You've seen the headlines. While no one would call the job market red hot, it is warming. Companies across most industries are starting to lift their heads and are considering new talent. While many businesses may be operating leaner, they are recruiting for skilled workers in many areas.
Job candidates need to be focused on presenting their best selves for the right opportunities once they come along. So, how do you do that?
Winning resumes have these elements:
Contact information. Include your cell phone if that is the best number to call. It is surprising how often job applicants make it hard to reach them.
Simple, succinct wording. One or two pages is enough detail, longer is too verbose. It should clearly convey why you should land the job.
Tailoring. You need different versions for different jobs. Help the recruiter easily see the job requirements in your work history.
Resumes that don't pass the test often have these pitfalls:
Typos. A surprisingly high number of resumes have typos. They often come from cut and paste editing and simple mistakes. Typos are big detractors that often stop recruiters from reviewing any further.
Cliche-ridden objective statements. Avoid trite sentences like "seeking opportunity for growth in a progressive company." Everyone says that.
Instead, make a winning statement that summarizes your value and relate it to the job you are applying for. "Sales executive with seven years experience in retirement sales, seeking role in sales management in a field environment."
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