You May Need To Refresh Your Resume IF...
By Martin Buckland - Executive Career Management Professional
When was the last time you used a cassette player to listen to music? Chances are, if you remember what that was, you’re likely no longer using such outdated technology to listen to music. Why then do you dust off an outdated resume when you need to look for a job? If any of these points below apply to you, it may be time to refresh your resume.
If…you’re not getting enough calls for interviews or you’re getting the wrong type of interview calls.
If…your resume can’t be sent electronically.
If…it has an Objective statement.
If…it has no email address, uses a Hotmail or unprofessional customized email address.
If…it lacks keywords aligned to the particular job and employer.
If…it isn’t readable by Applicant Tracking Software used to pre-screen client resumes before advancing onto the HR decision maker.
If…it has a career gap.
If…it has even one spelling or grammar mistake.
If…you used a resume template. Why would you want to look like all the other candidates? Create a resume customized to you.
If…it was designed using the wrong format. A combination resume is the preferred format while a functional style is the least preferred.
If…it focuses on job responsibilities rather than highlighting career achievements.
If…you failed to include dates for your post-secondary education. Age is not a hindrance but lack of honesty is. I have many mature clients who have secured multiple job offers.
If…it includes the words “I”, “me” or “my”.
If…it uses an outdated font that can’t be read on mobile devices.
If…it’s too wordy and difficult to read. Lengthy paragraphs are often overlooked; use 2 or 3 line bullet statements which are easily scanned by the human eye.
If…it’s too long or too short. Keep the resume to a 3 page maximum with 2 pages being the ideal. Not 1? or 2 ½ or even a 4 page document.
Embrace the latest trends in resume writing and bring your resume into 2015 by addressing the IF statements above. Your job search will thank you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Martin Buckland, President of Elite Resumes, is a leading resume writer, career coach and job search strategist with a global clientele. Martin currently holds the following certifications: Certified Professional Branding Strategist, Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Employment Interview Professional, Job and Career Transition Coach, Certified Job Search Trainer and Co-Pilot Executive Coach. Visit his website at http://www.aneliteresume.com
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