I know there are a million articles out there with resume tips, how to, why to, don’t do, etc.  Well, now you can make it a million and one, but I’m going to approach the resume from a different angle.  First, I’m going to assume that since you have read the other million or so articles on resumes and resume writing that you already know how to write a resume.  Secondly I am going to assume that you may even have an old resume lying around that you haven’t looked at in some time.  So go, quickly dig it up then return back to this blog post.

Have you got the resume now?  No?  Okay well go ahead, seriously, I’ll wait.

Okay now you have it right?

Critique Your Work

If you look at your resume, read it objectively.  Ask yourself these questions:

1.) What is this person’s career?  Believe it or not, some resumes do not answer this simple question.
2.) What is this person trying to do with their career?  Are they starting out?  A seasoned pro looking to get to the next level?  Changing careers?
3.) Does this person have any qualities that I would find valuable as a recruiter in their given career field?
4.) Would I want to meet this person and dedicate an irreplaceable hour or two of my day speaking with them over someone else?
5.) Is this resume easy to read?
6.) Is this resume to the point?
7.) Is this resume boring?
8.) Can I read this resume in 10 seconds or less?  (note: human resources recruiters generally do not have an attention span beyond the what would be required to read this sentence alone.  Be forewarned.)

Upon answering those 8 little questions, assuming you have been satisfied with those answers, here’s two tips to keep your resume current at all times so that you don’t leave highlights out and so that you can continue to demonstrably grow as a professional.

Update Your Resume

It’s January so use that as an excuse to write a comprehensive (that means all-inclusive) resume that is up to date.  Be sure and give at least a 10-year work history, references, professional licenses, etc.  Now take that same resume and condense it to not more than one page, using lots of easy quick reading bullet points that are exciting and stimulating.  This requires trimming everything but your greatest accomplishments and credentials out.  

The purpose of the condensed resume is to intrigue the reader.  It’s like an introduction, a “Hi, I’m Bob” if you will.  It is meant to get you an interview.  Nobody likes that guy who tells you their life story upon first introductions and resumes are no different.  If it’s too long, it goes in the garbage.  The condensed resume is the one you use on Monsterboard.com unless otherwise specified.

The purpose of the comprehensive resume is if the recruiter asks for additional information or to take to the interview and provide the recruiter with upon getting an interview.  At this point they want to know your life story (sort of) and have given you an opening to hit them with everything you’ve got to offer.  

Use Your Resume to Set Realistic and Definable Goals

Now, write a comprehensive and then a condensed resume for January 2009, include all of your goals for this year and then look at how they appear once placed down on cold hard paper.  Note on your condensed resume, did your goals enhance or detract from the original?  Did your goals even make the condensed resume?  I’ll give you a hint, it should enhance the original and it had better make the condensed resume cut otherwise you need to reevaluate your goals.  Besides, once you see what your accomplishments will look like in 2009, you will be more motivated to see 2008 through to completion.  And during the interim, you will have a current, up to date resume without having to do years of backtracking and hard thinking to remember what you’ve done with yourself all these years.

Well, that’s about it for now.