How important is your resume?

One of the most frequent discussions I have with new clients is about developing a resume - and that is usually initiated by the client, not me.  Keeping a resume current can tend to be forgotten whilst busy in a career and gets dusted off as a priority when in search of a new job - whether still in a job or after retrenchment etc.  So my first objective when talking with my new client is to relax them and suggest they hasten slowly in developing a resume.  Why?

The employment world has changed in many ways.  The proliferation of technology including the Internet has changed the way we do things - from typing our own resume, submitting online to recruitment agencies, searching for jobs, connecting with networking contacts, undertaking training or even being able to create our own online presence through social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter etc. 

As I mentioned in a recent post on networking, more than 80% of jobs are likely to come from sources other than applying for one using your resume.  For the approximate 20% of jobs that are advertised, when you apply you will likely be one of hundreds of candidates applying for that role - so your resume detailing your background and experiences really needs to stand out - even if professionally prepared as many are these days.

The resume's stated main purposes are to secure an interview and/or to affirm your employment history, experiences, qualifications and other information relevant to the role.  If you are networking, the resume will sometimes come after the contact discussion or meeting - and can be tailored appropriately.  If the networking interaction has been effective, you may be the only candidate for the role you have elicited - and the importance of the resume is somewhat diminished.  You may wish to read Richard Bolles classic tome on all of this "What Color is Your Parachute".

The other fundamental change is that potential employers and recruiters are often searching online about preferred candidates  - the traditional resume is therefore not the only source of information about you.  Creating and actively monitoring your online brand, through social media and other sites, is therefore becoming just as important as the traditional resume.

That all being said, the traditional resume does serve one very important purpose - particularly if written with a focus on your quantifiable achievements rather than your responsibilities and duties in previous roles.  It is an affirmation, confidence booster and somewhat of an interview script for YOU - whether applying for roles through recruiters/employers or in networking - a focus on the positive aspects of your career history! 

So, the resume is important - but in a different way from what many people assume.  You do need to have one in addition to an online presence, a networking capability, an interviewing capability - all as part of an active career management strategy.

PB

Copyright: Peter Black 2009