3 Signs Your Resume Isn't Working

3 Signs Your Resume Isn't Working

November 20, 2014
By Anish Majumdar, Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

You've gathered job postings and started submitting...where are the interviews? While in the past a candidate could get away with simply listing the last few jobs they've held and elaborating during a job interview, this is no longer the case. In today's highly competitive marketplace, the stage for a successful interview must be set within the resume. If it's not, your job search will most likely run up against the following hurdles.

1. The silent phone.

There are few things more frightening to a job seeker than the phone that just won't ring. Bills are piling up, savings are evaporating, jobs are being applied for, yet nothing comes of it. What's the problem? Ninety nine percent of the time, it boils down to ineffective targeting. Don't make the mistake of trying to create a one-size-fits-all resume. Instead, target one to two closely related job types and tailor your resume accordingly. This approach helps establish your suitability for the job and provides detailed information to a recruiter or hiring agent when they're deciding who to call in for an interview.

2. Wrong types of questions during the interview.

So you've finally secured an interview. Only once it starts, all of the questions seem designed to paint you as an unskilled candidate. Why is an interviewer asking you what you achieved at your latest job? Why are they asking overly broad questions such as what your ultimate career goals are? Questions like this are a sure sign of a lack of quantifiable accomplishments in your resume. Take a close look at the last two to three positions you've held and create a "Key Accomplishments" section for each listing successes (in bullets). Include metrics if they're available. These will serve as a series of talking points for an interviewer and set you up for success.

3. Low offers.

A job offer! That's what you've been after, right? Well, if it's unacceptably low or comes with unforeseen strings attached, then the end result might be frustration instead of elation. A major reason for low offers is negative information listed within the resume. Just to be clear, a resume is primarily a marketing document for a candidate. Remove anything that might possibly be construed in a negative light, such as why you were let go from a position, health, or family issues, etc.

Taking the time to either create or have a professional resume writer develop an effective resume for you has consistently demonstrated reduced job search times. Make sure the groundwork is correctly laid before submitting to positions and you're already several steps ahead of the competition. Best of luck!

About the Author

Anish Majumdar is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Owner at www.ResumeOrbit.com. 95% of clients report a significant increase in interviews within 30 days, and all work comes backed by a 100% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee (in writing).

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