How Can You Ensure Your Resume Is Seen?

Careers Articles | January 25, 2011

I get a resume-related question at every job search workshop I lead. What can I put in the resume to guarantee an interview? How do employers decide who to invite from the resume pile? What keywords can I use to make my resume stand out online?

There is no magic bullet. What you put in a resume needs to be two things:

1) authentic and true to you; and

2) tailored to the employer you are targeting.

As you can see, these two attributes are different for everyone. Furthermore, even for one person, there may be a case for different resumes if the person is targeting very diverse employers.

The best way then to ensure your resume is seen is not by perfecting your resume, but by perfecting your job search. The best job search is proactive, so you are out in the market meeting people and talking to people. Your resume is one part of that campaign (resumes do lead to meetings) but never the only part. In fact, sometimes the best job leads result from a verbal pitch, and the formal resume is an after-thought after you have already started meeting with people.

So the best way for your resume to be seen is for you to be seen. Make sure the resume is a powerful and accurate depiction of your background

, skills and experience. Use language and examples that engage your target sector. But do not rely on your resume for the heavy lifting in your job search.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Caroline Ceniza-Levine helps people find fulfilling jobs and careers, as the co-founder of SixFigureStart®, career coaching by former Fortune 500 recruiters. Caroline has recruited for leading companies in financial services, consulting, media, pharmaceutical/ healthcare, and technology. She is the co-author (along with Donald Trump, Jack Canfield and others) of the best-selling“How the Fierce Handle Fear: Secrets to Succeeding in Challenging Times” 2010; Two Harbors Press. Visit http://www.sixfigurestart.com/about-sixfigurestart/sixfigurestart-free-resources/ to see how you can get free coaching advice and access to coaching workshops for your job search and career success.