Resumes - Tips for Job-Getting Resumes!

I volunteered my Resume and Cover Letter Editing/Writing services the other day at a job fair sponsored by our local Chamber of Commerce, the Employment Development Division (Unemployment Department), and some of the employers in our area.   It was an experience that inspired me to post this Squidoo lens--to continue in the spirit of helping others achieve the jobs they are seeking.  I've been out of jobs many times before, so I know the pain of the job search. I've also been mentored by many editors and writers who helped me with formulating the techniques for improving resumes that I'll share here.

The job fair was an interesting experience--uplifting as well. It was a pleasure to be able to help folks at improving their chances to get a job. 

However, the experience was somewhat depressing as well. What was depressing was that many of these folks were suckered into using "templates" they found available in Microsoft Word or were using the forms found on Monster.com or HotJobs.com or many of the other jobsearch websites out there.  Others were using resume formats and techniques they learned in high school or in college--formats and techniques that might have worked 20 years ago, but have been made obsolete by the Internet age. I'll explain more later in this Squidoo lens.

Also, many were taking so-called advice from folks that maybe should not be giving advice on resumes and cover letters. Many were getting advice from folks whose native language was not that of the intended target.

So, here's my first and most important tip:  

If the resume is to be written in English, make darn sure you are getting advice from someone whose native language is English (and the particular version of English--Canadian, US, NZ, Australian, UK, India, Etc.--note that there are many different dialects!)  and who has special training in writing and editing--and preferably also with sales, marketing, and branding. Because, let's face it, if you have a resume in your hand and you are looking for a job, you are selling and marketing something.

Disclaimer: If the resume is to be written in Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Hindi, Arabic, or other language, then all this advice may or may not work. I have no experience doing resumes in those or other languages (I'm not even sure if the concept of resumes in those languages even exists). So in those instances, find an expert in those countries to get advice pertinent to that situation.

Consider the advice you are getting and, of course, use your intelligence to figure out whether or not the advice and help is for you.  It's okay to customize your resume to target specific jobs.  And it's okay to use your judgement and decide that whoever is giving you advice is full of baloney--metaphorically speaking. In fact, it's preferable to do this. Just use judgement.

In this Squidoo lens, I hope to provide some additional insight on how resumes work. This insight is based on my extensive experience in not only searching for jobs but also my experience with marketing, sales, writing, and editing. I have been a practicing professional editor/writer for the past 27 years and have kept busy fixing and revising resumes for much of that 27 years. I also bring my experience of working with Microsoft Word and other word-processing application software and other computer functions such as email and networking websites.   If this Squidoo lens is helpful for you, please rate it by clicking on the stars at the top of the page. Also, if you really like what is said here, please add me to your favorites and your "Roll Call".

Best of luck in your job search endeavors!