As a career coach, I know that most everyone hates writing resumes.Okay, well maybe 1 percent of the population likes writing a resume.
I’m writing this post to help you take on a MINDSET so you can get the resume done and get on with your job search. Successfully. And hopefully with less struggle when you work on your resume, maybe even a little peace of mind.
Here is a framework to get your resume done/about your frame of mind:
You need a resume to get a job. A resume is a means to an end. It that shows you understand how to communicate in career vocabulary (of your business and role) and that you have delivered results. Your resume needs to show that you have skills and accomplishments!
A resume is a key that fits into the lock and opens the door to interviews, conversations and connections. It is a screening tool.
You are not your resume. Think of the resume as documentation. A history. Your transcript. A glimpse into your work “path”. Keep it simple. Keep it focused.
You are more interesting than your resume. So, stop trying to make the resume interesting! Think of it from a practical perspective. Use it to get in the door. Use your cover letter and your connections to communicate your personality and add depth to your work stories.
Your resume is only one piece of your job search collateral. You are more than your resume. You have other (great, interesting, creative) ways to show employers who you are and what you offer.
Use your cover letter to communicate your personality. Let the cover letter be the place where you add spirit and texture and interest to your job history. Convey your enthusiasm. Talk about your commitment and how you work with others. In the cover letter, not in the resume.
Use your ability to reach out, network, research and set up informational interviews to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm and to show you know how to get in front of people and communicate with skill, smarts and relevance.
Use your time to research and focus on the best job fit, learning about career vocabulary and the skills and projects that are best emphasized in your outreach and job search collateral. Work on knowing your audience and talking their talk.
Your resume is a project. Be patient and give it time!You know the conventional wisdom. A resume should be targeted to a specific job. No one gets a resume done in an hour. It takes time to focus it in, use the same language as the employer, distill and cull out key qualifications and accomplishments. The simplest things take time to hone and sharpen. Be patient as you hone your resume.
Your resume is as much what it doesn’t say as what it does say. If employers spend an average of seven seconds scanning a resume, then scan yours and notice what stands out. Layout and format, bold and bullets, white space and columns. Format is equally as important as content.
Your resume will not be perfect. Good enough means effective. At getting people’s attention. At getting through the screen. At getting in the door. At demonstrating that you have key skills and solid results.
Don’t let perfect (or interesting) be the enemy of good. Get on with getting it done! and get in the door!