The Winning Resume

Your first decision in writing the resume is whether to use a chronological format or functional format. In general, the chronological format is preferred by employers. However, if you are seeking a career position in a new field, the functional format will allow you to focus on skills, education and accomplishments that can be transferred to the open position.

If you select the functional format, it is to your advantage to create a "combined format". The combined format emphasizes the transferable skills, education and accomplishments but includes an accurate chronological work history. You can find sample resumes on the Internet or purchase one of the resume writer software packages. The importance of the resume cannot be overstated. It is worth the investment of time and money to arm yourself with the best tools to assist you in creating an excellent resume.

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As you begin the writing process, keep in mind that no matter what career you pursue, the resume is your first opportunity to sell yourself. Research has determined that a resume is initially reviewed for 10-30 seconds. In other words, you have 10-30 seconds to grab the attention of the reader. Your qualifications, accomplishments and strengths should leap from the page. Use job titles and skills headings as an effective tool to get the reader's attention. If the job titles or skills headings are unrelated to the open position, the resume will most likely be tossed. Remember that in the current economy, the employer may receive hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes for a single position. To expedite the initial review process, employers will discard resumes that do not appear related to the open position. The final resume should be letter perfect. It should be printed on good quality white bond paper, not on fancy parchment paper. Be sure the resume is not too long or too short; it is suggested that one or two pages is appropriate. After the resume is in final form and before you send it to anyone, read it aloud and then have someone else proof read it. There is only one opportunity for a first review of your resume. You need to convince the prospective employer within those first few seconds that you have the ability to solve company problems. You are the solution!

You have crafted the perfect resume, and it has been proof read by a trusted associate or friend. You are now at the point of the submission process. A brief cover letter should be prepared using your best business writing skills. The professional well written cover letter is essential. If possible, direct the letter to a specific person in the recruiting department. The letter should express your interest in the company and in the specific open position. Use this opportunity to highlight two or three of your accomplishments that will catch the attention of the employer. Express briefly the skills and strengths that make you the ideal candidate for the job. While it is important to project self-confidence, do not get carried away with the cover letter. Keep the letter concise and professional.

If you are submitting the resume through the US Postal Service, use an envelope that does not require folding the resume. Place a copy of the cover letter in your resume folder and note when you actually mailed it. If you are submitting the resume through email, you still need a professional cover letter. Again, there are sample cover letters on the Internet and software packages available for purchase. When using email for submission, there are a couple of options. The cover letter can be included in the email and the resume as an attachment. You can also send the cover letter and resume in the body of the email. At this point, some clarification is important. You must read the instructions set by the employer before you send the resume. Failure to follow the directions is another sure way to have your resume tossed or deleted.

After the resume has been submitted, follow-up is necessary if you sincerely want the position. The only exception: if you have been specifically directed not to follow-up. Again, you must respect the employers' instructions. It is appropriate to follow-up three to seven days after submission of the resume. This can be done by a phone call, email, or a brief letter sent through the US Post Office. The follow-up step reinforces your interest in the position and shows enthusiasm and diligence.