I Still Hate Resumes, but….

Okay, so I received a lot of flack from others concerning my blunt honesty about resumes in my earlier post.  Although, I stand by my statement, I do not want current job seekers and others to take my comments out of context.  I still hate resumes,  but they are needed and necessary requirement in the current business environment.  Therefore, below you will find the top five reasons why you need a resume.

1. Resumes are a requirement of doing business.  While networking will help you find positions what other resource do you have to show you are qualified for the job, once your network provides a job lead?  You can’t talk to everyone!
2. Resumes demonstrate your writing skills.  Written communication has become increasingly important in this age of social media.  Resumes showcase your ability to write clearly and concisely.
3. Resumes offer you detailed speaking points and reminders in interviews.  Don’t believe me?  Name your last three positions, and what you learned from each.   How did that feel,  did you struggle?  Having an UPDATED resume helps you remember this information, and helps you glide through your interview with ease.
4. Resumes contain information you would have to document anyway.  Even after landing the interview, many applicants are still required to go online to the job application and fill it out.  Resumes, help makes this process quick and easy.
5. Two words:  keyword optimization.  The importance of online resumes cannot be denied as recruiters and hiring managers  scour the internet looking for people with certain skills and expertise.  A finely, crafted and targeted resume can mean the difference between a potential opportunity or not.

As you can see resumes are not going away anytime soon.  While, the format may change, I believe they are here to stay.  So make sure yours is updated, showcases your skills and experience, and most importantly, don’t forget to proofread!

Good to G.R.E.A.T Resume

With the advancement of modern technology many people can find and download a resume template and create a good resume. However, hiring managers and recruiters do not select good resumes, they choose G.R.E.A.T. resumes. All resumes are not created equal. The key to making your resume stand out in the crowd is to make it G.R.E.A.T.  G.R.E.A.T. stands for growth, realistic, easy, appropriate, and timely.

Building a G.R.E.A.T. resume is not taught in school and most people walk around with really bad resumes.  In fact, most people repeatedly submit the same bad resume, and they don’t even know it.  While many job applicants  proofread and spellcheck for errors, they don’t  go beyond the basic requirements.

According to AOL Jobs, several guaranteed resume deal-breakers include:

• Resumes that don’t include a list of skills
• Resumes that are more than two pages long
• Resumes that detail more tasks than results for previous positions
• Resumes that have large blocks of text with little white space

Following the Good to G.R.E.A.T. resume model will help your resume move to the top of the pack. The tips below will help land your resume on someone’s desk instead of their recycle bin.

• Growth:  Your resume should show your progression and growth. When a recruiter or hiring manager looks at your experiences they should see two things.  First, they should see where you have been including major accomplishments.  Next, they should see where you are going, and how your skills can fit into their organization.

• Realistic:  While your resume should showcase your skills and talents it should NOT show experience you have not had. LYING is never an option!

• Easy:  Most people forget the cardinal rule, KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid)! If your resume is not easy to read and understand you do not stand a chance against the competition. Bullet points, spacing, and bolding make a difference.  Formatting is key!

• Appropriate:  If you are using a generic resume, more than likely your resume is not appropriate.  You must craft the right resume for the right job. Customization is essential, and basic, vague resumes no longer fit the bill.  The easiest way to make it appropriate is to detail your results and achievements.

• Timely:  Your resume should be time specific. Take the time to ensure dates are correct, and listed appropriately. Additionally, if you are not applying for a leadership position, anything older than 10 years needs to come off your resume, unless it is relevant to the current application.  (*Hint:  If your resume is longer than two pages just stop at page two*)

Have other resume questions, feel free to ask me?  What other resume mistakes do you think people should avoid?