Over the years, I have worked with thousands of clients who have diverse backgrounds, career targets, and goals. I truly enjoy gathering and reviewing each client’s initial data, selecting the most appropriate information for the career target, minimizing the distracting jargon, and transforming the document into a stellar job search tool.
For the most part, many of the clients I work with have not had their resume updated for a number of years and many do not realize the art of resume writing and job seeking has changed. Writing style, content, and (formatting) structure have changed along with networking techniques via the launch of LinkedIn, ZoomInfo, VisualCV, FaceBook and other social media avenues.
Today’s modern resume needs to convey to the reader the value you will add to their organization. What does their organization look like now? What will their organization look like with you onboard? In essence, what can you do for them?
For ministry workers / pastoral candidates – Can you promote healing and bring unity to a congregation experiencing unrest? Or, create programs that foster fellowship and meet the needs of an organization? A church congregation may be in need of such skills and that will create interest in you as a candidate.
As a mainstream, Christian job-seeker, it’s results and actions that matter. Draw upon your past experiences and identify your key successes. Have you launched (specific) initiatives that have positioned the company or the department for future growth? Added revenue streams? or Increased sales? The actions you have taken and the corresponding results appeal to hiring managers. Your performance (results) in the past helps them predict future outcomes.
Throughout your career, I’m sure you have performed a lot of tasks and held an array of responsibilities. Hold off on including all of the details. The goal of your resume is to create interest and get your phone to ring (to schedule interviews). To do this effectively, target your communications toward one career goal and the value you offer and then showcase how your unique qualifications (skills, experiences, and personality traits) will benefit your new employer. This will help lead the reader toward the realization that they need to look no further as they have just found “the” candidate they have been seeking.
About the Author:
Tammy Shoup, Executive Director and Head Writer of Breakthrough Résumés, is among a small number of professional résumé writers in the U.S. who has earned the title of Certified Professional Résumé Writer from the Professional Association of Résumé Writers / Career Coaches.
Shoup is also a member of the National Résumé Writers’ Association and Career Directors International. Her activity in both organizations ensures that her knowledge of industry and employment trends remains current. It also indicates her dedication to continuing education in her industry. Her work is published in both JIST and Barron’s career books. Please review Shoup’s information at www.breakthroughrésumés.com or www.tammyshoup.com or inquire directly to Tammy Shoup at awordpro@aol.com
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