Resumes Must Imply, Engross and Promote plus 1 more | Career Rocketeer

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Resumes Must Imply, Engross and Promote Posted: 20 Jun 2011 03:30 AM PDT There are genuine similarities between highly successful resume writers and top selling authors. For me the most consequential is the subject matter knowledge needed to craft a work that gets read in its entirety and is memorable well after they're finished reading. Ask any author and you'll find that they, along with a cadre of people who collaborate for and with them, spend countless hours and often years researching the big picture along with the minutest details in order to capture the reader's attention and make them want to read and learn more about the character/s or subject. This is the first rule in choosing a resume writer, be it you writing your own resume or choosing a professional resume writer to produce one for you. Do you (they) have enough current/relevant subject matter expertise in the subtle nuances of resume writing and in your profession to successfully undertake the writing task at hand. And if not how much time/effort will it take to become a dual SME before beginning the writing project. Now let's see what a resume writer can do to turn an old fashioned boring fact sheet, one that sits in the fair to middling pile on a decision makers desk, into a dynamic marketing document that ascends to the top of the 'must meet' list. Here are three suggestions on how to turn a boring resume into a winner! Your resume/marketing document must include in its brand statement, professional profile, summary, value proposition, highlights, achievements, summary of qualifications, and/or endorsements sections [these are a few sections you may choose to use] three key elements that must be strategically interspersed so you stand out as a candidate of interest. NOTE: For each of you it must be done in a manner that best benefits and suits your level of expertise and your profession. IMPLY: The critical first step is to be crystal clear about what decision makers look for. With this knowledge in mind you must imply in your resume in no uncertain terms that you possess all or most of the key criteria they are looking for in the person that they intend to interview and hire. How and where you choose to place these implications is subjective but should be included in a position and in language that makes an immediate and compelling impact to draw in the reader's attention and make them want to read on and find out more about your total package. ENGROSS: Again, you must be crystal clear about what decision makers consider as valuable. Then you need to find a style/format that will engross them and make them want to read what you've presented to them. They must be engrossed by both the story line and the visual presentation along with the implications that you have made about the value you bring to the table. PROMOTE: The essential component in a great marketing document is self promoting your value. This can be done in several ways and here are three means in which you can accomplish this. 1: People you know can talk about and validate your ability to handle the position you're applying for. 2: You can hone in on specifics that show not only what you are capable of doing in a given situation but how exacting and superior your performance has been and therefore can be in a similar new situation. 3: First build an exacting profile of the person that decision makers are looking to hire. Then strategically and meticulously include as many points of interest that you possess and display them in a way that they jump off the page and make the reader agree that you are exactly what they are looking for in a new hire. Author: Perry Newman, CPC CSMS is a nationally recognized executive resume writer, career coach, AIPC certified recruiter and SMMU certified social media strategist known for his ability to help his clients get results. You can view his sample resumes at http://www.perrynewman.com, and email him your resume at perry@perrynewman.com for FREE resume critique. Advertise on Career Rocketeer

How Video Can Improve Your Resume Posted: 19 Jun 2011 03:30 AM PDT Social networking platforms have allowed us to express ourselves in ways not possible a decade ago. Particularly with the job search, the need to stand out visually is becoming increasingly important. Resources like YouTube have given users a creative outlet that's different from any other site. Further, the more creative you are, the greater your chances of exposure. But, can you somehow tie your resume into all of this? Yes. Here's how: Make a video resume. As a job seeker, it's probably apparent that you have a swell of competition. Why not stand out from the crowd by creating a different kind of resume? Video resumes are a great alternative to words since you immediately distinguish yourself. Further, because most video platforms are very simple to navigate, creating a video resume wouldn't be very difficult if you have things like a webcam. Resources like videoBIO, an inexpensive service that makes it easy to create a professional video resume, can really make you stand out. If you decide to use platforms like videoBIO or YouTube, think about telling a story through your experiences, like explaining your background, how you are making the transition between student and professional, where you would like to be in ten years, etc. That way, an employer will be able to get a real, visual feel of who you are, which is something that just can't be done through a document. Visual slideshow. You've probably worked really hard to get yourself to where you are today. However, it's difficult to translate your work experience to someone who doesn't really know you. So, what about using YouTube as a sort of visual slideshow? It could help an employer see what you've actually done as opposed to just reading your resume. Think about including a link to a slideshow that showcases your portfolio pieces, like any sort of design work, photography, web skills, etc. Why is this a good idea though? Well, employers are already bombarded with resumes, as well as portfolio pieces. Creating a video slideshow through YouTube will probably help you look more attractive to these influencers since you are giving them something to actually play, as opposed to just written words or documents. Testimonials. Sometimes you're only as good as people say you are. So, why not ask your references to speak on your behalf through YouTube? It's not as strange as it sounds. Think about it: If you were an employer picking between two candidates, would you pick the one who proactively provided you with video referrals or one who just handed you a list of numbers to call? The former would probably seem like the better option because you're doing the work for the employer, making not just their lives, but their final decision a little easier. Have you used YouTube to improve your resume? Guest Expert: James Alexander is Vizibility's founder and CEO. He's the guy with two first names. If you 'Googled' his name in 2009, you would never have found him. Now, he ranks within the first few results of a Google search. Find James in Google at vizibility.com/james.

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