The Perfect Position - Rockin' Resumes (Part I of II)
After weeks of combing the want ads and pumping your friends and family for leads, you've compiled a list of jobs that are absolutely ideal. You just know they'll love you when you go in for your interview. So how do you get the interview?
The key, my fabulous friend, is your resume. A good resume won't just get your foot in the door; it'll blow the door right off its hinges. And believe it or not, a seriously kickass resume is a lot easier than you might think. Check out this simple step-by-step process for creating a rocking resume in no time flat, and watch out for some common mistakes that I've found in working with twentysomething female job seekers.
Step 1: Make a list and check it twice
This isn't an original idea, but it's often overlooked. Before you do anything - even before you head to Staples to drool over the linen-finish ivory paper and envelopes - sit down with a pad and a pen and write down every single job you've ever had and every award, special project, or particular recognition that's come your way as far back as you can remember. Don't leave anything out.
Pitfall 1: Don't leave out important information You may not find it exciting that you worked at a summer camp for three summers in college, but your potential employer may be impressed with the multitasking, supervising, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills you used every day while keeping an eye on 30 energetic 10-year-olds. The same goes for babysitting, bartending and waitressing: they all demand problem solving and high-level thinking, good independent judgment, and outstanding people skills.
Step 2: Fill it up
Now that you have your list, go back to each individual item and write down as many accomplishments, personal triumphs, praise and successes as you can think of. Again, don't even think about leaving anything out. These are your selling points, and although you may not use all of them for every job, it's essential that you have a bank to draw from. (More on that in just a minute.)
Pitfall 2: Don't make a molehill out of a mountain
Your resume is your opportunity to show a potential employer what you can do by showing him or her what you've done in the past. Here's an example: You helped plan a mega birthday bash for your neighbor's 9-year-old twins. Which of these descriptions is more appealing, (a) "Planned party for twins, mailed invitations, sliced cake, helped with games," or (b) "Small event planning, including menu, location, decorations, guest list and scripting"? The second one, right? Right. That's because the second one puts the specific experience of planning a party into a more general context, and it focuses on how your future boss can benefit from and draw on your experiences.
Be careful not to go too far toward the other end of the spectrum, though; padding your resume with stuff that's just plain untrue is a big no-no, and you will eventually get busted.
Your resume planning is done, and now you're ready to start putting your resume together. In "Rockin' Resumes, Part II,"we'll tackle how to compile and streamline your resume to highlight your strengths and let your future employer know just how perfect you are for the job. In the meantime, give yourself a pat on the back for all that you've accomplished!
* This article originally appeared in desire Los Angeles in July 2005.
Related Tags: women, resume, search, career, job, application, woman, apply, perfect, position, find, seek
Kristen King is a freelance writer-editor and consultant from Northern Virginia, and the host of b5media's http://www.LivelyWomen.com, a daily blog dedicated to helping women live whole, healthy lives. Visit Kristen online at Lively Women or at her professional website, http://www.kristenkingfreelancing.com
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