If you are looking for a job, you have probably heard it once if not a million times that you have to have a professional looking resume. Also known as Curriculum Vitae (Path of Life), However the CV is more expansive and is used for pursuing Academic or Science, and Medical Careers. For most of us, the 1 or 2 page resume will do.

Resume etiquette is not the same all around the world, for instance here in the U.S. including a picture in your resume is considered a Job Search Faux Pas. While in other countries like Germany, Italy and India a photo is required on each document.

In the United States in order to protect ourselves from discrimination and identity theft, personal attributes, social security numbers, sex, nationality, drivers license numbers etc. are left out of a resume, while in many countries around the world all of this information is mandatory. As a matter of modern efficiency and style, it is also no longer encouraged to write about our personal habits, family or hobbies on our resumes, the thinking being that the employer is too busy to be interested in these personal trivialities.

For the most part, taking in the fact that resumes in this country are so restricted of personal expression, and are so standardized, is it any wonder that job seekers are finding it harder and harder to differentiate themselves from the multitudes?

However, don’t despair; there are still some tactics and strategies to help get you noticed. The first thing you should realize is that in this employment climate, you should never send a resume unless, there is already interest in you and a resume has been requested. But you might say, “Bob, how can they get interested in me if they have not seen my resume?” Very simply…You send a letter. Not a cover letter, more like an introduction letter, let's call it a Marketing letter, where you state a few known facts about their company, some issues that they may be having that you are aware of and then you briefly state a quick history of your experience and why you feel you may be able to help them with their department, problem, new business etc.

Why is this more powerful than a resume? Because it is more like a conversation in tone rather than the menu format that most others are forced to adhere to via a resume, which to be quite honest with you are BORING. This letter gives you a little bit more flexibility where you can talk to the individual as a person. It also helps if this individual has the power to actually make a hiring decision. So it is wise to do your due diligence ahead of time and identify the person who will be receiving this letter. Never send it out blind to "To whom it may concern." By any means necessary, break the game down to people, not blind titles.

Besides, do you realize what 600 resumes in your inbox looks like? That's what employers see every week.

Remember the Golden rule in Job Search; People hire people, not paper. And #2, People don’t just hire people, they BUY SOLUTIONS TO THEIR PROBLEMS.
Change your job search to this approach and you will see the difference in your delivery. In my next post, i will tell you exactly how to position your resume for maximum results.

Bob Solis is a Career Marketing Consultant and owns the firm How2 Careers USA. CONTACT