JOB HUNTING ADVICE

Looking Good on Paper - Resumes
Let's Talk About You - The Interview
The Interviewer's Hidden Agenda

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Looking Good on Paper -- RESUMES

A resume is an advertisement
This issue is probably the least understood by most people. The resume is not just a summary of your qualifications. We recommend that you write the resume as you would ordinarily and then rewrite it as a piece of advertising. Be as succinct as possible. We recommend one page.

There is no "right" way
One of the problems in writing a resume is that if you give it to ten people, invariably you receive eleven opinions in return. Always focus on your strengths and minimize the BS.

Is your resume Vanilla or Cherry Garcia?
Another pitfall, contrasting with the above, is one of uniformity or, more accurately, one of duplication. The massive quantity of literature available on the subject is remarkably similar in actual content and advice. The danger is that by following all accepted "industry" wisdom, the prospective candidate risks being similar if not identical to the other resumes in the pile (i.e., vanilla). Do not be afraid to show some of yourself in the resume. There is nothing wrong with standing out, within reason. While you are thinking of ways of being different, ensure, however, that your resume remains crisp and clear.

Tailor your resume to each job
It is best to stress the experiences and abilities which would be of most interest to each individual company. By doing this your resume might catch someone's eye. Slight changes to your resume may be the difference in getting you the opportunity for an interview.

Be honest
Indicate what your goals are on your resume or cover letter. Both your time and that of the prospective employer is valuable. Don't waste it. The result is two-fold -- you will go on fewer interviews for opportunities that hold no interest to you, and you will maximize the time spent on your job search.

Does it stand out?
Most people who write a resume spend many hours working on it. When the resume is done, many will hold it up to admire the fine craftsmanship. However, put your resume in a group of fifty (which is how most Human Resource people begin reviewing resumes) and see if it stands out. If your resume does not stand out in a group of fifty, there is less chance of your realizing success.

The cover letter
The cover letter is probably more important than the resume. Follow all the above advice, and remember that the cover letter puts the resume in focus. Also, the cover letter is an excellent opportunity to express that which a resume cannot.

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