The "Interviewable" Resume

by Linda Matias of www.careerstrides.com

Rumor has it that the only word William Shakespeare wrote on his resume was "Available." We’ll probably never know if that is true. But it raises an interesting question. How much information is too much and how much is too little when dealing with resume copy?

The resume is a vital piece to any job search. As companies scramble to find the ideal candidate, they use the resume to screen candidates. Done right, a resume builds an instant connection with the reader and helps steer the course of the interview in your favor. If you submit a resume that piques the curiosity of the reader, he or she most likely will ask questions based on the information you provided on the resume as opposed to relying on a pre-packaged questionnaire. That’s how you know you have an "interviewable" resume, when it assists in shaping the course of the interview.

The challenge is, "How do I create an "interviewable" resume--one that isn’t boring or sterile? How do I write a resume that motivates the reader to give me a call?"

Write with the employer in mind

Cast aside the belief that the resume is about you--because it isn’t. Though the resume is your "story," the heart of it should focus on the needs of the employer. When developing your resume give thought to the person who will be reading it. What are his or her immediate concerns? How will you be able to solve that person’s problems?

Though it may be difficult to pin down a company’s immediate concerns before an interview, the reality is that organizations recruit candidates for one of the following reasons: they need to replace an unproductive employee, a peak performer was promoted or left, or a new position has been created. A recruiter usually searches for a candidate who will produce certain results, is a skilled communicator, and has a strong work ethic. If you are able to target your resume toward these key areas, you will--without a doubt--tap into the organization’s concerns.

Choose your phrases carefully

Sentence starters and appropriate use of action words all determine whether the resume is "interviewable." Instead of using predictable phrases, think of ways to add punch to your resume. For example:

• Instead of using increased sales by 250% ... write delivered a 250% increase in sales ...
• Instead of using ability to effectively ... write demonstrated ability to effectively ...
• Instead of using reduced costs ... write slashed costs.

When your resume doesn’t "sound" like all the others on the recruiter’s desk, he or she will take notice. You will be remembered when your resume breaks the monotony of the recruiter’s day. Guaranteed.

Have a consistent message

Don’t try to become all things to all people. If you are a CEO, don’t add a statement that indicates that you are willing to be a Business Manger. If you are a Sales Manager, don’t indicate that you are willing to take on a position as a Customer Service Representative. Get the picture? Determine what you are selling (and looking for) before you put one word to paper.

Determine your major selling points

Though you may share the same job title with many other people, your accomplishments and how you carry out your responsibilities are what distinguishes you from all the other qualified candidates. Focus your resume on not only what you did but also how well you did it. By design, what makes you interviewable is how you market your strengths on paper.

About the author

Certified in all three areas of the job search—Certified Interview Coach ™ (CIC), Job & Career Transition Coach (JCTC), and Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)—Linda Matias is qualified to assist you in your career transition, whether it be a complete career makeover, interview preparation, or resume assistance. She is also the author of "How to Say It: Job Interviews" (Prentice Hall, August 2007). You can contact Linda Matias at linda @ careerstrides.com or visit her Website www.careerstrides.com for additional career advice and to view resume samples.