Career Reinvention &
Personal Brand Strategist

What is the purpose of a resume?

November 20, 2006
By: Randi Bussin-Career Coach, Personal Branding Specialist

When coaching clients on resume development, I often have to remind them of the purpose of the resume. The goal of writing a resume is to land an interview-nothing more, nothing less. It is NOT to find a job! While finding a job might be your goal, the purpose of sending your resume is to entice the recruiter/hiring manager to call you in for an interview. The resume is how you initiate the process.

Once you land an interview, you can use the interview itself to expand on details in your resume and professional background, as well as highlight how you can add value to the employer's organization. Here are a few tips for resume writing that might help you focus more clearly on why you are sending the resume and what its goal is:

• Read the employer's job description first-be familiar with the skills and competencies they desire.
• Only include data in your executive profile and professional experience sections that are relevant to what the employer is seeking.
• Do not make your resume an autobiographical sketch of your past life-if the employer wants more details on a point, they will ask you.

©2012, Randi Bussin, Aspire!

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess/weblog/8

View the Aspire! Media Kit

Like this Post? Sign up to receive future blog posts. Click here.
 

Related Articles Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself