[Job Search Tips] Maybe you don't need a resume...or do you?

Nick Corcodilos, author of Ask the Headhunter, usually offers first rate advice in his weekly newspaper column. But last week's column, for some reason, bothered me (Seattle Times on Sunday, April 16th). An anonymous reader I’ll call “Matthew” complained that his career counselor (let’s call her “Jennifer”) advised that “most” resumes are chronological, not functional. Jennifer also noted that recruiters often refuse to review functional resumes. “I like my functional format,” wrote Matthew, “and have gotten some good feedback about it, but I must consider Jennifer’s advice.” Corcodilos suggested, “Fire the career counselor.” Jennifer, he said, was stewing over resumes, when in fact applicants should present themselves to employers with solutions for specific problems. He’s half right. Ideally, job hunters should try to get in front of decision-makers. They can pitch themselves not as employees, but as resources who can deliver solutions. You have to be pretty savvy – and probably quite senior – to do this effectively. But Matthew didn’t ask, “How should I run my job campaign?” And Jennifer didn’t say, “You must have a resume.” Jennifer made two statements. (1) Most resumes are submitted in chronological form. True! (2) Recruiters like chronological formats. Also true! Their reputations are on the line every time they present a candidate. Typically they’re filling positions that call for specific experience. Recruiters work for employers. They’re not motivated to translate the Matthew’s skills into an employer’s language. Matthew says he received good feedback on his functional resume. “From whom?” I would ask. “And is this feedback translating into interviews?” Corcodilos concludes that job hunters should “use what you think works best for you,” not follow someone else’s rules. No one, he says, will be as invested in your job search as you are. True. But sometimes others will be far more knowledgeable about the job search process than you are – especially if you haven’t looked for a job in the last twenty years. And often you have to demonstrate that you understand the rules. If you want to work with a recruiter, you’ll most likely need a strong chronological resume. And if you’re answering an ad, save your creativity for the cover letter. See http://www.cathygoodwin.com/reports.html#wantads Intuition usually helps, if you know how to listen. http://www.cathygoodwin.com/intuitionbook.html But why fire the career counselor, the one I call “Jennifer” so we can keep everybody straight? She answered her client truthfully. Without knowing Matthew’s professional skills, industry and interpersonal skills, we can’t advise Matthew to get in front of potential employers and sell himself. Cathy Goodwin created the 21 Day Extreme Career Makeover System. Click here to learn more.