Resumes don't get jobs!

Now that I’ve got your attention – it’s true in 80% of cases!

Your resume is a tool that is meant to get you an interview, not a job.

That’s its key role.

To get the reader to pick up the phone and ring you.

This second screen (after the initial resume scan) is normally a phone interview to see that you are indeed the person who owns the resume.

Hopefully the next step is the interview.

That means your resume has done its job - and now you have to get the interviewer to stop looking at your resume!

So your tenacity, your drive, your commitment to doing what it takes – is what gets you an interview for the company you want or job title that you know is yours.

Your resume is actually a strategic tool that cannot be written until you know the job you are targeting.

It’s no good to say, “I just want a job, any job” because it is not the reader’s job to work out how you fit in their organisation.

No one has time for that!

Your resume needs to shows the reader exactly how you match their needs, for that job - it’s no longer a list of what you are expected to do in your job, as this just shows what you are paid to do and everyone is expected to do this.

The first step is to be clear:

• Do you really want the job?

Strange thing to ask, but have you really thought about what you want to do.

You have to be clear on what the job involves.

Do you want to work inside or outside?

Do you like to be in front of customers or a computer all day every day?

Think about what you hate to do, things you never want to do again.

And think about what you love to do, things you’d do for free!

Is this the role you really need and want?

? Last month, I had a client approach me saying he wanted construction work as a labourer. He'd been in and out of casual roles for the last five years and wanted more solid employment.

Probing questions about what he really enjoyed doing and what he never wanted to do again revealed, that in actual fact... he didn't want to do labouring anymore.

He was 56 years old and was tired of the short term projects, hated being stuck out in all weather and really didn't feel this was something he could be doing much of in the next 10 years.

He was actually surprised with the questions I asked prior to even talking about his resume update.

Without knowing the role you are targeting, it is challenging to write a resume.

You need to bring your past stories to life so they are relevant to the targeted role.

If you don't know where you are going, or are open to ANYTHING - your resume isn't going to work!

So with this client, we focused on his logistics and transport experience which lead him to targeting his job search to only a couple of companies and job titles.

He is much happier with his target and on his way to permanent employment.

The most damaging thing you can do is to send out the same resume for every job that looks good.

It doesn't work in this day and age... and could actually be doing you damage!

Job openings are so competitive that if you think you have a good enough resume - find that perfect role, know you have the qualifications and experience...

You send your resume and then hear nothing...

Well, believe it or not, your resume is actually doing damage to your chance of getting you the job.

If you really want something, you have to do your research.

You have to get a feel for the organisation, the role and what you could bring to the table.

Speak their language, hunt down news articles, find a pain point they are having!

So if you aren’t getting interviews...

Your resume isn't working!

Simple as that.

Would you like to get expert advice as to how your resume stacks up against other applicants?

If you are stuck not getting the right job for your skill set and qualifications, let's chat?

Marlene - [email protected]