Resume writing is something I took seriously when I was just looking to join the workforce. For one, I didn’t want to end up in a job that I didn’t like. Two, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do back then. If anything, a person’s resume can actually become the ticket to finding the perfect job.
Ever wondered what employers look for when scouting for talent online? Here’s my informal take.
Skills. Skills. Skills.
Employers already know you’re proficient badass in MS Office, but you have to ask yourself, is this ever enough? One thing you can do is build your identity online. Just blab about the stuff you do everyday. Before you know it, you can start adding HTML and Photoshop to your resume. If you’re still in school, then you’ve got plenty of time. Stop playing DOTA and start experimenting!
Work Samples ONLINE
Until now, applicants still stuff their resume with research papers they did and orgs they joined in college. You’ll be surprised to know that employers usually skip all that and look for actual samples of your work. If you were able to accomplish something that you’re proud of, document all of it online and provide a prominent link on your resume. If you do this right, 8 times out of 10, you will get that call.
Get rid of the BS
Never feel insecure when you see your peers submitting 5-page resumes. If you can fit everything on a single page, employers will appreciate you more. If you think all of your “skillz” are worth noting, just make a condensed version and put your comprehensive resume online. Your skills will get you where you want to be. .
Magis
Look to do more. When you’ve been shortlisted for a job opening, employers usually go the extra mile and ask you to submit some sort action plan. Why? Because you can never judge a person’s work ethic through an interview. Employers need to take a peek into your thought process (naks, I’m pretending I know what that means).
For example, if you’re asked to submit a marketing plan, go the extra mile and create visuals to support your plans. Anything done to this extent can show your employer that you really really really want the job. Don’t sleep if you have to. You’ll feel a million times better once you get that handshake of approval.
On that note, please click on this link if you’re looking for a career in Internet Marketing.
Hey Alvin.
Nice article! Very informative.
porke’t may website resume si camz, o. yabang.
but yes, i agree with this post a lot, especially on the one-page part ;p
lol.
dapat employee requirement ang blog in our company
That’s true! The ‘work samples’ part may vary from profession to profession, but if the field heavily relies on this (e.g., writing, or design) then this is very important.
Also, I’d like to add:
– Grad pictures are out. Actually, pictures in general. They’re for biodatas, not for resumes.
– When sending out resumes, sanitize your online identity, especially your MySpace/Facebook/Friendster accounts.
– If you’re sending out your resumes electronically, give it a descriptive filename. Don’t go for “myresume.doc.” Less chances of it getting lost.
– Don’t overdesign your resume. Some people actually go for full-color glossy prints — eugh!
[...] the importance of avoiding careless errors in an ironically flippant manner, while Alvin says that proving your skill set is the way to [...]