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Have you recession-proofed your resume? 6 tips for job-seekers | January 14, 2009
In a tough market, your resume needs to work harder than ever, says expert
TORONTO, Jan. 14 /CNW/ - Looking for a new job? Recruiters are still hiring, and a little creativity and attention to detail will ensure your resume goes to the top of the pile, says Canadian expert.
"A year ago, recruiters were more forgiving of 'bad' resumes," says Maureen Carroll, Recruiting Manager at Head2Head, a specialized Canadian recruiting company headquartered in Toronto. "Today, increased competition for the best jobs means your resume needs to stand out in order to get priority attention."
Carroll, 36, knows what makes a good resume: she sees more than 5,000 of them annually.
"Everyone knows that resumes are a crucial first contact with an employer," says Carroll. "What they don't realize is that every extra minute you spend on prepping your resume can shave days off your job search time." Carroll offers 6 tips for ensuring your resume gets the best results in a slower job market:
1. Make sure your resume is unique. Don't just copy a friend's resume or the template you've been using since you graduated from university. "Yes, your resume needs some structure," Carroll acknowledges, "but taking the time to use unique adjectives and a fresh look will attract attention."
2. Try to make it at least a little interesting. "There's nothing more boring - or frustrating - than reading yet another introductory statement like 'I want to use my skills and experience in a progressive position in a dynamic organization,'" says Carroll. "It's too generic - and I see a hundred virtually identical statements every week. A more specific and honest statement is much more compelling."
3. One resume is not enough. It's worthwhile to create different versions of your resumes, emphasizing different aspects of your skills and experience. One might focus on your communication and creativity; another might focus on your management experience. This increases the chances that you'll look like a 'perfect fit' for the position for which you apply.
4. Be specific about your achievements - and back them up with statistics. "Companies are under more pressure to hire top performers," says Carroll, "so they are looking for people with a demonstrable track record. If you increased sales by 32% or reduced costs by 12%, say so - and use hard numbers."
5. Use industry-standard terminology. Job titles like 'Specialist Consultant' may have had meaning within the organization at which you were working, but mean little or nothing to someone reading your resume for the first time. "If you were really an 'HR Account Manager', just say so - it makes it easier for the recruiter to assess where you fit in compared with other applicants."
6. Proof read, proof read, proof read! "This is always important for resumes, regardless of the economic climate," reminds Carroll, "but in a tougher job market, there is less tolerance for mistakes - a couple of typos can mean a quick trip to the recycling bin."
Overall, Carroll is positive about employment prospects for Canadians. "There's no question that the job market isn't as hot as it was a year ago," she says, "but employers are still hiring at all levels, and smart, savvy employees will always be in demand. Just make sure your resume demonstrates how smart and savvy you really are."
For further information:
Sarah Welstead, Director of User Experience, (416) 440-2043, sarah@head2head.ca
This information is being distributed to you by CNW Group Ltd.
TORONTO, Jan. 14 /CNW/ - Looking for a new job? Recruiters are still hiring, and a little creativity and attention to detail will ensure your resume goes to the top of the pile, says Canadian expert.
"A year ago, recruiters were more forgiving of 'bad' resumes," says Maureen Carroll, Recruiting Manager at Head2Head, a specialized Canadian recruiting company headquartered in Toronto. "Today, increased competition for the best jobs means your resume needs to stand out in order to get priority attention."
Carroll, 36, knows what makes a good resume: she sees more than 5,000 of them annually.
"Everyone knows that resumes are a crucial first contact with an employer," says Carroll. "What they don't realize is that every extra minute you spend on prepping your resume can shave days off your job search time." Carroll offers 6 tips for ensuring your resume gets the best results in a slower job market:
1. Make sure your resume is unique. Don't just copy a friend's resume or the template you've been using since you graduated from university. "Yes, your resume needs some structure," Carroll acknowledges, "but taking the time to use unique adjectives and a fresh look will attract attention."
2. Try to make it at least a little interesting. "There's nothing more boring - or frustrating - than reading yet another introductory statement like 'I want to use my skills and experience in a progressive position in a dynamic organization,'" says Carroll. "It's too generic - and I see a hundred virtually identical statements every week. A more specific and honest statement is much more compelling."
3. One resume is not enough. It's worthwhile to create different versions of your resumes, emphasizing different aspects of your skills and experience. One might focus on your communication and creativity; another might focus on your management experience. This increases the chances that you'll look like a 'perfect fit' for the position for which you apply.
4. Be specific about your achievements - and back them up with statistics. "Companies are under more pressure to hire top performers," says Carroll, "so they are looking for people with a demonstrable track record. If you increased sales by 32% or reduced costs by 12%, say so - and use hard numbers."
5. Use industry-standard terminology. Job titles like 'Specialist Consultant' may have had meaning within the organization at which you were working, but mean little or nothing to someone reading your resume for the first time. "If you were really an 'HR Account Manager', just say so - it makes it easier for the recruiter to assess where you fit in compared with other applicants."
6. Proof read, proof read, proof read! "This is always important for resumes, regardless of the economic climate," reminds Carroll, "but in a tougher job market, there is less tolerance for mistakes - a couple of typos can mean a quick trip to the recycling bin."
Overall, Carroll is positive about employment prospects for Canadians. "There's no question that the job market isn't as hot as it was a year ago," she says, "but employers are still hiring at all levels, and smart, savvy employees will always be in demand. Just make sure your resume demonstrates how smart and savvy you really are."
For further information:
Sarah Welstead, Director of User Experience, (416) 440-2043, sarah@head2head.ca
This information is being distributed to you by CNW Group Ltd.
