By Sandra Pesmen —
It’s possible that as a widow, you suddenly need to find a job, or upgrade the one you have for more pay and benefits. In either case, remember that your old resume probably won’t work in today’s world. If you haven’t updated it lately, it probably lacks power and punch and isn’t even suited to the “new workplace” that’s dominated by youth, computer wizards, and the Internet information.
One guide to updating it is the new book, 30-Minute Resume Makeover: Rev Up Your Old Resume in Half an Hour, by Louise Kursmark (Jist Works $9.95).
Kursmark’s most important point is that we used to write resumes that emphasized “What I have done, what I want to do and what I do best.” All that’s changed, she says. Today’s resume must focus on the employer’s perspective, and his/her first question is, “Who are you?”
Kursmark notes that within seconds of glancing at your resume, the employer wants to know who you are, what functions you perform,?what level you achieved in your career, and what areas of the company they can sort you into. “Your job then is to be hit-them-over-the-head-obvious about who you are, beginning with the summary at the very top of your resume,” she writes.
She also advises that while you have been vague and non-specific in your past resume, today you must be clear, specific and sharply focused when presenting that information. The second question an employer asks is, “What can you do for me?” And the best way to show your future value is to show what you’ve done in the past, she explains.
Describe the experiences in which you added value to your company, and also in your life, such as in classroom projects, volunteer activities and non-work-related roles. And these examples must be very specific. Summing up the five resume makeover strategies, Kursmark suggests:
- Fashion a Strong Framework: It’s still one page, but should present clearly organized material readers can skim to find key information.
- Start with a Superlative Summary: Provide a solid, quick-take of capabilities and qualifications.
- Emphasize experience, accomplishments: Present these so readers can see their relevance to the job you want.
- Enhance with Education and “Extras”: Present those extras that enhance your qualifications.
- Proofread and Polish to Perfection
Sandra Pesmen is host of www.Widowslist.com?and author of the syndicated careers column, “Dr. Job.”
