Preparing Resumes

Your job search process will involve many forms of communication, but the centerpiece of this effort is a well-written resume. In fact, your success in finding a job may well depend on how carefully you plan, write, and complete your resume. Some job searchers are intimidated by the prospect of writing a resume, but your resume is really just another specialized business. Follow the three-step writing process, and it'll be easier than you thought.

Three-Step writing process for Resumes.

Writing your resume doesn't need to be a long, painful experience if you follow the three-step writing process. Pay particular attention to the "you" attitude and presentation quality; your resume will probably get tossed aside if it doesn't speak to audience needs or if it has mistakes.

Plan

-Analyze the situation: Recognize that the purpose of your resume is to get an interview,not to get a job.

-Gather information: Research target industries and companies so that you know what they are looking for in new hires; learn about various jobs and what to expect; learn about the hiring manager, if possible.

-Select the right medium: Start with a traditional paper resume and develop scannable, electronic plain text, HTML, or PDF versions as needed.

-Organization the information: Choose an organizational model that highlights your strengths and downplays your shortcomings; use the chronological approach unless you have a strong reason not to.

Write

-Adapt to your audience: Plan your wording carefully so that yo can catch a recruiter's eye within seconds; translate your education and experience into attributes that target employers find valuable.

-Compose the message: Write clearly and succinctly, using active, powerful language that is appropriate to the industries and companies you're targeting; use a professional tone in all communications, even when using e-mail.

Complete

-Revise the message: Evaluate content and review read-ability, then edit and rewrite for conciseness and clarity.

-Produce the message: Use effective design elements and suitable layout for a clean, professional appearance, seamlessly combine text and graphical elements.

-Proofread the message:  Review for errors in layout, spelling, and mechanics; mistakes can cost you interview opportunities.

-Distribute the message: Deliver your resume following the specific instructions of each employer or job board website.

Business communication today 9th edition

Bovee & Thill