As it turned out, the counselor was right. The man eventually found a new job through his contacts. The chances are you will, too. Then why do you need a resume?
A resume is still required for most job situations. For example, suppose you do get an interview and a job through a friend or business acquaintance. The person who hires you will want to know something about your background. The interviewer will use the resume to trigger questions that can help you nail down the job. That's why it is important to keep your resume up to date.
A resume is a unique document, because it highlights your abilities and accomplishments. It gives a would-be employer an organized and detailed picture of you in terms of your work life and accomplishments. It also creates an image. If it's neat, well written, and precise, it simplifies the interviewer's job, which is a plus for you. Busy managers can't waste time reading poorly written, long-winded resumes that don't de scribe the talents and accomplishments of the person seeking employment.
Don't submit a picture with your resume. The law prohibits discrimination against job hunters over 40 on the basis of age, ethnic background, sex, and religion. Your health, height, weight, and marital status should not be included because they are not relevant. A photo is not necessary and could work against the over-50 job hunter.
Don't include your salary range on your resume, because you may eliminate yourself from an interview by specifying a salary that is too high or too low. Salary is usually discussed after several interviews, when the employer is ready to hire.
The Best Resume for You
Most resumes are scanned for a few seconds before they are rejected or tossed into the wastebasket. For the 50-plus professional seeking employment, a selling resume is vital. It is the visa that lets you cross the first barrier in the job market-getting the interview.
James Cabrera of Drake Beam Morin, Inc., a counseling and outplacement company headquartered in New York City, succinctly sums up the subject: "Treat a resume as bait. It's not going to get you a job. The only thing it does is get you an interview. So it should be written in such a way as to say who you are, what you've done, and with whom. It should highlight your accomplishments and achievements."
Its value to employers is "What can he or she do for us?" The answer to this question in too many cases is "Nothing." The reason? Employers say that most of the resumes they receive do not sell the talents of the persons who submit them, which means if you write an above-average resume, you greatly increase your chances of getting called in for the interview.
When you contact a potential employer, you want to make an impression on the person in the company who will evaluate your potential. You want that person to remember you. A good way to accomplish this is to first send an introductory letter to your contact, briefly outlining your career plans, say ing a resume will follow. A few days later, send a resume with a cover letter, which should always accompany a resume. If you do get the interview with this person, your third letter-a thank-you note for the time he or she spent with you-should make an impression, which will make it easier for you to follow up with a telephone call to inquire about your prospects.
