When applying for a position in the “open job market” you will usually be competing with many other applicants, of whom at least 80% will have the skills, experience and qualifications to do the job. The competitiveness of the job market means that you have to make your applications stand out from the pack if you want to get the opportunity to prove yourself in an interview. This module looks at preparing quality resumes to help you get that opportunity.
This guide will:
- Understand how employers use resumes;
- Learn what makes an effective resume;
- Have completed a resume;
- Learn how to tailor a resume for each application;
- Learn about common resume roadblocks and identified strategies for overcoming them.
By understanding that a resume is a marketing tool (rather than simply your life story) you begin to realise that, like any marketing tool, a resume must “sell” its product. In the case of a resume, the product is you! Your resume should be an advertisement of your skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to the position that you are applying for. The benefits of having a resume like this include:
- Allowing the employer to get to know you
- Highlighting your value to each employer’s specific needs
- Focussing attention on your unique skills and abilities
Ultimately your resume is the tool that will help you to secure a job interview and the opportunity to land the job. Keep in mind that this is only the first step in the process and you will need to perform well face to face if you want to succeed in getting the job.
Types of Resumes
Reverse Chronological resume
A reverse chronological resume focuses on your work history from most recent back to when you first started working. It shows concisely where you’ve been and what you’ve done.
The benefits of this type of resume are:
• Easy to compile.
• Highlights a steady employment history.
• Format familiar to employers.
• Lists your jobs from the most recent to the least.
Skills Based resume
A skills based resume focuses on what you’ve done, not where and when you did it. It calls attention to your accomplishments.
The benefits of this type of resume are:
• Lists work experience and skills by skill and strength areas that are important to employers.
• Can be more concise than reverse chronological format.
Which one should you use? It depends on your circumstances. Ask your Consultant if you’re not sure.