Revitalize résumé with balance of content and design

Dear Sam: After working for the same company for more than 25 years, I find myself unemployed. I am not current on what the buzz words or trends are for which hiring managers are looking. Also, while I have knowledge of the operations of the company I left, I am not sure how to transfer those skills to a potential position in a totally different field. I've created a résumé and have had a few interviews from it, but it does look quite plain compared to the examples you've shown in this column and on your website. I would appreciate any direction you can offer me. - Donna

Dear Donna: I'm sorry to hear that. Unfortunately it seems this is an all too common occurrence. In fact, it's almost shocking when someone hasn't been downsized at this point. It's fantastic you are getting some interviews; you must have done a good job presenting your background on your résumé. To ensure it speaks the right language in terms of keywords, do a simple exercise. Print job postings of interest, probably about 5 to 10, and read them several times. Start highlighting keywords, requirements, skills sought, etc. that you see appearing repeatedly. Write those keywords down the left side of a piece of paper. Then cross-reference that with your background and transfer some of those keywords to the right side of the piece of paper. Now you have your list of keywords. Weaving these throughout your résumé from top to bottom will ensure you are starting to speak the same language as your target audience, helping your résumé win additional interviews.

You are correct in that I am big on the design of a résumé. After all, if the hiring manager is looking at their 100th résumé of the day and it looks like 50 others, wouldn't you be bored? I think a critical balance of content and design is the recipe for success. It sounds like you have a great start on the content, so maybe just pay a little attention to the design to ensure it too differentiates you from the pack. I think candidates should pay more attention to creating a unique one-of-a-kind look to their résumé in an effort to secure a little more attention. Did you know the screening process is as little as 7 seconds? A unique, appropriate, and engaging design can go a long way for buying you a little more time in front of the reader. I wish you a speedy return to work.

Dear Sam: How often should I update my résumé? - Sherry

Dear Sherry: Good question! I'd update annually at the very least, although every six months would be better, but definitely when you get a new job (using your job description) and upon receiving your annual review (that annual check point is a good reminder too, and it's when all your accomplishments are so fresh in your mind!). That way you will always be prepared should an enticing opportunity come your way.

Dear Sam: I want to relocate and am not sure how to present my address on my résumé as I've heard long distance recruits often don't get the time of day. - Hannah

Dear Hannah: You are correct, out-of-state candidates are more expensive and time consuming to recruit, so unless the company is willing to undergo a search for a non-local recruit, then if you just have your current address on your résumé it probably won't get you in the door. I'd suggest putting your current address on your résumé, and if possible, a local address from your desired destination. Some candidates place a relative's or friend's address on their résumé as their "upcoming" address. The point is not to mislead a hiring manager, doing so would only create a lose-lose situation in the end, but instead to show them you really are relocating to that city and do not need relocation assistance. If you are unable to put a local address on your résumé, then be sure to mention you are not seeking relocation expenses. If this is not the case then I'd just bury your address as best you can (maybe at the bottom of your résumé or on page two) and instead just present your phone and email at the top.

Dear Sam: Each week I read your section of the newspaper. I am looking for a job in the medical field, and previously I did work for a company that had a very high turnover rate. My question is how do you research a company to find out things like this? - Val

Dear Val: It is good that you are performing your due diligence before applying to a company. It is critical to perform such research so you know the company is right for you in both the short and long-term. Here are a few ways you can research a potential employer.

One: Keep your eye on local news sources and industry journals that contain the latest information on business news and trends. You might be amazed at the amount of information you can glean from the business or local sections of the newspaper.

Two: Review the company's website to see if they have any press releases posted about their past performance or future plans. You can often find annual reports posted that will provide for extensive insight into the organization's successes, growth, history, goals, and financial status. Note that the annual report will be much more detailed versus the comprehensive financial overview provided in the 10-K report.

Three: I often find myself on www.hoovers.com to review company information. You can access a decent amount of information on this site (not for all companies) without paying for a subscription. If the information is available for the company of interest you will find performance data pertaining to sales, revenue growth, number of employees, and employee growth or decline. This will give you a brief snapshot of the company and their key performance indicators. There are also a number of other online sources that provide similar data for larger businesses.

Four: Check out the resources available at your local library. Libraries offer access to computer databases that serve as excellent research tools. The information assistants at the library will be more than happy to help you refine your search to find exactly what you are looking for.

Five: Ask around. Often there is nothing better than first-hand insight into the inner workings and culture of an organization. Ask your professional and personal network and you might be surprised who knows who and what!