The economy is growing again, according to many sources. And you recently discovered your company is being acquired. You like your job, but you heard the new company will be laying off most of the employees.
Your Grandmother’s Quilt
Since you were laid off in 2008 from your long term job, you have had three full time jobs. Your 10 years of experience at XYZ Corporation was exemplary. You haven’t had such good luck with a couple of start ups and one large company, since then. And here you go again. You added a couple of lines on your resume about each job, but failed to give much detail. Your resume looks like it’s patched together like your grandmother’s quilt!
Your Best Skills
Do not, I repeat, do not start sending your resume willy-nilly to openings. Take time to determine what your best skills are and what you’d like to do next. Make this a career move, not a fear move. You learned new skills in these last three jobs: video, health care devices and a little defense work. Your long term job was in the semiconductor industry as a component engineer, so you know both hardware and software. Where did you hear the most praise from management and colleagues? Your research should demonstrate what is “hot” and what is declining.
You must write a list of accomplishments. Resume reviewers want to know your duties and what you accomplished for the company. Bullet the accomplishments. Make them stand out. How are you unique? Why would anyone want to hire you?
Your Technical Skills
If you are an engineer, you may have configuration management skills. You need a special section for your technical knowledge, but don’t put everything but the “kitchen sink” in that section. It makes you look like you know the terms but have little depth. Focus your resume on your marketable skills, listing the skills and experience which make you appealing in that area. Now make a list of companies which need your skills.
I can hear you whining! “But, Ruth, I didn’t have time to accomplish much in each of the last three jobs.” Wordsmith the resume, as you must engage the reader’s interest, but do not exaggerate.
Your Education
Maybe you are non-degreed. That is a problem with some companies who don’t value on-the-job experience. Make sure you have a section for Education, even if you did not finish a degree. Otherwise, the reader may think you forgot or have no education. Surely you must have taken a few seminars or classes along the way. Add them. Show that you like to learn. Plug your certifications in this section.
If your degree(s) are over 10 years ago, omit the dates. I know others may argue this point with me, but your resume should focus on your recent accomplishments, not how old your education is.
Trivia
You will probably need several different versions of your resume. Definitely customize your resume for each targeted job submission.
You do not need to put your hobbies and interests, nor your birthday, nor your marital status. Those factors should NOT be factors. Omit “References available.” Employers assume your references are available. Make every word count!
If you don’t take time at the beginning of your search, you may be mired in your current job or unemployed for a long time. Try these hints. You won’t be sorry and your resume won’t look like a patchwork quilt.