Do you really need a resume?

Is your resume a necessary tool for getting that coveted job? As a resume writer and founder of a recruitment company, I would have to say, at some point in your application, most probably yes. Like anything, a resume has its advantages - and some very rewarding advantages at that - but on its own it won't get you hired. A good resume should be like a blurb that highlights your professional strengths, achievements and potential. You are the real hero; your resume is, however, the advertising tag, a branding that sets you apart from the rest.

For those of you who are serious about making the next steps in your career, I would advise you do more than passively sending in your resume and hoping for the best. The most successful people don't fall victim to their circumstances but are proactive about creating their own paths. One study showed that 85 per cent of vacancies aren't advertised. One can only assume these positions are filled internally or by referrals, so make sure you leverage your connections.

Some actions to get you to the interview:

• Network and form relationships with bosses, recruiters, HR professionals, managers and employees within companies that you like
   
• Cold-call employers to set up an interview
   
• Send introductory emails to employers
   
• Set up a strong LinkedIn presence so that you remain wide open for head hunting
   
• Visit managers without an appointment to discuss current opportunities or future openings

These things alone are able to lead you to a job interview. Many times, I have represented candidates through head hunting and networking without ever having seen their resume. This does happen. But at some point, you will have to whip out your resume, which can make or break your application for the job.

A resume done well represents and clarifies who you are professionally. It is a supporting document to your professional self, and should represent you in the best light if you want it to pay off. Even if your employer never sees your resume, it is still important for you to have it so you have your skills and experience written down in a structured way. Armed with a good resume, you can use it comprehensively for your future endeavours.

Despite how impressive you may be in person, a resume not done well will most probably hinder your chances of getting hired. We humans can be fickle and a messy resume can reveal the confusion of a candidate and turn managers right off. Aesthetic balance is just as important as content. I've read that recruiters these days are spending as little as six seconds reading a resume. A strong, clear resume should serve to affirm to recruiters, hiring managers and people you network with that they are right in wanting to hire you.

The author is Naomi Seselja, an expert resume writer. Re-printed with permission. Link: https://www. linkedin. com/pulse/ 20141204043848-193903299-do-you-really-need-a-resume?trk=prof-post