A Professional Resume Is A Must

Getting the job you want can often times feel like a job within itself. The job is selling yourself to an employer and a resume is the best sales tool you have. The truth is that finding the right job is hard work but there is one thing that every job seeker can do to make landing the perfect job a little easier… have an excellent resume.

In today’s job market having a great resume is not only helpful it’s critical. A resume directly represents you. It is your first impression to a potential employer.

Imagine if you happened to be pumping gas or buying groceries and through chance you managed to strike up a conversation to a stranger nearby. He or she tells you that they are actually looking for someone to fill a new position at their company, and you realize immediately that the job would be perfect for you! You quickly tell him that you are currently seeking that very position and that you have years of experience and education in the field. You exchange some basic information and later, he or she contacts you to arrange an interview and before you know it you’ve got the job!

If only we could all be so lucky! That scenario rarely happens, but a great resume can take the place of that opportunity. A resume ends up in the hands of the person you want to work for and tells them who you are, what you are looking for, the amount of experience and education you have, and how you can benefit them as an employee. Think of your resume as your first interview.

A resume represents you in your absence. It should express your finest qualities and career achievements, and it should do it quickly and professionally. Neatness and organization are essential elements to any resume, and they are the number one reasons why resumes are initially rejected. A large percentage of resumes submitted to employers end up in the trash after just a glance. Resumes that appear sloppy and disorganized are always the first to be discarded by an employer.

And why shouldn’t they? In today’s market, employers often receive hundreds of resumes from applicants. It is also important that your resume be tailored to fit the particular position you are applying for. An employer is only really interested in the skills that you have that meet the position’s requirements.

For example, if you are applying for a position as front office assistance, the employer doesn’t care that you know how to cut hair. However if the position requires customer interaction you could include your experience dealing one on one with customers. Take the time to learn about the position you are applying so you can tailor your resume and show the employer that you have exactly the qualifications they are looking for. Also remember to keep it as brief as possible. While there is no longer a hard and fast rule about resume length, it is still a good idea to avoid a lengthy resume. If you focus on the specifics and organize well your resume should stay under 2 pages in length.

Above all, your resume should do 2 things. It should let the employer know that you are a professional and that you have the qualities and skills they are looking for. Having a great resume that reflects that will truly help you get the job you’re after.

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