Improve Your Resume in One Simple Step
We’ve been in hiring mode at work, lately, looking for CSS developers, content managers, and so forth. Interestingly enough, the same problem keeps cropping up with almost every resume, one that makes the difference between the call list and the circular filing bin next to my desk.
No matter what profession you’re in, a resume accomplishes the same thing: It says what you can do. That’s it. From a hiring perspective, however, that really isn’t enough. You can say what you’re capable of, but a potential employer will never know until they’ve seen it for themselves.
You have to show them what you can do. If you’re applying to be a copywriter, include some samples of your writing. If you’re applying for a developer position, attach samples of your code. If you’re interested in design work, show me your portfolio.
This tip actually comes from my experience on both sides of the fence. I never got so many compliments from interviewers and employers as I did when I started including six pages of code with my resume. In retrospect, that simple action played a major role in landing me my last two jobs. If only the applications we received had something to that effect, it would make choosing candidates infinitely simpler.
Just put yourself in the shoes of Human Resources and you’ll understand why. Resumes can be fraudulent. People often joke about “creative exaggerations” and outright lies on resumes. As they say, talk is cheap. On the other hand, a solid example of your work is much easier to trust.
So remember, when you’re a web professional looking for work, don’t just tell potential employers that you’re the right person for the job; prove it by showing them what you can do.