Changing careers can be a luxury or a necessity but it is crucial that one understand the burden we put on the employer.
If we fail to be sensitive to how difficult it is to track our resume we will probably not get called and it can be no simpler than that.
I have seen egos run a muck on this topic when job candidates list everything they possibly can on their resume but arrogantly dismiss the time of the recruiter by refusing to format the resume according to the position they are applying to.
In other words…WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE JOB?
Sorry, didn’t mean to yell but most people have a one size fits all resume and it is a hit or miss affair.
If I see a resume come across my desk that bloviates on every single nitpicking detail the candidate ever experiences but nothing about their suitability for the job they are applying for I can further assume they can’t follow directions, or worse yet…they make everything about them and care little enough about the company to even highlight their relevant experience so I don’t have to guess whether they understand the responsibilities of the job.
Why won’t people take the time to write more than one version of their resume?
Are they so busy that they can’t see the benefit in streamlining the content so an interested hiring manager can contact them?I can’t comprehend the laziness that goes into these shortcuts!Another one of my favorite stunts…
An email…with attachment of resume…no formal cover letter addressed to the individual hiring manager…instead…wait for it…a blind carbon copy to multiple recipients with a vague “to whom it may concern” in the body of the email…this is so the candidate doesn’t lock themselves in to any one particular job…thereby making their cover letter completely non offensive…and completely ineffective.
Laziness is not something you want to draw attention to.
I liken it to a chain letter that goes out to everyone on their address book…a bulletin…no name, no hello, no point of reference.Career changers need to be creative and combine their interests and relevant experience and at the same time take some liberties with their formatting.
A cookie cutter approach will not do so try to highlight measurable achievements, leadership qualities and any responsibilities that translate well into your desired field.One can argue the merits of a career objective statement…but if are a little weak in the experience department why not puff up your “deliverables” and make them rest a little easier?
Every hiring manager will be concerned about the impact a new hire has on their existing team and it may be a year or two before the new hire is completely self sufficient…but at first pass try to dispel that concern by giving examples of how you work well under pressure and skip the statements…give examples instead.
When you can puncture their preconceived notions you will find they may be intrigued by your background and want to contact you to ask you about it. Changing careers written by Ken Bownes
