Dispelling the Myth About a Resume's Only Purpose

Years ago, we created "catchy" resumes, using sophisticated language, printing them on colored paper or even having them delivered by singing messengers to get the attention of the decision maker. Ah, but life and pursuing employment has changed since then. The chance of a resume that is sent in response to a job announcement, directly reaching the decision maker without going through a screening process, is slim to none. "Catchy" has been replaced with "targeted" and "to the point". People spend many hours trying to break the recruiter's or human resource specialist's code to determine what will catch their eye. It seems the real value of that resume to the candidate may get overlooked in the process of becoming "catchy" or "cute" or packed with "key words".

Resumes serve a greater purpose than "getting your foot in the door". A carefully composed resume will not only nail each requirement stated in the job announcement, it will encompass the unpublished information learned through networking or conducting informational interviews. The process of researching and collecting the appropriate data for your resume does more than catch someone's eye. It is one of the most important steps in preparing you for an interview. After all, getting in the door is not your final goal. Getting the offer is.

A well-constructed resume will include qualified and quantified information spoken in plain language that is relevant to the industry, and easy enough to understand by the lowest level screener. You must pass "go" before you move to the next level. Beyond being clear, the information provided is also an opportunity to begin building your value. Never assume that past titles or general statements will imply value, or secure a whopping salary. Concrete, relevant examples of your work will help lay the groundwork for more extensive conversations in the interview. It will also serve as reference for the human resource representative, recruiter or decision maker at a later date when they are tasked with presenting you with an offer. By outlining clear, specific information that is directly relevant to their needs, you have begun the groundwork for a negotiation for compensation that is in the top of their pay range, or even beyond.

Without proof, reassurance, and facts, a request for negotiating more compensation is a long shot. By providing evidence from start to finish, a candidate is far more likely to negotiate a greater offer. Your request will be based on the market conditions, the company's needs and how well you fit them, supported by factual evidence. In this market, high salaries are not effectively negotiated because a candidate "looks good" or was able to "schmooze" his/her way through an interview. Employers rely on evidence that you will be worth what you are asking. That value begins to build the moment they read your resume.

It is with careful planning and listening, that a candidate can parlay the information presented in the resume, into answers to tough interview questions, and ultimately to evidence of why they should be at the high end of a pay scale.

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© 2001-2006 Sherri Edwards, Resource Maximizer, Seattle WA
http://www.resourcemaximizer.com