January/February 2005 | Home

Accentuate the Postive; Eliminate the Negative

by Joy Montgomery
STC Senior Member
EBSTC Nominating Committee Member
Gordon Scholarship Committee Member

About Joy:
- Procedure Analysis & Documentation Specialist
- Short Story Writer
- Communication Coach
- Small Business Owner: www.structural-integrity.com

This is the first installment of a two-part article on resume writing. This first article discusses adjustments you can make to your resume to make sure it is seen in the best light. The second article offers tips for surviving the resume screening process and getting an interview. This information is excerpted from Joy’s soon-to-be-published book. Please contact Joy for more information on the book.

Adjustments to Your Thinking

Adjusting your thinking can help you with your next resume and make your next job search a pleasure. This list may seem small, but it could make a huge difference in how your resume is received.

Adjustment 1: It is not possible to write a perfect resume or a perfect cover letter. Get it done and get it out!

Adjustment 2: Your resume is not a history; it is a marketing document and a disqualifier. Put your best foot forward and let them know what you can do now!

Adjustment 3: Do not hesitate to aim higher or even change course. A “can-do” attitude can make that next door that opens an elevator ride up from the one that closed.

Adjustment 4: You can structure your honest, relevant resume to your advantage. Make the sale in the first half of the first page.

Adjustment 5: The client will tell you what to put in your cover letter. They tell you what they need and you tell them how you fit that need. Simple? Yes!

Adjustment 6: A resume will not get you a job; it might get you an interview. Letting them know that you fit the requirements with your written submission is just the first step. The next step is through their door, where you get to make the actual sale.

Adjustment 7: Resume screening may not find the best person. It finds people who LOOK like they might be the best person. It’s up to you to make sure that you LOOK like the best person on those pieces of paper.

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