Is Your Resume Flying First or Second Class?

Back in January, 2008 I wrote about creating a resume. Go ahead and read it, I think it will have value as you read through this post. Really, go ahead, I'll wait...

For those of you who already read the post way back when and don't need to read it again (are you sure you remember everything??) I would suggest you watch my favorite video, The Fact Checker, while we wait for the others to get back. Let's say  we meet back here in five minutes.

-tick-tock-

Okay, thanks for coming back. There are some additional points I want to make about your resume.

First, don't let it look like a second class resume. Your resume has every reason, at least as far as formatting goes, to look like one of the best resume out there. Go find some resumes, (trust me, they are all over the internet) and look them over. What makes the best look like the best? Do you like the format, the choice of words, the order of things, etc. Take what you like and, so long as it isn't something completely inappropriate or unlike you (guys, no pink hearts for bullets unless it really, really fits your style) do it to your resume. Personalize it so it is truly your work, no plagiarism please, and move on.

My second point comes from the most often asked question I get - should you put it online... let me think about this for a second - you are a PR Student (for those not in this degree program I bet what I am about to say will still apply) who is supposed to be experienced in all forms of tactical communication. Would you ever tell a client they shouldn't have an online presence? Do you have a facebook page? Nuff said?? For those of you who are just a bit scared to do this, don't be. Tons of tools out there, blogs, ning sites and my new favorite tool, Visual CV. In the interest of full disclosure, I haven't yet created my own, but it will be coming soon. Am I looking for a job? Nope, have enough of those for the moment, but it never hurts to be prepared. If you have created a Visual CV, send me a link, I would love to see it.

Third point is to strategically forwarding your resume to everyone you know who might think you would make a good candidate for any position they are aware of. Make it easy for these people to pitch you as a possibility for your next job. Case in point - I was at a press conference last week and in conversation with the person in charge of hiring for the Tulsa communications division and she asked if I had anyone I could recommend for some future positions. Sure, I have tons. Do I have their resumes? Nope, not a one. Do I know of anyone looking for a position... maybe, not too sure. No concrete conversations that I can remember and I definitely don't have any e-mails asking for my support.

Last point and off topic just a bit. Regarding your portfolio - For every writing/creative sample you give, give them the background of the effort - walk them through how you got to the final product. Having been on the other side of the desk I can assure you the more insight you give about how you work (or your mind works) the better. Your future employer, most of all, wants someone who can fix things for them or their client, someone who can think though any challenge and offer a rational solutions. Giving background information on your portfolio samples will show your mental process of doing just that.

Comments

[Teresa Lindsay]

I signed up on Visual CV and it took me about a week until I had everything figured out. I think their web site caters more towards the higher end Professionals and not so much to the mid level management. Therefor I tried www.mayomann.com and it worked better and I got a job shortly after.

but thanks for the great tip.

cheers

T

[Matt Williamson]

http://www.visualcv.com/mattw

[Hailey Harroun]

I checked out the VisualCV link and it looks super cool! I'm taking web design right now and we are designing "portfolio sites" for potential employers and I was wondering if I can link a Visual CV onto my site. Do you know if that would work?

[Natalie Lee Wright]

Hey it's great that you have this web site. I've been reading it. It's like having a continued education with Bill Handy. Wonderful.