Resume Writing for the New Millennium
In the current job market, managers receive dozens of resumes. They do not have time to
read lengthy listings of skills and complete life histories. For them, "less is more." Here
are some tips on creating the most effective resumes:
Know the goal: The goal of your resume should be to motivate employers to call you
in for an interview.
Then during your interview, you can discuss your background in as much detail as the
employer desires.
There are pros and cons to placing a career objective at the top of your resume. For
example, a career objective statement clearly and unambiguously tells potential employers what you
are looking for; on the other hand, it limits your flexibility by locking you into a specific
position. After you visit a Career One-Stop Center or attended a DOL Employment or Service
equivalent employment workshop, you will be able to decide what is best for you.
If you decide not to write an objective, consider using a three- to five-line summary of
qualifications that concentrates on the skills and past experience you have that the employer
wants. This summary can show an employer your efforts to assess your background and match it
as closely as possible to his or her needs. "Targeting" your resume to the employer's current
needs will increase your rate of success in getting an interview. A "one-size-fits-all" resume
will not work in today's job market
-
Focus on skills: Employers are more interested in what you
can do, not what you want to do. Today's resume emphasizes skills, allowing the
employer to compare your skills to those required for the job. (Remember, volunteering is
considered real work experience, so don't forget to include appropriate volunteer work when
preparing your resume.) Writing a skills-oriented resume is easier after you have completed your
skills assessment.
-
Don't fuss over format: Don't get hung up on which type of resume to use; most
employers appreciate a job history that tells them what you did and when. You should also
state your accomplishments. Again, performing a skills assessment will help you do this.
-
Create a "scan-able" resume: More and more, companies are scanning—rather than
reading—resumes, especially if they get a great number of them. There are many books available
to help you design a "scan-able" resume. Research the company. Use their language where
you can.
There is no "perfect" resume, but you have to feel comfortable with the format you choose and
be familiar with what you have written. The employer will use your resume as the basis for
asking detailed questions during your interview.
Create a one-minute verbal resume that quickly highlights your experience and skills. Then,
practice delivering your one-minute resume aloud until you’re comfortable. This will give you
the confidence to answer the “Tell me something about yourself…” interview question.
Date Last Reviewed: June 29, 2009
Skip to content
