What Is the Purpose Of a Résumé?

'To get a job,' you might answer. It's not quite that simple. In fact, the best a résumé can do is get you an interview. But way before that comes its very first job - to not get rejected.

The 15 Seconds That Can Last A Lifetime...

Employers spend 15 to 45 seconds scanning a résumé! That's all the time your résumé has to succeed in not getting rejected and maybe getting a second reading. Tough task.

A résumé is a short commercial about you. It has to look good and almost instantaneously communicate the most important factors about you that will interest the employer.

Education versus Experience

There continues a debate as to which should come first in a résumé. Most employers prefer to see RELEVANT experience first; but if you don't have relevant experience, you have to put your best foot forward with education.

It really does depend on each specific case. We can help you decide what's best for you.

Some employers say they prefer to see any form of work experience before education. If you go that route, make sure you present your work experience in a "cause and effect" way. For example: instead of simply stating that you were a Sales Assistant, describe, as succinctly as possible, how you performed that function, the way in which you interacted with customers and how that impacted on sales, repeat business, etc.

Getting Started

At this point, put down all the information that is in any way relevant... all your skills, abilities, education, work experience, extra curricular activities, awards - anything you feel is important about you. (You are going to have to cut this way down, but it's a good way to start.) When you're writing, use action words and make your accomplishments really stand out. Include extracurricular activities like athletics, etc, because that shows the employer a good balance between academic achievement and time/interest management. (Some or all of these may have to be cut out later.)

Structuring Your Résumé

Your name is first and predominant. Then put how to contact you - address, phone number, e-mail address - directly beneath your name.

Next state your OBJECTIVE, the kind of work you are looking for, in terms specific to the job you are applying for. Even if you are sending a covering letter in which you can state and elaborate on your Objective, it's a good idea to include it on your one-page résumé.

Next, present your (related) work experience or (related) education. (Try it both ways and see which is the most impressive. Ask other people. Ask us.)

Whether you decide on work experience or education first, make sure the most important points really jump out. Last degree or job comes first, second comes second and so on.

Cut Refine and Proofread. Cut Refine and Proofread...

Be prepared to go over your résumé many times, fine tuning and editing all the time. Take out anything that doesn't make an impact or contribute to you getting an interview. Ask other people for an objective viewpoint. Ask us. Your résumé has to come down to one neat, dynamic page.

SPELLING, GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION ARE OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE. This cannot be emphasized too strongly. Your résumé really does have to be perfect to have any chance at all.

Your résumé has to be scanner-friendly or it may be rejected. This is what scanners like:

This is meant to be a rough guide. Do all the work you can on your résumé, until it is as perfect as you can make it, and then consult us.

Putting Your Best Foot Forward

Dress for the interview not the job. Dress to show your potential. It's best to be conservative: a dark suit with a light-coloured shirt and dark socks, tie and shoes for men; likewise, a dark business suit or dark jacket and skirt with a light-coloured blouse, medium heels and skin-tone stockings is recommended for women.

Be polite and courteous with everyone. You just never know what will be noticed.

You may be asked to fill out an application form before or during the interview. This may simply be standard company procedure, or it may be a test. Perhaps you're being tested on how well you process information and follow directions, and/or how well you handle written documents. But the first test will be how pleasantly and calmly you cooperate with this request. Don't write "See Resume" on the application, fill it out.

Be honest. For instance "Why did you leave your last position?" write in "Will discuss." If asked for a salary figure, write, "Open for negotiation." When salary is brought up in conversation, let them know what you have been earning, but keep it open from your point of view and theirs. There may be prospects etc. in the position that may be worth taking less than the "ideal" figure for. Let them know you are reasonably open on this. After all, you are only after a job offer at this point.

Always keep in mind that the objective of an interview is to get a job offer.

Be as well rested and relaxed as you can. Have something to eat beforehand for energy.

Do your homework by finding out as much as you can about the company, position, division, department, responsibilities, reporting structure, etc as you can. We can help you with this.

Take copies of your resume with you and present one to each person who interviews you as soon as you meet them, but don't carry a briefcase unless you are presenting a portfolio of your work.

Be prepared to talk about your past experience, skills and abilities as they apply to the position you are applying for.

Think of your experience, skills and abilities as features of a product (you) and sell them to the interviewer.

Show confidence in yourself and your attributes.

Make sure you fully present all your experience, skills and abilities even if you think the interviewer is already aware of them.

Be prepared to answer questions such as: "If you were in this position, what would you do in such and such a situation."

Prepare some questions of your own for the interviewer like: "Where does this job fit into the organization as a whole?"

Practice by anticipating questions you could be asked and answer them out loud.

If you don't hear or understand a question, ask for it to be repeated.

Always pause and gather your thoughts before answering.

Show interest. A lively expression of interest in the firm, its products etc goes a long way - and don't forget the interviewer - we all like people who like us!

Salary is important, but don't dwell on it at this point.

Leave yourself plenty of time to get to the interview in case anything goes wrong - shoot for being 15 minutes early.

Keep in mind your posture and body language too.

And when you've prepared as much as you can, relax and enjoy the ride!

Always send a follow-up thank you note and get it in the mail within 24 hours.

Clearly state that you feel sure you can perform the function beyond their expectations and are ready to accept an offer (you can decide later).

If you are offered the job and you want it - accept! If you're not sure because of salary or some other reason, ask for a day to think about it and set a firm date or time to get back to them with your answer - AND THEN CALL US IMMEDIATELY!