What Employers Have to Say About Resumes

In the meetings we had with employers over the past two weeks, we learned some good things to share about resumes and job search correspondence.

Employers like cover letters. They actually read them. The first paragraph should be what you know about them. Second paragraph -- how you are a match for them. Third paragraph -- thank them and ask for an interview.

Employers don't like resume templates. Their suggestion is to use Word, which gives you more flexibility than a template.

Make sure your resume is clear and easy to read. Tailor your resume for their position.

Include your skills and clarify your competence in those skills. For example: "Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint"

Don't discount your experience. Another example: customer service experience shows you have interpersonal skills and can deal with a variety of people. That's valuable for many positions you might be interested in.

Show progression -- how you've advanced in your career. If you are an experienced candidate, don't go back any further than 10-15 years in work history. The world of work changes quickly. And, you don't necessarily want to indicate your age in your resume -- maybe it's better to get in front of the employer before he/she realizes your age.

The information in your resume actually has to be your information. If it gets you an interview, but you haven’t actually done the work, it really doesn’t do any good.

Why is all this so important? You hope your resume will lead to an interview which will lead to a job offer. Right? Well, as one of the employers said: "It's my market right now. I can be choosy."

Pick up a Starter Kit. Or, download it from our website at www.wichita.edu/career. Get started. Schedule an appointment with one of our counselors to see what they have to say about you and your resume. Be prepared. "Get a job!"

~jan