Just the idea of writing a resume paralyzes many careerists. The fear of writer’s block, the angst associated with offending someone’s ambiguous rules, the frustration in trying to recall what you did, and when you did it — all of these feelings mix and meld to create a strong dislike for not only the act of writing a resume, but also in the resulting resume. Thus, why so many people plot and scheme for the resume just to ‘go away.’
The reality is, without a foundational resume story, the walls of your career communications crumble and the spacious rooms in which interested hiring decision makers may wander and inspect your story will shrink. Instead of a required drudgery, the resume–if approached in a new light–should be seen as a brilliant opportunity to create a cohesive snapshot of your career. It’s also a chance to fluidly and artfully draw the reader in.
Moreover, resumes often get a bad rap when defined just by a recruiter’s needs. It has been estimated that less than one percent of jobs are acquired through recruiters, so I never advise customizing your resume specifically to attract recruiters. Doing so may actually winnow out other game-changing interview opportunities–because strategies to fulfill recruiters’ needs don’t always allow for the compelling marketing you need for captivating other readers. In most instances, an alternative, pared down version of your more creative, inspiring resume can easily be prepared to satisfy the occasional recruiter need.
With that, I introduce you to my latest Glassdoor article on resume do’s and don’ts. I hope you enjoy further insights on the value of writing to capture interest, why boring and bland is out and why obsessing about ATS systems may actually derail your efforts. For the full post, visit: Do This, Not That: How To Make Your Resume More Effective.
Hi Jacqui,
Obsessing is never a good thing, regardless of what you do it for. Your concise list of Do’s and Don’ts is just the prescription your career-searching readers require to inject their resume with a healthy shot of personality.
For someone who is feeling overwhelmed with the entire process, your short B-shot of (creative) expression (not espresso – LOL!) is just the remedy for boring, bland and benign.
Bravo!
I love how your metaphor: “short B-shot” of creative expression!
One of the dozens of reasons I value you so much, Marianna, is your ability to write clever, colorful prose, brightening my comment stream.
Jacqui
Hi Jacqui,
Wonderful insight you provided here and on the Glassdoor article regarding recruiters. Just a couple of months ago, I had a lively and ingenious executive resume client, a Sr. Sales Leader, thank me for telling him to stick to his guns after he was approached by a recruiter to overhaul his “over-the-top” resume. Had he taken the advice of this particular recruiter, he would have allowed himself to be pushed into a “so-so” job the recruiter was trying to place and would have MISSED the career opportunity to land his DREAM JOB just a month later with a company that truly relished “his brand message.” I’ll certainly share your wisdom on this topic with my client(s).
Sandra
Wow, Sandra! What an awesomely vivid story about your client’s success with his ‘over-the-top’ resume!
Your recounting a real — and RECENT — story that illustrates the message I was aspiring to convey in my post is a great addition to the conversation here!
Here’s to widening the door to opportunities through creative and VALUE-focused content and design!
Thank you! … and good on you for telling your client to ‘stick to his guns!’ (love that) Your client sounds quite spirited and lovely to work with, as well.
Jacqui