It’s How You Use It That Counts

You can have the gold standard of all resumes but if you don’t use it properly, you might as well write it on a cocktail napkin.  Here are 5 ways  to ensure maximum resume effectiveness:

1.  Don’t lead with your resume - The first contact with a company should consist of a conversation with a human being not a submission of ones and zeros to a computer database.  The resume should be a supplement that serves to enhance a previous conversation with the recipient.  While sometimes you will have no choice but to send a resume first, exhaust all other contact possibilities before you do.

2.  Cater the resume for each position -Some positions will have a heavier emphasis on certain skills than others.  Make sure to optimize each resume you send based on the positions’ requirements for which you apply.

3.  Hand deliver it – Let the employer know you aren’t far from their location and was hoping you could drop off your resume in person, if anything to put a name with a face.  Upon meeting that person, ask questions about the position, where they are in the hiring process, and then present your areas of experience that relate to the areas of strength the person just emphasized.  If you do a good enough job, you might end up having an impromptu interview.

4.  Create a blog -  Create a blog on Wordpress.com (It’s Free!) and use the blog to house your resume.  Aside from having the ability to apply SEO that can allow your resume to have better overall visibility, you can also create posts that are completely focused around the industry of which you are looking to work.  Adding video and examples of projects can turn an ordinary resume into a multimedia presentation sure to be recognized.

5.  Business Card Resume – Having a copy of your resume with you at all times is essential.  The most convenient way to do that is to create an abbreviated version of your resume on a business card.  When searching for a new position, timing is everything and this will ensure you don’t miss a great opportunity.