Resumes Plus - Winning Resumes?

Written by Tanya Clonan

What is the role of your resume in the contemporary job market?

As the employment market becomes increasingly competitive and the nature of our work becomes more complex, recruitment processes have had to change in order to remain effective. For example, applications are invariably done online, are often electronically scanned and need to demonstrate evidence of your skills, abilities and achievements. While the resume retains its importance as a vital part of securing an interview, the information it needs to contain in order to be successful has altered over recent years.

Many people still think of a resume as a chronological account of everything you have ever done, leaving the reader to draw their own conclusions about your suitability for any given role. This approach will generally result in your application ending up in the “no interview” pile. A good resume in the current market presents as a business proposal that demonstrates your understanding of the “buyer” (the employer), their need or problem and how you are the solution to that problem (what you can do, produce and achieve for them).

Just like business marketing materials, the content and layout need to be considered carefully in light of the audience and needs to grab their attention, quickly, clearly and effectively communicating that you meet the requirements of the position and therefore should be interviewed. Does your current resume deliver this?

Tanya Clonan

Managing Consultant

Last Updated on Wednesday, 02 June 2010 12:29