RESUMES: Speed Resumes
Yes, Twitter. The social networking site that limits you to 140 characters.
Of course, this begs the question: “Can you really reduce your resume to 140 characters?”
Such a speed resume would be handy, after all. You could, in theory, send such a speed resume as “tweets” to your followers several times a day.
But is it practical? No. But job seekers can try to send speed resumes to employers as a way of piquing their interest.
If you're interested in experimenting with speed resumes, you might want to take this approach:
Like a letter.
Write your speed resume like a letter and direct it to a specific
person at a specific company. Include your real world and online
addresses, and be sure to include the contact person's name, title
and address as well. Your first paragraph should be brief – no
more than 3 sentences – much like the opening of your cover letter.
By following a business letter format, employers may not realize
they're actually reading your speed resume until they get past the
first paragraph.
Cut 'n' paste.
This is a speed resume, here, so don't go nuts with including a lot
of detail. Your goal with a speed resume should be to impress the
contact person. Since part of this is typically found in your
summary section, copy and past your two best summary bullets from
your “real” resume. And, since you've accomplished and achieved
a lot of great stuff in your career, include the two most impressive
quantified bullets from your experience section.
Appeal to their
interests. Employers only care about three things: 1 ) How can
you make me money?; 2 ) How can you save me money?; and 3 ) How can
you provide customer service and/or add to my brand? Be sure your
speed resume answers these questions before you hit the “send”
button or drop it in the mail box.
IN THE CARAVAN: Speed resumes can catch employers' interest if you shape your speed resume like a letter, copy and past the most impressive stuff from your “real” resume, and be sure those bullets you include are of financial interest to employers.
LATER TODAY: Sample Speed Resume (Supplemental)
NEXT MONDAY: Omitting Credentials
Check out last Monday's posts:
RESUMES: 6 Easy Ways to Write a Great Resume
By the way – do you think YOU can reduce your resume to a tweet? If you can – or have – be sure to share it in the comments.
Indeed Jobs
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Comments