I've spent my entire professional life as a television network publicity and corporate communications executive at such places as Fox, GSN and Lifetime TV. I get a rush dealing with live broadcasts, tight deadlines and press conferences. I think I enjoy my job so much because I love working with the press. In addition to all that, I enjoy being an industry blogger and a social media expert and leading my own consulting firm in Los Angeles. 
What Shape is Your Resume In?
How’s your resume? Is it in tip-top shape and includes your most recent position? Or is it something that needs life support-a document that just overwhelms you at the thought of updating it?
If you are like most, you dread having to work on your resume. But, today’s the day for those of you who need to give it some attention will do just that.
Yes, I know that I am supposed to be writing about PR and I really am for your resume is an important aspect. Your resume is a tool that will help keep you sharp, well-defined and on target. It’s your road map…it tells you where you’ve been and points others to your next direction. It is the single most important thing you can do for yourself.
So again, I ask you – how’s your resume?
If the thought of revising it brings a dark cloud of misery your way – ignore it. If confusion enters your mind because you think you should pay to have someone do it – don’t go that route until you’ve at least tried to update the one you already have. I just want you to start to write it. Why?
There’s something about thinking about all the past experiences you have had that is good for your soul. Remembering and recounting all the wonderful things you have done in college or on the job is a great morale booster and who doesn’t need that during these difficult times.
If you think you are alone, you are not. I’m in the same boat. I just re-tweaked my resume yesterday and will probably again later this week. For me, I’m not sure if I’m being clear enough describing what I bring to the table. It’s a work in progress, but I’m working on it. And so should you with yours.
As I’ve mentioned, 97 percent of all jobs are found as a result of someone helping you get that job. With that being the case, you never know when an opportunity may come around and you need a resume in less than an hour. That perfect job may be lost because you had to frantically whip together a resume that didn’t characterize your true strengths.
Like any good Boy Scout, please be prepared and have your resume ready at a moment’s notice. You’ll be glad you did the advance work, believe me.
There are some great resources on the web for resume writing. However, here are some key points that I would like to leave you with about resume construction.
1) OBJECTIVE STATEMENT – You do not need to include objective statements any longer so don’t fret about writing that section. However, I still like to use a summary statement to start each resume.
2) RESPONSIBILITIES – Drill down on each past position and write out the responsibilities you handled. Write out each task. I love this exercise because you often forget the little stuff which is actually the big stuff like the fact that you handled a 3 million budget or that your idea saved the company thousands of dollars.
3) SUCCESS STORIES – After you’ve written your job tasks, pick out the best three to five responsibilities. These responsibilities should be the ones that set you apart…they are your success stories…how you saved the company money…organized the entire office….etc., etc.
4) CONTACT INFO – Make sure your email address is your name. Please do not use any vanity email addresses like “fuzzycat1000″ or “lovetoboat”…If you impressed an HR rep and they wanted to find your thank you email…they will search for your name….so be sure to make a new email address for job search using your formal name.
5) PRESS THROUGH – Keep on keeping on. Don’t become discouraged about this process. Just start it and complete at least one version of your resume. You can subsequently keep enhancing it and changing it as you go a long.
And if that all fails, send me a note. I’ll send you some encouragement and am more than happy to take a look at your resume and offer a few suggestions. We’re all in this together…but now is the time for you to address your resume.
Happy writing,
Cindy
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