Do you have a current resume? What happens when you find that job application that looks “just right” for you? It usually says “send resume to this address”. Do you have a resume ready? Or, do you need to wait until you can update it? Is that an easy process for you? Or do you have major questions about how to update your resume? A current resume is an essential to moving up in today’s job market. So here are some tips for updating your resume now, before you find that juicy job. Then, when you find it you’ll be ready with a totally current, elegantly crafted resume. All you’ll need to do is modify it so that your resume speaks specifically to the job for which you are applying. The Style. There are three basic styles of resumes, Chronological, Functional and a Combination. If you have a solid job history, and have moved up in your own company, then the best resume is either the chronological or combination. With the combination you can include the marketing or functional section in your resume and then address your job/experience. On the other hand if you are changing industries or have a lot of different experiences but not a solid job history, then the best resume style for you is the Functional Resume. The Title. Make the title on your resume specific. This means that you will want to tailor the wording on your resume to specifically match the job title position in the job announcement. If the announcement calls for a Project Director for Business Development for an HBO, then your resume title might read Business Development Project Manager, Health Care Industry. The Objective. The objective begins your resume marketing effort. It need to be relevant to the job, and state in a subtle yet clear way what you want to bring to your next job. If you want to expand your horizons in business development and have a successful track record say so in the objective. Your resume might read something like this. “To bring successful business development skills to an environment wishing to expand its client base and increase sales.” This said, your resume objective should reflect what the client is seeking. Spell Check and Double Check. You do not want spelling or grammatical errors in your resume. Two rules to follow, first spell check it. Then have someone else who is good at proof reading and grammar read it as well. If you can, make corrections and have someone new proof it. Your resume represents you and you want to make the best representation possible.
Use Good Paper. If it’s a hard copy resume, use paper that is heavier and feels more expensive, like cotton or linen. The feel of a heavier paper will make someone stop and take a second look at your resume, even if they were originally going to put it aside. In summary, keep an up to date resume, make sure it’s proofed and clean of errors, and that you modify it to be job specific.