The Secrets to Writing a Resume That Gets Results – Part 3

Chris Archer asked:




In part one we went over the various types of resumes you can create, and how each plays in to what the employer is looking for. For part two, we covered what actual information the employer is looking for on your document, and how this can become one of two results: being called in for the interview or being overlooked completely. In our final part of “The Secrets to Writing a Resume that Gets Results,” we’re going to discuss tips, tricks, and strategies used by professional recruiters to get their candidates’ resumes read, and that dramatically increase the opportunities for solid job offers.

If you have ever worked with a headhunter, you will receive an analysis of your resume from the very beginning. They will tell you whether or not your resume is up to par, and whether or not it should be re-written. Oftentimes it could be a formatting issue, or simply the fact that your resume does not effectively market you. If you will not have the professional representation of a Recruiter, here are three methods you can use to get your resume read by the hiring manager:

Does your resume really show off your talents? You are not a marketing specialist, but the job of marketing YOU has become “front and center” in your job search process. You may have created your own curriculum vitae using a word processing program. The question you need to ask yourself – “Will this document I’ve created compete with other professionals in my industry who have paid to have their resume professionally crafted?” You may just have identified why you’re not getting called in to interview. Most expert recruiters analyze and assist in the revision of their candidate’s resume, as a service. Your resume should contain the same keywords used within the employer’s job description. In fact, when you submit your resume through an employer’s website, and don’t have keywords relating to the position included in your cover letter and resume, it is very likely that you will never be called in for an interview. Again, Recruiters know this, and work as a trusted advisor with their job candidates. While you can accomplish this daunting task on your own, you may find it to be very time-consuming. Research and connect with hiring managers of the companies who hold your target position. You can utilize such business social networking websites as LinkedIn to request them as a connection. Attempt to get a dialog going with that person, and hope they remember you when it comes time to review your submitted resume. While Recruiters have on-going business relationships with the hiring managers, which usually ensures their candidates’ resumes get read, you can attempt to network in a similar fashion. If you were to work with a recruiting specialist, they would pick up the phone and actively market you to their clients and your target employers.

As a job seeker in today’s economy, there is a lot of competition. Writing a quality resume is the very first step to ensure you receive calls to interview. Understanding exactly what the employer is looking for, knowing and understanding the keywords contained in the job description, and utilizing an aggressive networking approach are all very important aspects of obtaining your next position. While some candidates are able to successfully write a quality resume that ultimately catapults them in to their next job, others find the competition is fierce, and it becomes necessary to consult a professional. Regardless of how you approach writing your resume and effectively marketing your skills and experience, the accomplishment of your career goals begins with a well-written resume.