RECESSION PROOFING YOUR FAMILY POST 6/6: POLISH UP YOUR RESUME

Recessions often lead to layoffs and cutbacks. You need to be ready to go in search of a new job. Having a good resume at the ready will get you that new job even faster. 
For this one, I’ve pulled in my husband. After 20 years of looking at resumes and deciding who to hire, he has some great tips to get you started. 
First of all, your resume is going to have competition. Depending on the position, at least 20 qualified individuals are going to apply for the same position. So the goal is to capture the hiring manager’s attention as quickly as possible and standing out in a positive way. Here are some tips:
Read the job description carefully. Managers are looking for specific skills and experiences that are outlined in the description. The more you match those skills and experiences, the higher your chances are.
Learn about the company, their mission, vision, culture and what makes them unique and successful. Be honest with yourself about whether you are a good fit for the company’s vision and culture.
Read example resumes online, choose a template that best fits your personality and skill set. Your resume should reflect who you are and your skills. For example, if you’re a programmer, write some clever programming codes in the resume.
Customize your resume to fit the position you are applying for. This will give a stronger impression that you are seeking this specific job and are attentive to details. 
Think of your resume as if it was a short commercial about you. Remember, you literally have only seconds to grab the manager’s attention (reading resumes is very exciting - not!). Put your most impressive experiences on top, if you have skills or experiences not relevant to the position you are applying for, get rid of it. 
Keep your resume to a single page and be minimalistic. Pack your very best skills and experiences on that page. Put some effort in being creative and always include a link to a portfolio of your past work.
Never, ever lie or exaggerate about your skills or experiences on your resume. Doing so will dramatically reduce your chance of getting the job.
If you don’t have certain skills or experiences needed to qualify for your dream job, create a list of what they are and set some goals with a plan to up-skill yourself. Include the how, where, what, and when in your plan. There are excellent cost effective programs out there such as Lynda.com to learn new skills. You may also want to apply for internship programs.
One last tip, if you currently have a job, it’s a good idea to keep a private list of major achievements, compliments from peers, customers, and managers. This list will become super useful when the time comes to write your resume, build your portfolio, and during the interview process.
Good luck! 
Thank you, Lance. I hope you all find these tips and ideas helpful as you polish up your resumes!
If any of you would like another set of eyes on your plan to see if there is anything more you can do to get you and your family prepared, please reach out! I’d love to sit down with you and help any way I can!