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February 26, 2008
Rethinking Resumes
I’ve been reviewing resumes of applicants for eSight’s “Online Networking as a Job Search Tool” for two years now.
Resumes are on my mind because this Friday, February 29, is the deadline for completing the application and submitting your resume for eSight’s March 12, 2008, through May 6, 2008, eLearning Program, "Online Networking as a Job Search Tool."
There’s still time to apply for this eLearning Program, but you need to do it now.
And please pass the information about “Online Networking as a Job Search Tool” to friends and acquaintances who can benefit from this unique eLearning experience. Be sure to reference the informational link at http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=1968
One of the conclusions I’ve drawn by working with a wide variety of eLearners through eSight’s online networking course is this:
Many of us need to rethink how we want to present ourselves via a resume in the light of how human resources people and hiring managers are using today’s technology to decide who to interview for a job, a course etc.
I’ve found that the resume I wrote for myself four years ago is, at best, out-of-date and, worst of all, not relevant to what decision makers need in today’s job market.
If you are feeling the same way about your resume, then I urge you to apply for one of the few seats we still have open for "Online Networking as a Job Search Tool,” an eight-week eLearning opportunity I’m sure you’ll find helpful.
Here’s why: This course offers you personal coaching to develop not only your resume but also research companies, build contact lists, develop an offering statement, create a JIST Card, create your personal brand, develop an ePortfolio and hone your networking skills.
Those are the key tools you need today to get an interview for the job that’s right for you.
One of the many resources this online class will use is a panel discussion involving with Deb Dib, Megan Fitzgerald and Bernadette Martin -- all career coaches and personal branding specialists.
Deb notes the trend toward one or two page resumes (instead of three or four). Resumes, she says, must:
- 1. Show the value and strategic impact of what you’ve done on previous jobs.
- 2. Be tied to proof you cite in your portfolio through case
studies etc. - 3. Lead off with your branding (offering) statement.
That kind of resume takes work and practice in what Deb calls “career writing” -- a skill I can help you develop in "Online Networking as a Job Search Tool."
You can learn about Deb and each one of the other panelists for the discussion about “Branding Your Resume, Bio or CV: Trends and Tips.”
You can also listen to an audio tape of this panel discussion.
In the light of that discussion about branding your resume, please reply to this question:
What is the most important thing you now realize needs changing in your present resume?
Add your comments to this postingPosted by Jim at February 26, 2008 11:57 AM
Comments
While somewhat outside the discussion, in seeking my present position, it was necessary for me to realize the heightened use of electronic data bases as an intrical part of the Career Search. While this was not the tool that ultimately succeeded, it was one of many utilized to make my knowledge, skills and abilities known quickly. In using the "electronic" resume, I found it critical to insure that key words/phrases were highlighted in order to provide some level of assurance that a Recruiter using a software program to scana resume data base would easily find my credentials. This It was also essential to insure the resume format was appropriate to the particular resume data base. I found preparing a resume for electronic posting requires two individual versions of the same document, e.g. M/S Word and a .txt format. This technique worked--I had, in the first week following posting, 12 calls from Recruiters. The flip side of the electronic posting is that once I was employed, I needed to get the resume unposted as I was still receiving Recruiter inquiries and, while gratified for contact, now needed to focus on my new position. I would be happy to share my "electronic" resume with anyone who would like to review its format.
Posted by: James J. Elekes, M.Ed, MPA, CPM at February 28, 2008 01:35 PM
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