I’d tell you to not worry so much about your resume. Worry first about what you want to do, where you want to work, who you need to talk with, and how you are going to get an interview. First.
Then spend some time researching the company. No matter what it is you want to do. After all, the applicant who knows more, generally wins. That would be second.
Then work on your own elevator pitch. This is the first 60 seconds of the interview. Make this crisp, engaging, with nothing left to chance. You have t-h-i-s amount of time to get on the right track so it is this important. Third.
Then work on your no-kidding, perfect cover letter. This is not a copy either, the winning cover letter is concise, but relates how you think you can help them. It will say more about you than your resume. Fourth.
Only then would I allow you to work on your resume. HR will spend an average of 20 seconds on it, yet you struggle, have your friends review it, and obsess over it. The key is to do one so you can change it easily for each job you want. That would be fifth.
5 users commented in " I’m No Career Coach Yet, But If I Were: "
G.L.
I am in complete agreement. People obsess over their resume thinking the right word, additional line, or small fact will make the hiring managers ears (eyes) perk up. I teach people that a focused cover letter convinces the hiring manager (or recruiter) to call them and the resume simply supports their decision. The best cover letter clearly and quickly displays how the job seekers background/experience/skills match the critical job requirements and how they will benefit the company. I teach people to lay this information out in a chart.
Having said the above, a good solid well written resume is important.
Eric
[...] From What would Dad Say: I’m No Career Coach Yet, But If I Were: “I’d tell you to not worry so much about your resume. Worry first about what you want to do, where you want to work, who you need to talk with, and how you are going to get an interview. First.” [...]
[...] From What would Dad Say: I’m No Career Coach Yet, But If I Were: “I’d tell you to not worry so much about your resume. Worry first about what you want to do, where you want to work, who you need to talk with, and how you are going to get an interview. First.” [...]
I also agree wholeheartedly. When I was a hiring manager our recruiter would always send me candidates whose resumes contained maybe 1 of the 5 desired skills for our position. Having a stellar resume might help you get an interview but won’t be enough to secure you a job.
Most of the candidates she sent me were underqualified and had backgrounds in completely unrelated fields. If they had done more research before they applied, they could’ve saved themselves (and me!) a lot of wasted time.
I’m glad you mentioned the elevator pitch. To add upon that idea, I’d encourage job seekers to think about the 2-3 themes highlight in their 60 second elevator pitch. Using Barack Obama as an example, his elevator pitch centers around “hope” and “change.” These themes embodies your your personal brand. The interviewer may forget details of your interview, but you don’t want him/her to forget what you (and your brand) stand for.
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