Berks & Beyond Blog

Q:  What do Donald Trump’s hair and your dusty old paper resume have in common?
A:  They could both use an update.
The way employers use resumes has dramatically changed over the last decade.  So should your resume writing and distribution strategy.  If you want to stay ahead of your competition, use these quick tips to leverage technology and create a 21st century resume:
Update your tone.
Take a confident, assertive stance when writing about your skills and experience.  Use powerful action vocabulary (focus on measurable results) to market yourself as a strong candidate.  Show how your achievements and skills will meet the company’s needs and solve their problems.
Customize your resume for each job opportunity.
Make the employer’s selection process easier by including key words or phrases that relate to the opening.  If your resume has more matches than someone else’s, yours moves to the top of the stack.
Create two versions of your resume.
Create a regular one to print and hand out or e-mail to anyone.  Then, create a stripped-down version that can be easily customized (with relevant keywords) and uploaded to job boards and/or recruiters.
Watch your formatting.
While a plain text format is universally acceptable, it doesn’t allow for much in the way of organizing your work.  You can use a rich text format, but avoid using fancy text enhancements (multiple fonts, bold, italics, etc.).  Use size changes to emphasize headings.
Only include relevant work experience.
Don’t dilute your application with details of previous work experience.  Instead, highlight work experience which proves your suitability for the available position.  Underneath, you can detail previous employers and dates worked.
Skip the cliches.
Employers expect you to be a “self-starter” and “team player.”  So skip these and focus on the aspects of your personality that would most appeal to the potential employer.  For example, a salesperson could be a well-connected and patient relationship builder.
Make your resume flexible.
As a 21st century job seeker, you need to organize the info in your resume based upon the available job and company needs. So don’t worry about starting out with Career Objective and following up with Education.  Instead, begin with the aspects of your experience and achievements that exemplify the attributes the company is looking for.
Do your homework.
Before uploading any resume, do a little online research to find out more about the company and its key employees (LinkedIn is a great place to start).  Find out if there are any connections you can leverage to get you to the next stage.
Link to your web presence.
If you have a LinkedIn profile, professional blog or professionally-oriented Twitter account, add these links to your resume.  This demonstrates that you’re up-to-date with new social media and professionally active even outside your current job.

Even if your current resume is stuck in the Dark Ages,  Berks & Beyond can help you get started on the road to employment today.

Berks County Economic Indicators for June 2009

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Reading Metropolitan Statistical Area has been hit harder by the recession than other areas in PA. To see how our area stacks up against the state and the nation, follow this link to Selected BLS Economic Indicators updated June 22, 2009.

The news is definitely tough to hear. But like I mentioned in my earlier post, “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Use Staffing,” our services can help you weather these tough economic times.

Want to know more? Contact us and a Berks and Beyond staffing professional will show you how our services can save you money, reduce your employment risks, and keep your business lean and flexible.