Resumes - then and now

I have always believed that a resume is a personal advertisement. You are selling yourself to an employer and your resume reflects who you are on paper.

I was recently going through a filing cabinet and came across a folder marked resumes. I read my resume from several years ago, and I noticed two very interesting things. First, our skills, goals and professional self-image change quite a bit more than we may realize. Second, the resume format is significantly different today.

Here's my take on some of the major differences in resumes then and now:

1. Today, you state what you are; not what you aren't. I really didn't recognize some of the ideas presented on my resume; I must have been saying what I thought "they" wanted to hear. Being truthful is the best policy.

2. Today, you should be clear about your objective. There was an air of vague reference as to what I wanted to accomplish. If you include an objective, be specific. Good interviewers will ask you this and you want to be consistent with what is written on your resume.

3. Today, use a quality plain white paper. I guess all that gray resume paper can go to the next yard sale. I must admit white paper does give it a more professional look.

4. Today, you don't include references. My old resume had four references with addresses and telephone numbers. I remember making appointments with my references, asking permission to use them, and following up with a thank-you letter.

5. Today, list job functions and accomplishments relevant to the industry you are seeking employment in. I had listed unrelated jobs and achievements that had no relation to the job I was seeking. Developing a clear and pertinent picture of my background was difficult.

6. Today, resumes are prepared on computers. I remember typing my resume on an electric typewriter, with correction tape. Computers allow you to tailor your resume for a specific position. While the format of resumes has changed, the basic purpose is still the same - to get an interview. You must put a concerted effort into producing a one- or two-page document that will accomplish that purpose. If you haven't updated your resume in several years, seriously consider updating your thinking first.

Tom Whitley and the staff of Management Recruiters of Kannapolis, specialize in recruiting information systems, telecommunications, and networking professionals at both the technical and managerial levels. If you are interested in discussing career opportunities, if you need assistance with your recruiting efforts, or if you have comments about the Career Advisor contact Tom at tomwhitley@ctc.net.

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