What Is The Purpose Of A Job Resume?

A resume not only summarizes your experience, abilities and skills, but it is also a powerful marketing tool. Along with a job application and cover letter, a resume is part of a total marketing package that gives employers a glimpse of who you are and how you'll contribute to an organization. Count on a professional and polished resume to help you get an interview over other applicants and ultimately land you the job you want.

Background

In the past, a properly filled-out job application often helped applicants get a job. For more professional positions, a basic chronological resume was usually required. The digital age and self-publishing have changed resumes forever, however.

Writing and developing a resume is a modern day task not for the faint of heart, according to the "Job Search Handbook." Furthermore, stiff competition and changing economic times continue to push applicants to new levels when it comes to developing resumes as marketing tools. Some resumes are as slick as brochures published by advertising agencies and printing companies.

Summarizing

A resume presents a summary of your work attributes. Remember, when you're preparing or revising your resume, it should make a positive impression on a prospective employer or client. Before typing anything, spend some time thinking about all of your abilities and marketable skills to include in your resume. Spend time brainstorming before writing, then follow a writing process to develop a professional-looking and meaningful resume, according to the Department of Labor.

Screening

Employers often use resumes as a screening tool. This usually means your resume, application and cover letter first go to a human resources department where they are collected with many others and sorted by some basic criteria, according to the "Job Search Handbook."

Sometimes, applicants are dismissed if they didn't also fill out their applications properly; however, some applications are discarded if they aren't accompanied with a resume depending on the organization's protocol.Thus, it's important to learn the application protocol for each organization you're interested in.

No matter where you apply, draft and revise your resume carefully. Resume typos and other errors aren't impressive and many employers will discard resumes based on sloppiness and incomplete information.

Content and Formatting

Many organizations now screen applicants with computerized programs. Resumes are dumped into a large database where they are sorted based on keywords. Even if you have an outstanding resume, you might be overlooked if you've left out desired keywords. Word choice is important beyond successful use of keywords, according to the "Job Search Handbook."

For instance, using a variety of smart action words or verbs to describe skills will better your chances of getting noticed. If your resume makes it through database keyword searches, most HR personnel and managers then quickly review resumes. Only those resumes that stand out are selected for formal review; however, resumes that are too flashy or full of fluff are often discarded.

Marketing

Remember that a resume is your ultimate marketing tool, according to the Department of Labor. The goal for any applicant is to have an interview and get the job. Upload your resume to job search databases online. Include keywords related to the industry or job you're most interested.

Other ways to get your resume noticed may include contacting potential employers, networking and asking friends about jobs they know about. Set up informational interviews with various organizations you're interested in. Bring and present your resume and ask questions.