Part I: Resume Makeovers; Does Your Resume Have A Focus?

This will be a five part series in helpful tips on making over your resume. As I have stated in previous discussions everyone can create their own resume if they had the proper tools in which to do so. It takes time and in depth research on your part when it comes to writing down what your accomplishments/achievements are in creating a resume that's "value-based", not one that is not. Employers today want to see when reading your resume the value or talent you are bringing to the workplace, not the job responsibilities you did. When creating your resume do you let the reader know who you are? What your potential career goal is? And, where you want to go? It's called a "focus". It communicates to anyone who picked up your resume that you know exactly where you want to be. According to David Rawles in his book Finding A Job God's Way "A resume without a focus is like a compass without a needle". David goes on to say, "On your resume state your target position in a large, bold font, like a banner, and prominently display it". I agree with David. In fact, this is exactly the way I create resumes. The first thing I notice when I pick up a resume is the position the person is applying for. That position should be in big, bold letters at the top of your resume unde eath your contact information. Job seekers shouldn't assume the reader already knows, and the reader shouldn't have to ask that question. Why is that important? Well, it shows you know who you are and what you want to do. It also helps the reader know exactly what job you are applying for if several positions are open. It shows you're prepared, you're ready. Believe it or not, when it's not there, the person that's reading the resume has to wonder what it is you want to do. And, hiring managers don't have the time to figure out what it is you want to do, you have to come prepared. People often send me their resume to critique it. And, I have to say maybe about 50% of the people will have a focus and 50% will not. Then, I have to ask what do you want to do? What job are you applying for? If I don't know that how can I tell if your resume is the best it can be? It has to be tailored to the position, it can't be a general one. It has to be what we call, targeted. Now, you may say what if I don't know what I want to do, I just want a job? Well, if you don't know, neither do I. What you have to do is sit down and talk about those things you do best, what you desire, and what you enjoy doing. No one is going to look for any job for you. You need a target, even if you are changing careers. It helps the people whom you network with to look out for you when they know what it is you are looking to do. That's like going to the store and you don't know what to buy, you waste a lot of time looking around, and everybody else's time. Is that how you approach things in life? So, get prepared and begin to think of your target position, and write your resume as if you are already in it. Just think of the confidence you will display to the person who reads it. And, if they call you in for an interview you can speak to that confidence because you sat down and did your homework when creating it. So, take another look at your resume. Does it have a focus? If not, then you have some more work to do!