If you are looking for advice on what constitutes an effective resume then you're off to a great start by choosing to read this. A resume is a critical component to finding a great job and the resume layout you choose will dictate how effective it is. It's easy to get lost in the sea of resume and job searching advice on the Internet, so let's start with the basics. Before diving into the specifics of what goes into a the document itself, it's important to first highlight and understand the goals of a successful resume. The overall goal of a resume is get an interview, plain and simple. It is meant to serve as an advertisement for you and allow you to get your "foot in the door" wherever you are applying to. Employers read through stacks of resumes wondering "Why should I hire this person?". They will scan your submission usually for no more than 30 seconds (often under 10) and then decide if it is worth their time to interview you.  It is your job to convince them that they should, via your resume. 

Similarly, a cover letter should be written so as to entice the employer into reading your resume, but that's getting ahead of ourselves. While we will get into more details in future articles, look over your current resume and ask yourself these quick questions:

 

1. Does it clearly present my name and all of my contact information?
2. Does it explain what type of position and employment I am looking for? (example: full time design engineer position)
3. Is my experience and expertise presented in the best light possible?
4. Does every single line/word on work toward the goal of convincing the employer to give me an interview? (If not, then question why it is on there)
5. Is my resume over one page? (Generally, most people should stick to one page)

 

Remember, your resume shouldn't tell the story of your entire career, just enough of it to land you an interview.  Don't give up, keep working at it and you will find the position you're looking for.   

Dan and Mike are providers of free, tested, and genuine advice given at http://resume-layout.blogspot.com/

If you are looking for advice on what constitutes an effective resume then you're off to a great start by choosing to read this. A resume is a critical component to finding a great job and the resume layout you choose will dictate how effective it is. It's easy to get lost in the sea of resume and job searching advice on the Internet, so let's start with the basics. Before diving into the specifics of what goes into a the document itself, it's important to first highlight and understand the goals of a successful resume. The overall goal of a resume is get an interview, plain and simple. It is meant to serve as an advertisement for you and allow you to get your "foot in the door" wherever you are applying to. Employers read through stacks of resumes wondering "Why should I hire this person?". They will scan your submission usually for no more than 30 seconds (often under 10) and then decide if it is worth their time to interview you.  It is your job to convince them that they should, via your resume. 

Similarly, a cover letter should be written so as to entice the employer into reading your resume, but that's getting ahead of ourselves. While we will get into more details in future articles, look over your current resume and ask yourself these quick questions:

 

1. Does it clearly present my name and all of my contact information?
2. Does it explain what type of position and employment I am looking for? (example: full time design engineer position)
3. Is my experience and expertise presented in the best light possible?
4. Does every single line/word on work toward the goal of convincing the employer to give me an interview? (If not, then question why it is on there)
5. Is my resume over one page? (Generally, most people should stick to one page)

 

Remember, your resume shouldn't tell the story of your entire career, just enough of it to land you an interview.  Don't give up, keep working at it and you will find the position you're looking for.   

Dan and Mike are providers of free, tested, and genuine advice given at http://resume-layout.blogspot.com/