The Effective Resume
by Marie King

Focus on What the Employer Wants

Many candidates use their resume to list their job history instead of linking their experience to the requirements of the position that they are applying for. The resume is a marketing document, so you need to present your sikills and abilities in a way that makes you stand out as the best match for the job. What employer wants to know is how you can help him, not how he can aid you.

Answer Four questions:

1. Where have you worked?

2. Why are you interested in the position?

3. What specific skills and qualifications do you have for the job?

4. What accomplishments do you possess that make you an exceptional candidate?

Analyze the job description or advertisement

You should go through the job description of the position and list all the knowledges, skills and abilities requested by the employer. Before you write the resume, jot down the information or accomplishments that address each item, so you know what to include. If there is no job description, focus on what you feel would be relevant to that opening and present any outstanding accomplishments that you have in that field.

What Kind of Problems Does the Employer Need to Solve?

If you can figure out what kind of problems the employer wants to solve, then you can tailor your resume to show that you have come up with similar solutions in the past. Just knowing a field well, can give you an indication of certain dilemmas an industry might face. However; company research and networking will provide you with the most accurate info on the needs of a business.

You must create a resume, which mirrors what the employer wants in the employee that will perform the job, for which you are applying.