The Interviewable Resume

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. Thats how you know you have an interviewable" resume, when it assists in shaping the course of the interview.

The challenge is, How does one create an interviewable" resume, one that isnt boring or sterile? How does one write a resume that motivates the reader to give you a call?

Write with the employer in mind

Cast aside the belief that the resume is about you because it isnt. 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 persons problems?

Though it may be difficult to pin down a companys 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, one that 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 organizations 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 sal! es; inst ead of using ability to effectivelywrite demonstrated ability to effectively; and instead of using reduced costswrite slashed costs.

When your resume doesnt sound" like all the others on the recruiters desk, he or she will take notice. You will be remembered when your resume breaks the monotony of the recruiters day. Guaranteed.

Have a consistent message

Dont try to become all things to all people. If you are a CEO, dont add a statement that indicates that you are willing to be a Business Manager. If you are a Sales Manager, dont 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.