Write a Resume that Sells
Tags: advice, examples, resume, Tips and Advice
When you apply for a job, your cover letter and resume are the first things that a recruiter, HR person or potential employer sees. Just as if you were trying to sell a product, it’s your job to “sell” yourself to potential employers. Your sales “pitch” should include the following:
1. You are the best choice for this particular job
It’s the job of a good resume to get the attention of the employer. In some cases, sending the same resume to a number of different employers is acceptable. But, to get the best results, tailor your resume to address the particular needs of each job posting. Doing so is the first step in convincing a potential that you are not only a good choice for the job, but the best choice.
First, you have to identify the key qualities required for the job. For example, it might be very important to the employer that the person they hire can speak a foreign language or be able to travel. Or maybe they want someone who has experience with a particular product or service. Once you identify the needs of the employer, you address them directly.
If they are looking for some who speak a foreign language, make sure that is emphasized on your resume and use key words such as, “fluent in Spanish,” “comfortable with conversational French.” If travel is part of the job description, include the fact that you enjoy travel, has a current passport, and have experience when it comes to finding your way to the hotel or a good local restaurant.
2. You can meet the challenges and demands of the job
It might be the case that you will be replacing someone in the company that didn’t move on to another job but was let go or fired.
3. You can solve a particular (or set of particular) problems for the one who hires you.
When an employer posts a job listing, they are first and foremost looking for someone who has solutions to the problems at hand. For example, they want someone who can increase sales of a specific product or someone who can improve the image of their company. Or they might be having trouble with recruiting qualified workers and they are looking for someone to help them hire better workers.
4. You have the education, experience and skills needed for the job.
If you are applying for a teaching position for example, be sure to include a section on your resume about your schooling and degrees earned. If the job listing mentions that they are looking for someone with extensive experience in a particular area, address that by including not only how many years experience you have but the type of experience you have—give examples and details. Using bullet points works well for this kind of information. If you are applying for a skilled position, mention not only your experience, but your training as well.
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