Resumes for Idiots

"There is no security in having a job. Your security lies in knowing how to work the job market."
-Susan Ireland

Susan Ireland spoke to members of Marin Professionals at the general meeting on April 8, 1998. Susan is the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Resume, The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Cover Letter, and The CD-ROM Resumes That Work.

Susan's primary principles for writing an effective resume: A resume is all about your future, it is not an historic document. Bring to the reader what you want. Stress your skills and accomplishments. Think of yourself as a painter, painting a word picture of the next job. Your four tools are:

• experience
• skills
• personality
• passions.

Pick any, or all of those tools.

It is okay not to disclose every experience. Use only those skills that are transferable to the job being applied for. Focus on achievement statements. One-line achievement and job description statements are most effective. Prepare your resume the way you initiate salary negotiations, by telling the prospective employer to invest in you. By looking focused, you look valuable.

Do not lie. Anxiety of lying will undermine your confidence in an interview. Even if you get the job, it will trip you up down the road. It can get you fired too. If you do not have a required degree, but believe you can do the job, sell you strength.

Ms. Ireland advised us to create a resume that looks quick and is easy to read. It is better to create a two-page resume, that is easily readable, then a one-page resume that is too crammed. If you do use two-pages, remember to put your name on the second page. Do not staple the pages.

Susan discussed the chronological and the functional resumes. She pointed out that the chronological resume is good if a long working history contributed to the build up of your strengths. If you are in transition, making career changes, or have gaps in your employment, she suggested using the functional resume.