Tell Me About Yourself: The Importance Of A Well-Done Resume!

Let's face it...today's job market is not what it used to be. Competition is still at an all-time high for any and every job. Previously "undesirable" positions and industries are still seeing huge volumes of potential candidates. Don't be surprised if you find yourself competing against a Master's level or Ph.D. for that entry level position that you thought nobody wanted! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate is hovering right around 9%, but to families who are unable to make ends meet, this number can feel arbitrary and all they really know is that they are struggling. Spending hours on the internet or at job fairs can be a draining process, and it can become harder and harder to present yourself in an upbeat and positive light to potential employers. This is why an organized, professional-looking, and visually sharp resume is so critical. This is the first introduction between yourself and a potential employer, and these first impressions are everything!

If you've ever asked someone else for their help in crafting your resume, you know without a doubt that everyone has opinions on what to include and not to include on a resume. Should you open with some sort of "summary" or "objective" about your skills and experience? Should your resume fit on one page only or is it acceptable to make it 2? Do you need one general resume, and one industry-specific resume with you at all times? How do you write a cover letter? Does anyone read cover letters anymore? The list goes on and on and answers to these questions are still up for debate! The reality is the job seeker needs to make their own worth stand out in a confident way without seeming arrogant or unprofessional. Employers can afford to be extremely choosy so even one small mistake can be the fatal error that earns your resume a one-way trip to the shredder.

"Resume building workshops" are an excellent way to introduce job seekers to the art of resumes. Plus, they are a volunteer opportunity for professionals in the community to give their time. Our next resume workshop is tomorrow, and we have been fortunate enough to have the event sponsored by a local organization as part of their service learning project. This is also an opportunity to gain "match" support as well as cultivating relationships with interested community members who may be able to devote their time on a longer-term basis.

What do you think makes for a great resume that will stand out from the competition??