How can you keep your Resume fresh and inviting; what should you be doing (or NOT doing) to keep up with the changing times of technology.
We've seen a flurry of technological changes in just a few short years. Your Resume needs to reflect these changes, but what should you be doing about it?
Resumes Online
This is a definite must for everyone and anyone! You need to have at least two versions of your Resume - a regular one for print, that you can print and hand out to anyone, or even email to anyone. And you must now have a stripped down version of that Resume: one that can easily be uploaded to any job board OR recruiter. The reason? Your Resume is scanned for certain words or phrases that the employer has requested: if your Resume has so many matches, your Resume passes the first test, and it may now have a chance to be read by a human (yeah, a real person!) to see if you might qualify for an interview. Not enough matches? Guess what happens to your Resume.
How stripped down should the Resume be? Good question - the answer, unfortunately, depends on the job board or recruiter. You are safe with a plain text version, but that does not allow for much in the way of lining up your work (tabbing). Often, a rich text format will be okay, but you must remember to take out the fancy stuff (font changes and enhancements such as Bold). Use size changes to emphasize headings instead.
For emails, use the rich text format option - but always read the ad thoroughly - you may be told to send it in a particular format - THAT is what you should follow.
Video Resumes
There's been a lot of buzz about this new feature - along with a formal copy (or even without one), some employers have even asked for submissions of a one to two minute or so video. This is great for employers who need to see how you perform in front of others (c'mon, actors have had to use this for years now) and can give a good indication of "personal appeal". This has become quite common now in the "Presentation Industry" - those who give keynote lectures, or mediate discussions at conferences, or seminars. But what if you are NOT asked for a video: should you still send one?
This depends fully on the type of job you are applying for. Forget the hype for basic jobs - but this is a great way to get a foot in the door for more creative jobs that require a certain type of personality and presence. Sales professions, marketing industry, you get the idea. This is also a great feature for high upper management to use - as a potential CEO, sending a short video outlining your benefits to a particular company, or even the path you would take for that company, shows you are willing to invest your time and effort into the company, while saving time for those unable to meet with you personally.
Downside - if a recruiter/person scanning the videos takes a personal dislike to your video or looks, you may not even get the chance for an interview.
So yes, you must get with the technology of today - but use it wisely and to your own advantage.
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Copyright October 3, 2007. Paym Bergson & Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
