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Do you continue to generate interest and secure interviews for
jobs that you do not want?
The interview process can be time consuming and very
unproductive when you are preparing to discuss a job that you
really don’t want. When you write resumes that are historical in
nature (listing your work history and responsibilities), you
communicate that you are looking for the same type of position.
The only way to attract the right attention is to highlight
information that is relevant to the job you really want.
Take an objective look at your resume. Does it sell you for the
job you really want? Have you highlighted any items that you DO
NOT WANT TO SEE in your next job description? It may help to
remove your name from the top of your resume before you ask
someone you respect to review the document and give his or her
opinion on what job this person is targeting.
Focused resumes are powerful job search tools!
Focused and organized resumes draw attention to your key skills
and unique accomplishments rather than the tasks and
responsibilities you have performed in past positions. By
promoting relevant skills and achievements, you guide your
reader to the information they are seeking and the details that
you want to promote. The key to success is to use the top third
of resume to highlight and support the skills that respond to
the specific requirements outlined by your target company in
their advertisement or position description.
Review the position you are targeting and highlight the three
key qualities the employer is looking for in a potential hire.
Then, match your key skills and accomplishments to these three
qualities. Finally, highlight the information you have selected
at the top of your resume using an appropriate category title,
for example, key accomplishments or related skills and
accomplishments below your profile section.
If you are contacting an employer that does not have a position
posted, search for a job description or posting at a similar
company using the position title. When you have found the right
job description, match your key skills to the requirements
outlined in that position. This action is not as time consuming
as you make think. Often changing the priority listing of your
key skills and accomplishments may be the only changes required
to submit your resume to a number of different companies.
When you are changing careers, or looking to advance within your
existing company, use transferable skills to sell yourself.
Creating a resume using transferable skills is most successful
when you include accomplishments that you have developed outside
of the workplace. For example, coaching a sport demonstrates
leadership skills, communication skills and an ability to work
effectively with people - skills that all employers value.
Researching, analyzing, preparing reports, and presentation
skills are a few of the transferable skills that students
develop during their education.
Plan to participate in the creation of your resume. If you do
not participate in the creation of your resume, you may not be
able to respond to specific questions during an interview and
this could change the outcome, or the momentum, of the interview.
If you have an idea that you believe will attract the attention
of your target, use it. Creativity is rewarded.
Brenda Koritko is the author of I Manage Me Guide to Hot Jobs a
timely ebook providing techniques to help you achieve your
immediate career goals with benefits throughout your career.
www.imanageme.com
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