Is Your Resume Holding You Back -

Is Your Resume Holding You Back - If youve been looking for a job for a while, and you know that you are qualified, but no one is calling (on any of your phones!) What should you do? I speak to potential clients who fit this category regularly. Clients suggest many possible scapegoats as to why the phone isnt ringing: Age discrimination. My experience doesnt exactly match their needs. No one will give me a chance to prove myself. Im trying to transition from non-profit to for-profit and they just dont want me. They look at my previous industry and discriminate against me because they dont like (fill in the blank). I would never tell potential clients that these factors have NOTHING to do with their hunt or that it is easy to overcome these possible roadblocks. However, when I review resumes from these job seekers, I usually identify fatal resume flaws that have nothing to do with age, experience or industry. Many times, it is clear to me that these job seekers are approaching their searches with resumes that are doing them more harm than good. Some examples: Age Discrimination. Many resumes appear old-fashioned and outdated. They include information that isnt necessary (such as date of birth), but  Ã‚  omit key resume details (such as dates of employment). If the job seeker is experienced (read: older), an outdated looking resume only puts a spotlight on  a factor that might be considered a drawback. Lack of experience. Job seekers who dont have direct experience in their field of choice make mistakes when they dont attempt to address the needed skills and stick to a basic this is the stuff I did resume. Listing stuff isnt going to cut it when youre reaching for a job. Focus on those transferable skills. Look at your soft skills. Figure out what you have to offer and highlight it for the reader. Transitioning. Consider how you describe your past experiences. If you are moving to a for-profit, use language that appeals to that  employer.  Always write for your target. I recently worked with a client to re-write a non-profit sounding job description using for-profit language. She landed an interview  within 24 hours of sending the resume.   If you are applying for a job in France, youd write your resume in French. Similarly, be sure to use lingo and descriptions that will make sense to the reader. Dont expect them to translate it! Industry Discrimination. Ive worked with  clients who believe their current industry isnt an asset in moving to a new field. For example, a chiropractor who wants to work in accounting. It is easy to write a resume that makes accounting skills and experience the first thing employers will read. Ive seen many resumes of job hunters who highlight the very information they think detracts from their candidacy! So, if your phone isnt ringing, dont start assigning blame and throwing up your hands  until you take a good, long look at your resume. You may be surprised at what you DO control in your job hunt. If you want to receive free up-to-date tips to help with your job hunt, Click here to subscribe to receive future blogs sent directly to you via email! Prefer to subscribe in a reader? Click here for a linkto receive Keppie Careers feed sent to the reader of your choice. Cant figure out how to optimize your resume with key words? Need a great resume? Career search advice? Mock interview? Visit Keppie Careers online for information about our services: www.keppiecareers.com. photo by friendly123