Hello! I am Tom Mitchell, Founder and Education Job Coach for Teacher Express.
Your resume speaks for you when you are not in the room. At the time applications are being screened, your resume has only a few seconds to attract the attention and interest of the reviewer(s). And everything that happens next depends upon the impression of your resume - your promise as an applicant - in that moment.
There are thousands of resources available to guide and support every college graduate and applicant if they write their own resume. And, to be honest, most new applicants do write their own resume. You must recognize and appreciate the artful use of text and other elements in a resume. Another HR consultant wrote in a blog recently that you should determine if your resume passes what he called the "10-Second Test." As described in his article, you should ask someone not familiar with your resume to read it for 10 seconds, and then talk about you for 30 seconds. If their description includes what you consider to be your greatest strengths and achievements, then your resume passed the test!
Few of us are pleased with the results of that test, by the way. Ten seconds goes by very quickly. Ten seconds. Was he serious? Yes! Your resume will only be read until the moment a reviewer decides to "use it or lose it." To be honest, if the administrator sees and reads a document that looks and sounds just like the last 20 and contains nothing unique, it's done. Fair or not, the review and the prospect's chances for the job will both end, often before the reader's eyes reach the bottom of Page 1. Sounds cruel, but its the truth.
So, understanding how the game is played, you need to design your resume to impress a reviewer quickly. Place powerful words in prominent positions - top and left - and shout out precisely the skills and achievements you know they will be looking for in an applicant who can help them to achieve THEIR GOALS!
Picture this successful resume template again:
* Powerful words in prominent positions
* Prime real estate: top and left on Page 1
* Exact skills needed for the position
* Recent experience and accomplishments doing that work
* Passionate about their priority goals
When your resume can pass the "10-Second Test," it will indeed be an "eye-catcher." Your resume will spark the idea in a reviewer's mind that this applicant - YOU - could be a great match for the position! If you capture their attention, then they will read your resume with interest, and hopefully, find evidence to support their first impression. If so, "you're in!" Welcome to the inner circle!
Consult other references on the internet to learn more about power words in resumes and suggestions how to describe your skills and accomplishments. And, please be willing and ready to write and re-write your resume several times before you are satisfied with it. And remember, put it to "the test" to be sure.
And, at any time, request that we review your resume. This is one of the professional Services we provide! You will receive feedback and suggestions to produce a resume that attracts attention and leads to interviews.
For more details or to plan your strategy, call the Coach and be sure to purchase your copy of Pathway to Teaching today!