Resume

This post came out from The Straits Times (7 July 2015)
Title - Get it right

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Lack of response
2. Unfocused response

On lack of response

• Recruiters spend an average of just six seconds looking at an individual's resume before deciding whether to reject them or not. So your resume has to position you as a match for the role in less than 10 seconds. If you have only one general resume and update it yearly, you are going to lose out to people who send tailored resumes for each job. 
• Resume keywords vary from job to job. Your resume should have keywords that vary from application to application. 

On unfocused response

• Getting contacted only for your 'safe' applications means that you are most likely not conveying your experience or accomplishments effectively. Being contacted only for roles that seem like a partial match may indicate that your resume lacks focus. 
• Your resume is not your autobiography. Include only the most relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments that show you are a match for a role. Draw a clear picture for the hiring manager. 
• If your job search has not led to your expected or desired responses, change your tactics. Focusing on submitting concise, keyword-optimised resumes targeted for specific jobs should increase your chances of success. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big