A Résumé for Every Generation: Part 3 of 3

In this three-part series, we have been examining the challenges and solutions for writing a résumé in every major life stage.  We have shared résumés strategies for job seekers age 40+, age 30-40, and age 20-30. Just as products go through a lifecycle (introduction, growth, maturity, and decline), careerists also have a lifecycle.  Smart marketing helps maximize sales for products in every stage.  Résumé marketing will maximize your interview rate.

In this installment, we are focusing on candidates, age twenty to thirty. Are you just starting a career? Maybe you have been working for five or six years and are starting to gain traction.  We can call this your launch or introduction phase.  You may not have a reputation in your industry…yet.  You may not be in high demand…yet. In this phase, you lay the foundation for your future success and how rapidly you will climb.

“So call me, maybe?” ~ Carly Rae Jepson & Tavish Crowe

That’s how it feels as you post and send hundreds of résumés.  How many calls will you get?  Will employers on your target list call you?  Although the market is overflowing with candidates similar to you, you can rise above the competition.  Here is the top 4 proven strategies for success. 

1.) Highlight Accomplishments Not Aptitude

Most new workers are eager to perform well and volunteer for committees, projects, and overtime. Be sure to keep track of your top accomplishments and note them on your résumé.  Using the CAR (Challenge-Action-Result) model is an excellent way to frame your accomplishments.

You may be fresh out of college and your only experience has been working as a food server or retail associate.  Any experience is good experience, if you highlight tasks relevant to your customer service, problem solving, and revenue generating abilities. In almost any job, you have the chance to do one, if not all three, of those items.

3.) Multi-dimensional Experience

What if you have had your head in the books and have never had a professional job?  That is very common.  On your résumé, you can include charitable activities, academic projects, leadership in academic associations, study abroad programs, honors, music or theatrical involvement, and many other non-professional pursuits that demonstrate that you are responsible, diligent, and intelligent.

3.) Active Professional Development

This is the introductory phase of your career, so nobody is expecting you to know everything and measure-up to a more seasoned professional.  However, it is important to commit yourself to ongoing professional development. That will be different for everyone. Research the possibility of industry certifications, in-house training programs, workshops through professional associations, and technical training.  Also, many corporations have management training programs for early-career workers to cross-train in several departments or in company offices in other countries.  It is wise to apply for such programs in this phase of your career.  All of these things are excellent items to feature on your résumé.

4.) Fight the Stereotype

Whether it is defined as Generation Y, Generation C, or the Digital Generation, these digitally native individuals don’t remember a time without cell phones or Internet. The stereotype for this generation is that they lack the savvy of face-to-face interpersonal communication.  Another stereotype is that this group is highly goal-oriented, but also requires a lot of explanation when it comes to tasks. 

This is an opportunity for you to separate yourself from the label.  Be sure to define yourself throughout your résumé in terms of your ability to communicate, interact with all levels of staff, work and solve problems independently, and adapt.  On your résumé, include accomplishments that reveal these strengths.

Follow these strategies and go from “Call me, maybe?” to “Call me amazing!”  Take the doubt out of your search campaign and get ready to line up the interviews.

If you are unsure about your résumé, write to me.  I would be happy to provide a free critique. If you did not catch the first two parts of this series, follow these links:

A Resume for Every Generation: Part 1 of 3

A Resume for Every Generation: Part 2 of 3