WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE ….A RESUME IS A RESUME, RIGHT?

WRONG!!  When you go to a JobFair, the employer doesn’t say, just e-mail me your resume.  They want a hard copy that they can read in their hand.  I know that there is software now that can produce a resume at the touch of a button.  But you also need to consider that there are hundreds of other people using the exact same software.  You’ll notice that no two business cards are the same.  Each person that produces a business card put their personal stamp on it.  If it’s childcare, you’ll see something like handprints, if it’s a law firm, you’ll see scales.

I realize that with today’s technology, most people forward their resume online or by

e-mail. Does it really make a difference to send one too?  Absolutely.  First, once the resume is online, no one can be assured the format once you hit send.  Have you ever received something from a friend and the message was scrambled?  Half of the information didn’t go thru?  The text was garbled or it was too hard to read?  Well, what did you do – trashed it, right?  The same applies.

Just because you send it doesn’t mean they read it.   So, what’s the difference  – You Are.  A resume is a resume until it becomes personal.  Your resume/application should be a reflection of you.  Software is the start, but it’s important to add your personality to the piece of paper that has your name on it.  Much like a newspaper article, there are some you are guaranteed to read and that’s the point.

Most people RARELY read all of anything.  Most of us skim information rather than read it.  So, I’m going to put you in the Human Resource Manager’s chair.  (Feels nice, huh)  Okay, imagine you’ve seen 47 resumes today.  Out of 47, you’ve really looked at 30.  Out of 30, about 12 had anything seriously related to the position.  Of that 12, you’ve probably narrowed it down to 5 for a serious interview.  That’s why your resume is so important.  That’s pretty much the process.  How do I know?  I’ve sat next to many HR managers on the plane.  After harassing – I mean asking them about their hiring standards, many of them have said the exact same thing.  First you interview on paper; them you interview in person.

Your cover letter needs to be unique, but at the same time distinct.  Often times people put so much information that really says nothing.  “I’m a dedicated employee” doesn’t have that much punch.  However, something along the lines . . .  “I’m the person my manager’s turned to, to do the project right!”  Who stands out to you!!!