Qualified for a position yet not getting any response when you send out your resume?
There are three possible reasons.
REASON #1 NO POTENTIAL EMPLOYER IS CALLING:
Long before they even post the ad, the company has already decided to hire the cousin of the company’s Director of Marketing for the position to which you are applying; they just need to interview candidates at random to appear as if they are really screening for the best possible person. If this is the reason you are not getting called, you will never know it and you have no control over it.
REASON #2 NO POTENTIAL EMPLOYER IS CALLING:
Your resume didn’t stand out. Forget about the content (for right now) – if the layout, the paper, and the overall presentation is like the thousands of other resumes coming in for the same position, it’s easy for yours to get lost in the shuffle.
Here are a few quick tips to make your resume stand out:
TIP #1 If you are using WHITE PAPER or OFF-WHITE (natural/ivory) – you are with the 98% crowd who are all doing the same thing. Ever try looking for an important letter on a table or desk that is already filled with tons of mail, letters, and other pieces of paper? There are alternative (yet still conservative) soft colors to use to print your resume that are more effective than the overused white or ivory paper colors. (If you are thinking, “Print? Who prints? I email only!” then you need to change your mindset and START PRINTING your resume and SNAIL MAILING it to positions where you have access to the company’s address.
TIP #2 When you snail mail your resume and cover letter, do NOT fold it. That means, do not put it in a traditional #10 envelope. Having a big crease in the middle of your resume distracts the reader. Send your resume out in a crisp, white 9×12 envelope.
TIP #3 While you want to stick with the same font throughout, do use the BOLD feature and make your headings bigger so that the reader can easily find your education section, awards section, and objective.
REASON #3 NO POTENTIAL EMPLOYER IS CALLING:
Your resume is confusing, boring, too short, too long, contains information that “raises flags” and/or has no objective.
Here are a few quick tips to ensure you are sending the best possible presentation of yourself:
TIP #1 If you haven’t worked in 2010, DON’T put the actual dates of your most recent employment; instead, put the number of years you worked at the company. (So, in place of writing 2006-2008, type: 2 years)
TIP #2 If you majored in a field that has little to do with the position to which you are applying, DON’T include the major or area of focus, simply just state that you have earned a BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (or ARTS).
TIP #3 Include an objective at the top of your resume. It tells the reader what you want to do; otherwise, the reader has to guess if you are looking for the exact same position that you just left, or if you want to do what you did 8 years ago.
TIP #4 The length of a resume is directly related to your experience. It’s ok to have a 3 or 4 page resume, as long as all the jobs, education, and skills on it relate to what it is you want to do today. Don’t sell yourself short by trying to squeeze everything onto one page.
Need help with your resume? Send it over to us today for a free review!
