How to Prepare Your Resume for Job Interviews

What is a Resume?

• A Resume is a snapshot of a person's background,achievements,interests,and  track record for a specific employment search.The Resume is typically the first item that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is typically used  to screen applicants,followed by subsequent selection processes.

• Your resume is like portrait.Certain features which enhance your looks can be added (genuine ones though!) but supporting evidence is required.

• In some regions of the world,the term " resume" is used interchangeably with curriculum vitae(CV) while in other places,the two terms refer to very different documents.A Resume is a standard inclusion with any job or internship application.

• As a general rule, a resume is only one page long,although special circumstances may call for an additional page.

What is the purpose of a Resume?

• The term 'Curriculum Vitae'(CV) is derived from latin and translated means "the way your life has run".In simple terms,a CV is a personal statement outlining your life from an educational and professional point of view.

• The idea of a CV is to get you an interview i.e., your foot in the door,not to get you the job.Your CV should reflect your occupational and educational life and be relevant to the position you are applying for.Think of it as a personal marketing platform to sell yourself to a prospective employer.

Implications of a well written resume:

• A Good resume projects you as a person of some standards with good writing skills.A great resume is a marketing brochure.

• This resume highlights the scope and depth of your knowledge.It describes the skills you have developed till date that relates to your employer's needs.A great resume communicates a compelling reason for the prospective employer to need and want  your services.It is nothing but a self-advertisement.It doesn't just tell the potential employer about you but also makes the same assertion that all good ads do.

• IF you buy this product,you will get these specific,direct benefits.Similarly,if you hire me,you will get these objectives fulfilled.

• While preparing your resume,bear in mind that potential employers will only spend a mere 30-60 seconds reading your life history.So, it is essential that it captures the interest of the recruiter within the 30 seconds in which he needs to understand you and view you as a potential for his company. Remember,1 resume gets selected out of 10 resumes and That 1 should be yours. Pay attention to the content,format and structure.Otherwise,your resume will find the trash bin! :( Initial Screeners do not segregate resumes based on details.They merely go by the key words - so choose them carefully.