Today's market is like the Boston Marathon. You can't start working-out the day of the race and expect to finish, let alone finish first. To finish first in the job market you need a first rate resume.
You have many choices before you on how to proceed. You could have a professional company compile your resume and then later you can tweak it for specific jobs. This is certainly an appealing choice, but you will still have to do a lot of the work yourself.
So why not consider writing your own resume from start to finish?
Today we are going to look at the overall plan you need to have before you even write a word. I suggest you think about the following questions before you even go to your computer.
Why do I want a job or this job?
What are my strengths?
How do my qualifications match what the employer states he is looking for?
What can I do to best meet the employer's needs?
How can I convey to the employer that I am the best person for this job?
These are tough questions; but if you want to make it to the finish line, you will have to work them out.
After thinking them through and making some rough notes, it's time to exercise your skills at the computer. Write your first draft. Then start modifying it. Watch out for proper spelling and grammar.
When you have worked on your resume for awhile, take some time away from it. Let it rest. You'll be surprised at what you find that needs revision when you come back. Work on it some more. When you think you are satisfied, ask a family member or a trusted friend to comment on the resume.
Don't forget that you are trying to get that interview. Your resume is a promotional tool. Don't be at all modest about your accomplishments.
To be a front runner you need to practice and have actual skills. When you have done the your resume yourself, you can come in at number one.