Three Myths About Resume Writing

Your perspective on resumes ? what they are and how they function ? will doubtless influence how well you can write your own. To create an outstanding resume, begin by questioning and replacing some of the commonly held assumptions about resume writing.

ASSUMPTION: "A resume is a personal history, and prospective employers will read it primarily to learn about past jobs and accomplishments."

Replace with: A resume is best thought of as a proposal, rather than a history.

Although a resume does primarily include information about your personal history, its chief aim should be to convey this information in a way that is highly relevant to the job in question. Thus, the key question to address is: How are you uniquely qualified to do well in the position for which you are applying? Writing to answer this question can turn a dry personal history into an attractive employment proposal.

ASSUMPTION: "My resume probably won't be that important anyway ? it's connections and luck that will get me a job."

Replace with: Revising and improving your resume can play a central role in landing your next job.

No reasonable person would deny that connections and luck help. Nevertheless, not everyone has or finds the right connections, and not everyone wants to wait on luck. Take the initiative, instead, to craft a strong job-search strategy, and include revising your resume as a central piece of this process.

Doing so, at a minimum, will accomplish three things: 1) you will gain clarity on your strengths and all that you have to offer in your next job, 2) you will have an important vehicle for introducing yourself to potential employers, and 3) you will have a springboard for a strong interview.

ASSUMPTION: "The previous version of my resume was good enough, and probably needs very little done to it."

Replace with: Just about any resume, even one used with success before, can benefit from careful scrutiny and periodic revision.

Your resume should evolve as you do. In addition to acquiring new skills, experiences, and accomplishments, you may have shifted in your professional focus or interests. Perhaps you have gained insights into what employers are really looking for in your line of work.

Above all, your resume should be revised so that it is tailored to the employer who will receive it. Even if you have little to add in the way of content, you can always improve your resume by refocusing it on the specifics of the position you are seeking, and by strengthening its wording and overall appearance.

THE BOTTOM LINE (A Winning Perspective):

Take on the task of writing or revising your resume with the conviction that any resume can be made stronger, that you have an important employment proposal to bring to the eyes of potential employers, and that doing so can be the avenue for landing the job you want. It is with this perspective that you will produce a resume good enough to open doors!

© 2005 Ruth Anderson

About the author:

This article is excerpted from the eBook "WRITE RESUMES WITH CONFIDENCE: How to Create Outstanding Resumes and Have the Confidence to Use Them with Success." Learn more about this book and about Ruth Anderson's coaching and consulting services -- including the INTRODUCTION TO COACHING and JOB SEARCH TUNE-UP programs -- at http://www.vantagepointcoaching.com or write mailto:ruth@vantagepointcoaching.com.

---

Who Should Write Your Resume?

This is a question we get a lot. It seems... Read More

Ready to Move -- Anywhere!

"I have lived in this city all my life. My... Read More

Applying for a Job in Another Country? International Resumes

Is an International Resume still a Resume? This is a... Read More

Tips For Successful Job Hunting: How To Get A Job Without A Resume

I am in my mid-thirties, and, as you can imagine,... Read More

Rejection Got You Down in the Job Search?

REJECTION IN THE JOB SEARCHGOT YOU DOWN?It's true, no one... Read More

Mid-Life Crisis: Its Not Just for Men Anymore!

A recent story in Career Journal begins:"The "midlife crisis" has... Read More

Preparing For An Interview

When preparing for an interview, you need to know your... Read More

How To Write A Résumé

Figure out what you want to do.You can't write an... Read More

Dynamic Interviewing Practices

The pre-hiring process can be a challenge. If you're reading... Read More

Put Some Mystery in Your Life

Mystery shoppers. For some it conjures up images of private... Read More

So, Why Dont You Tell Me About Yourself?

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

3 Resume Secrets the Pros Use

You don't write a resume every day. Not even every... Read More

How to Write a Better CV (UK), or Resume (USA and elsewhere)

The first point to make is that the terms "CV"... Read More

For Effective Decisions, Look Beyond Career Stereotypes

You've probably been taught not to stereotype people based on... Read More

How To Write A Job Winning Resume That Puts Yours On Top

Many people would love to get a better job. And... Read More

Active Listening Skill Tips for Interviews

During a job interview, a potential employer asks, "Can you... Read More

How to Crash - Proof Your Job Search

Think you have the speed, endurance, and know-how to fix... Read More

5 Resume Mistakes Telecommuters Often Make

Finding a legit telecommute job can be difficult. Telecommute jobs... Read More

How You Can Find Freelance Writing Employment

How can you find writing jobs? Do you have proven... Read More

From The WorkWise Collection: Ten Ways to Win the Job Search Mind Game

Are you one of the thousands of job seekers who... Read More

Finding a Job Under Tough Circumstances

Anyone can find a job. That's right, I said "anyone".... Read More

Skills Make Labor More Valuable

As you know by now, if you have been a... Read More

What To Do When A Co-Worker Turns Nasty

A friend of mine laments that work would be great... Read More

Diplomats and Spies

"The Baratarian pirates also offered their services. Even though an... Read More

Pair Your Powerful Resume with a Great Cover Letter

Every great resume deserves a great cover letter.A cover letter... Read More