In the previous issue, we learnt about the objective of a resume, and who are the readers and what their objectives are.

Moving on, there should be one question candidates should be asking themselves before setting out to draft the resume, “what is the purpose”. Unfortunately, many set about their task in hand with getting the job in mind. This is not quiet the truth.

The whole point of having a resume is not about getting the job, but to get an interview! A resume works in a way of persuading the readers to grant candidates an interview, a preliminary round, if you may.

What should the resume persuade the readers, is the interviewers about the owner? It should sell the candidates capability through the list of skills, education and experience. It should relate the sense of responsibility on the candidates’ part, namely his or trustworthiness.

Answers…answers.

The readers, once they have the resumes opened in front of their respective questions, are assaulted with many questions and these should be anticipated by candidates. This will make understanding much easier, thanks to the adequate information that will smoothen over the rough edges of clarity.

Typical questions that can be anticipated would be the following

1. Do you have the required knowledge, skills?
2. Do you have experience in this or similar jobs?
3. What responsibilities have you been given or taken on your own initiative?
4. Do your interest show that you are a pleasant- compatible employee?
5. How can I get more information about you?

In filling out the expectations, do gaze over one more time on the job advertisements and identify the key words that will help with drafting out of your keywords. If the employers seek certain qualities that relate to your own personality, then those are the very particulars that should go into your resume and those keywords would be easily snapped up by your potential interviewer.

Organising materials

Typically a resume would be organized in following manner:
Objective- What you want to do? What is the path that you have set out for yourself.
Interest – Are you compatible and pleasant? What is the drive that makes the person that you are?
Work Experience – Do you have the relevant experience? Your journey thus far?
Education – Do you have the knowledge and skills? Are you in midst of making yourself with valuable skills?
References – Do you have people to speak for you? Can they vouch for your character and experience?

Naturally the answers should correspond to the questions you have in your mind that you believe will be directed to you.

For example, as far as the objective is concerned, you should inform that you have a sense of direction, insider knowledge of where you are heading and that career is exactly the goal or the pathway you have chosen.

That taken care of, the rest comes easy and falls into place, whether it’s the education and training you have or the working experience that will push you towards the goal or the objective you have drawn out.

Well, that’s all for this month. Keep an eye out for this space, we have more to add as we move on. Also, JobsDB Malaysia will be conducting a series resume workshops and do contact us if you want more detail. You can contact 03-2161 0000 and speak to anyone in the marketing department or write to the editor at rakeshkumar@jobsdb.com.my

Have fun with your resume. Till next month, keep Finding Your Voice.

(Source: Jobsdb Malaysia)