Job seekers commonly start by tackling their resume. Since they think it is a biographical reflection of their past, they work on it first -- adding in every detail they can think of from the time they graduated. What they end up with is an unfocused document that isn't forward-looking.
Revision Resume suggests your resume creation should be the third step you take, not the first. Let's look at the details:
Step 1: Decide What You Want to Do
OK - so this may seem intuitive, but a large percentage of our clients haven't completed this step prior to contacting us. They want us to start creating a resume, but they aren't sure what kind of role they would like to pursue. Do they want to do the same thing they did before? Try something new? They don't know. They just want a resume reviewed or created.
We always recommend clients take some time to self-reflect first. You can't create a focused resume if you don't know what type of job you are seeking. Think about what you liked in your previous jobs. What didn't you like?
Search for the types of jobs that are available. In many cases you may find a variety of options for a specific field. Try to determine which ones you think would be the best fit for you.
Step 2: Review Job Postings For Those Roles
Got an idea of what you want to do? Now look at job postings for the role. They don't have to be local postings or jobs you would want to apply for. Your goal at this point is to look at a selection of postings that are in the field you desire to learn what skills and qualifications they are looking for. Evaluate keywords that come up repeatedly in multiple postings. This will help guide you as to what is important to include in your resume.
Step 3: THEN Create Your Resume to Use for Your Job Search
Now that you know what you want to do and what hiring managers are looking for in that type of role, you are ready to start working on your resume. You can create a document that focuses on showcasing how you have the skills and qualifications the hiring team is seeking. When you write the bullets for your work experience, you will aim to show what you have done that is relevant to the new job you desire. The skills, headline and executive summary will all be aimed to demonstrate you are prepared to be successful in the new position.
What's the first thing you think of when you consider a job search? If it is a resume, think again. Start by doing some self-reflection so you know where you want to go! Don't just sit down and create a resume without taking this important step.
Need help? Revision Resume offers job seekers assistance with their resumes by offering both creation and critique services. Reach out today by emailing us at info@revisionresume.com ,or filling out our contact us form online.
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