Elizabeth McQuern - writer

by Elizabeth McQuern

(special feature published May 2008 in the Indianapolis Star)

Today's job seekers have many options for the creation and delivery of an effective resume. With so many ways of presenting yourself to prospective employers, how do you know which approach is best, how can you get started?

Simple and direct is the best way to begin. Though trends are changing, a clear one- to two- page traditional resume is still the place to start.

If you're starting from scratch, first put together a brief but complete history of your educational background and your last few jobs, including information about the employer, dates of employment, your job title, and a brief description of your responsibilities and notable achievements. Use headers to help your resume reader find key information.

Be detailed yet concise

Show evidence of your skill set and good work habits. If you want to present yourself as a self-motivated problem solver, for example, explain that you initiated a new and more effective payroll system at your last job.

Get to the point quickly. Prospective employers are probably reviewing a tall stack of resumes, and glance at each one for "probably 30 to 60 seconds before sorting out the best potential candidates," explained Sonda Sorg, branch manager of recruitment specialist Robert Half International in Indianapolis. And don't send a generic resume. "Do your homework, and do research about the company and their hiring criteria," Sorg advised.

Don't clutter your resume with unnecessary information. Hobbies and school awards are largely irrelevant. Don't list contact information for references. If you get to the interview stage and you are asked for references, offer that information then.

Be creative -- but not too creative

Some of today's job seekers create video and CD resumes, and sometimes use creative delivery approaches in an attempt to stand out. Michael Erwin, senior career adviser for careerbuilder.com, explained that non-traditional tactics might help you get your foot in the door, but are only appropriate in certain instances. "If you're getting into a field like finance, you're probably not going to do a video resume, but if you work in marketing or advertising maybe you should show off your creativity," Erwin said.

Certainly, people like graphic designers, writers, and photographers are smart to have an online portfolio of their best work. Be sure to have both a print and an electronic resume. Though most resumes are sent online, and it's helpful to include links within the document, it's also a good idea to have a sleek paper version without the visual clutter of underlined links. Hard copies should be neatly printed, without smears, on good quality resume paper.

Package your resume with a cover letter and appropriate follow up

Include a proper and customized cover letter, indicating that you are well-informed and targeting this specific job and company. "To whom it may concern" will not impress as much as a greeting to the person you know will be looking at your resume.

Proper follow up is also important. If you haven't heard anything a week after submitting your resume, send a polite e-mail and perhaps make a brief phone call, but be sure not to cross the line into pestering.

Starting from scratch? Here are some tips on kick-starting a fresh new resume.

1. Compose a brief but detailed history of your education and your last few work experiences. Give specific examples of achievements that illustrate your skill set, while resisting the temptation to exaggerate or embellish.

2. Take the time to customize your resume for each job you apply for, researching the company you want to work for and matching your skill set with what you know they are looking for.

3. Double and triple check your resume for accuracy and spelling issues. While you don't need to use complete sentences, be sure that there are no glaring spelling or factual errors. Ask a friend or colleague in your field to proof your resume, or consider using a resume writing service to be sure you're putting your best foot forward.