For many seasoned workers a resume is a very complicated item to produce. How do you compile decades into one or two pages? How can you list everything you've done in such a small space? You have so much experience and have done so many things it would take dozens of pages to tell your story.
Where that may be true, companies are looking for people who have the skills to satisfy their business needs now. What you accomplished years ago may have molded you but unless it's useful to the employer they really don't care.
So what is a resume? In short, it's a condensed sales presentation about you that can be read in 30 to 60 seconds. It focus on your best skills and how that would benefit the employer.
As much as you might hate the process it is a necessary tool you'll need for many employers. The more you get into it and concentrate your attention the more flexible it will become. You'll be able to adapt to many different opportunities. Below are some additional suggestions.
RESUME` TIPS
The Basics
Always check spelling and grammar before submitting any resume or cover letter.
Keep a record of resumes submitted by date, company, contact, email and phone plus any other notes about the application process or employer.
Update resumes constantly. Make it reflect your strongest attributes.
Practice writing cover letters – each resume should have a cover letter addressing the job and in particular what you can offer the employer.
How many versions of resumes do you need? You’ll need as many as you can modify to apply for a wider variety of positions. The more condensed your skills the easier it is to alter them to stress your strengths for a particular job. Having the knowledge of computers and using Microsoft Word or similar programs every resume can be modified to fit most any job requirements.
How are most resumes submitted? The days of fancy paper and exotic details have been replaced with well constructed resumes that can be submitted by email, regular mail or in person. The content and attention to detail are very important. If you think blanketing dozens of employers with resumes will work, think again. Employers have gotten more sophisticated in their search for employees. It takes companies time and money to evaluate dozens of resumes so they have developed standards and controls that can, through technology, reject certain communications and resumes without anyone actually reading them. Pick your companies, find out their requirements and zero in on the person to contact and find a way to reach them. “To whom it may concern” if you don’t know who it concerns don’t send it. You need to research the companies carefully and address your resume to a specific person. Have you networked? Is there somewhere you might meet the person - business meetings, job fairs, community events or some other venue? Sometimes the easiest way to find a name is to call a company and ask for it. You might also find it online on the company website. Talk to anyone who might be connected to the company for more information. Have a gap in employment? Just looking for a job is not enough. Fill the time! Take a temp job, volunteer somewhere – just sitting at home, or just “collecting”, waiting for a job offer is not enough. If you have raised a family or had some reason to leave the workforce for some other responsibility (caring for a family member or other reason) say so - fill the gap. Show potential employers you are motivated and want to work. Think you have too many accomplishments? Simplify and focus on the latest and best achievements. Something that happened 10 or 20 plus years ago might be interesting but “what’s it going to do for you now?” Company Human Resource people want information about you that relates to what they need. Select the achievements you’ve had that best demonstrate your abilities to do a job. Don’t forget volunteer activities and skills. So many people forget the skills they have learned volunteering. Maybe you were an officer or chaired a project or demonstrated other leadership qualities. Employers like people who can make things happen. Are you focused on what you can do? Broad based searches will usually take time with limited results. Know your own skills. The T-diagram – on a piece of paper make a large T. On the left side list all your assets (your strongest skills) and on the other liabilities (those things that you think need improvement). Be honest and make the T-diagram work for you. You’ll be amazed at how many skills you have and what steps you can take to learn more and add those new skills your asset list. The list will also help you concentrate on your strengths. Focus on opportunities where your skills will be recognized. This will narrow your search to those jobs that you can get. The skills you possess now may be applied to any number of jobs, even some you’ve never even thought about. References, who should they be? References should be people who know you and can speak with authority to your abilities. Don’t list people who really don’t know you well and may not be able to speak to your skills. Keep a special list of your references so they are prepared to offer support to your abilities if contacted by the potential employer. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and other networks The networking websites can be helpful. But without good computer skills you might just confuse things for yourself. A good network of people can be between 200 and 500 contacts – build a solid list. Good leads can come from anywhere - from a former boss, a friend to the bag boy at the supermarket. What works best? Networking opens many doors and those opened face-to-face always seem to work the best. Have a resume, your own business card (name, address, contact information, phone(s) and email address) and a positive attitude and things will happen.