7 Steps To A Job-Winning Resume

A new resume can jump-start your career. Your network contacts may ask for a resume and some industries absolutely, positively demand a resume as the price of admission. When you begin thinking of your resume as a power source, the results can be astonishing.

1. Your resume is a sales tool. It is not a place for therapeutic self-disclosure or true confessions. Be honest but present your accomplishments in the most positive way.

2. Leave tricky questions ("Why did you have six jobs in ten years?" "Why are you applying for an entry position after you've been running the show?") for the interview. Practice interview responses with a support group, friend or career coach.

3. If chronology works against you, opt for a sales pitch letter or use your network to get past the screeners. If you can't avoid a resume, some experts will advise a functional resume. However, once you show up for an interview, expect to be asked for a chronological review.

4. Focus on accomplishments. "Supervised ten people on a project that finished three weeks before deadline and saved megabucks."

If you're over fifteen, you do not have "duties." You have "responsibilities" and "accomplishments." Anyway, nobody cares about what you were supposed to do. They want to know what you contributed.

5. Exploring multiple jobs? Tailor your resume to each position and each field. Show that you understand your target firm's problems -- and are uniquely equipped to solve them.

6. Do not let anyone write your resume for you. Accept suggestions and feedback but the final product should be in your own words.

7. Use your network to review the final product. Ask at least six people in your field for candid feedback. The final test: How do you feel when you read the resume? When you feel proud of your resume, and you're eager to share it with everyone you meet, you're ready to move.

About The Author

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First step to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com.

"Ten secrets of mastering a major life change" mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com

Contact: cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294

Dissatisfied With Work? Perhaps Its You

Just about every month, there's a new research report detailing... Read More

Hospital Staff at Great Risk of Attack and Injury Whilst at Work

There are millions of people working extremely hard every day... Read More

7 Deadly Cover Writing Sins

Don't start off your job search with one (or more)... Read More

Work Attitude Ethics For Progress

This "fruit for thought" article is for all human beings,... Read More

Book Summary: How to Work with Just About Anyone

This article is based on the following book:How... Read More

You Can Identify a Problem Solver

As an executive recruiter, I interview a lot of people.... Read More

Job Hunting Tips: Containing Anxiety

It hangs from the ceiling above your bed while you... Read More

Pre-Interview Web Research

You have obtained an interview -- congratulations! You feel prepared... Read More

Whats Stopping You from Getting Your Next, Good Job?

This question comes up often when I'm working with someone... Read More

Think Twice Before You Change Jobs

You've got the itch to change jobs. This might be... Read More

Searching for a Federal Job

Many years ago searching for a federal job was a... Read More

Job Hunting Tips: Staying Active

Unemployment is depressing: financial pressures stress you out, looking for... Read More

How to Change Career Horses in Mid-Stream

You'll get wet but the reward just might be a... Read More

What You Need To Know Before Committing To Vocational Retraining

You've thought a lot about the kind of work you... Read More

Are You an Ex-career Woman Living In a New Country?

Were you once a successful, professional woman who had a... Read More

The 10 Second Window of Opportunity, Resume Hour Glass

Do you know that a hiring manager just spends 10... Read More

How to Ask For a Salary Increase and Get Your Raise

Feeling overworked and underpaid? If you're starting to feel like... Read More

Is Your Career Your Calling or Just a 9 to 5?

Do you remember your parents asking you what you want... Read More

Fascinating Ways to Make a Living Doing What You Love May Be Closer Than You Think...

You don't have to look very far to find fascinating... Read More

Avoiding 10 Deadly Interview Mistakes

Too many job seekers set themselves up for failure before... Read More

Telephone Job Interview Preparation Tips

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW BACKGROUNDTelephone interviews are quite common in today's job... Read More

So, Why Dont You Tell Me About Yourself?

"So, why don't you tell me about yourself?" is the... Read More

Tips for Requesting a Raise

You probably think you deserve a raise. But does your... Read More

Using Keywords to Find Legitimate Telecommuting Job Leads

Many people are choosing telecommuting as an option to bring... Read More

9 Tips on Creating a Professional Emailed Job Application

With the advent of the Internet, many of us have... Read More