Resume Frustrations? Why?

“I would like you to do a resume review for me please”is not an unusual request to a Coach from clients looking to make a career change.

Your Resume is not only your shop window to the market, but also a primary marketing tool. It is often the first impression that many Recruiters, Agency or internal, will have of you as a credible candidate.

Most people already know the keys rules:

1. Format in a logical and visually appealing structure (there are readily available free templates everywhere)
2. Avoid spelling and grammatical errors (spellcheck catches most, but get someone else to read it over)
3. Use bullet points – 2 lines maximum (they are easier to read than extended sentences, and focus on the key areas)
4. Include achievements, what you have actually done not just your responsibilities (numbers and facts better demonstrate your track record)
5. Don’t include everything – 2 pages maximum (be concise and economical with your wording and focus on the areas of value)

Despite this, another common response is “I have done all that, and I am frustrated that it is not getting me interviews”

Often it is because in creating their resume they are asking themselves the wrong question“What have I done that potential employers might want, and have I included as much as I have in my resume to capture as many options as I can?”

The better approach is to ask:

“Who am I trying to impress, and what would impress them?”

“What does the potential employer want from their ideal candidate, and what selection criteria do Ineed to show to meet their expectations?”

“What value would I be able to demonstrate that I could bring to the employer?”

Counter intuitively your resume is not about you and what you want them to see; it is primarily for the reader and what they want to see. Start by understanding what they would want to see, and then build as much of just that as you can, into your resume.

What is it that they want to see, and how can I ensure they can see it?

Simon Crockett,Founder and Head Coach

To find out more email [email protected]