Resumes have only one purpose
We were working to fill a VP Operations position. A candidate we had known for a few years was out of work and we believed he was a good fit for the position. While we were talking on the phone, the candidate mentioned the VP Operations position had been open for a while and he had submitted his resume but never heard back. We explained the company had tried filling the position, but was unsuccessful, so they decided to retain us to conduct the search.
When we met with the hiring manager we mentioned the candidate’s name. The hiring manager pulled out a file from the drawer and sure enough there was the candidate’s resume. It became clear why the hiring manager hadn’t gotten back to him. The resume was generic and very general. It did not address any of the specifics of the job. We worked with the candidate and developed a resume that highlighted his accomplishments that tied directly to the position. It was easy to get him the interview, now that the hiring manager could see how well he fit the needs of the job.
He ultimately was offered the position and accepted. Had he taken the time to revise his resume the first time, he would have been successful.
Remember, always align your resume as closely as possible to the accomplishments the company is looking for. A specific resume, for a specific job, with specific accomplishments, that are directly linked to the needs of the position will always beat out a generic resume.
We have extensive resources available to you that will help you with your resume. Our audio library has a one hour free audio file “Why Traditional Resumes Are Worthless.” We also have numerous articles on the homepage of the career blog that discuss in great depth how to get your resume noticed.
Right now you can also get Complete Resume System for $39.95 plus shipping. Others charge up to $250 and The Ladders can charge up to $700. Our comprehensive job search workbook is also available to review for just the cost of $5 shipping and our complete home study course can be reviewed for just $14.95 plus shipping. These tools have extensive information on resumes, templates to develop an effective resume, examples of what a winning resume looks like, four resumes that didn’t get noticed and why they missed the mark, and resume do’s and don’ts, just to name a few tools available. All for less than many will spend at Starbuck’s in a week.
Tags: FREE Job Search Audio, Resume, Resume Mistakes, Resume Writing
Resume | bradremillard August 26, 2009
About the Author
Brad Remillard is a founding Partner of IMPACT Hiring Solutions, co-author of "You're NOT the Person I Hired", and "This is NOT the Position I Accepted". Brad is an award-winning international speaker, retained executive recruiter, and expert on hiring and retaining top talent, and executive job search.
