional (skills based) or hybrid (combination of a chronological and functional) resume. You will also need an ASCII (unformatted text) resume that can be copied and pasted into job search engines such as Monster.com or Careerbuilder.com. You will, more than likely, have an opportunity to upload your Microsoft (MS) Word resume into the job search engines as well.
In the early days of resume writing, the resume document mainly consisted of the following sections:
Sections:
* Contact information
* Objective statement
* Professional work experience
* Education (degrees or certificates, etc.)
* Computer experience
*References
Today, there have been some modifications to the sections of the resume to now include the following sections:
Sections (additional):
* Job title(s) (targeted positions sought)
* Summary of skills / competencies
* Social affiliations/associations
The two section that are largely omitted today is the objective statement section since this section does not say what the potential employer will receive if they hire you and tends to be a self-serving of the job seeker (you) and the references section since it is known that you will provide viable references once prompted.
Some of the above named sections can be carried over onto your cover and thank you letters as well. Those sections are your contact information section and your summary of skills section to aid in the creation of your brand whereby your cover letter will mirror your resume and your resume will mirror your thank you letter visually.
A compliment to your branded resume, cover letter and thank you letter is the creation of a resume portfolio. Resume portfolios are given to interviewers during job interview to show potential employers samples of your work experience. Resume portfolios (Google it) will differ from person to person, job to job but can consist of the following documents compiled in a nicely constructed Resume ½ inch book binder:
Portfolio (binder):
* Cover sheet (displayed on the outside of the binder)
* Resume (MS Word document)
* Document depicting what you will do in your 1st 90 days on the job (MS Word document)
* Sample presentation (MS PowerPoint slide)
* Sample Excel spreadsheet (MS Excel) linked to the PowerPoint slide
* Display a copy of your degrees, certificates, awards, etc.
After following the above regimen of preparing your professional job-seeking documents, you will be fully equipped for job interviews that are awaiting you. Make sure you do your homework, research the company, practice interviewing skills, network on LinkedIn.com and always follow-up with job leads and inquiries.
Having the right attitude, proper preparation and dressing for success will ultimately land you your dream job/career.
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