Money Expert

Resume Resurrections

In today’s competitive environment, job hunters are finding it more difficult than ever before to stand out and make a good first impression. Employers now are in situations where numerous candidates would make great hires and even the slightest blemish can be a convenient excuse to rule a prospect out. Accordingly, the resume takes on even greater importance. Here are some important things to remember.

No typos, bad grammar or misspelled words. Employers look for clues about candidates’ professionalism and attention to detail. Don’t derail your chances unnecessarily.

Be a perfect fit. Use the job description for clues about what the employer is looking for and craft your resume to meet every criteria as best as possible.

Speak the language. Particularly if you’re trying to transition to a new field, use the appropriate lingo and buzzwords to demonstrate your understanding of the industry.

Cover up. Keep the resume as brief as possible and use a companion cover letter to make your best pitch. It’s the place to provide specific reasons why you’re a perfect candidate for the job.

Keep references current. Try to use colleagues whom you’ve worked with recently. If possible, touch base with them when you send the resume and coach them on the way you’d like to be positioned.