Resume Writing Tip 11: Resumes Are Just a Marketing Tool

Welcome to our continuing series of resume writing tips. This particular resume writing tip addresses the additional sales and marketing materials you need to market yourself effectively in a crowded job market. For example; When you do an informational interview or networking event, do you take your resume with you? I certainly hope not. A resume is primarily used when there is a serious job opportunity on the table. For informational purposes, not only can this be overkill, but in general, with only one opportunity to provide your resume, you don’t want to rush. What if the opportunity presented is NOT what your resume is designed for?

Specifically, this resume writing tip helps avoid this confusion by creating other sales and marketing tools to help with specific situations and events. In addition to your resume, do you have a biography? A biography can be used to highlight your professional achievements. They are not time specific, allowing you to promote specific activities or experiences that may seem a bit dated, but still add value. Also, a bio won’t raise questions about how long you may have been looking for a job or what happened at your last place of employment. There are NO rules with a bio. Highlight and promote the best of yourself, your skills and abilities. It can be a great sales and marketing tool for informational interviews and personal networking.

Do you have a portfolio of your work? The adage ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ rings true with this marketing piece. Having visual proof of your accomplishments or abilities helps your audience gain a deeper understanding of the scope of your work and the integrity of your performance. Think about how you can demonstrate or display the skills and abilities of what you can provide. The physical nature of a portfolio will help those who like something tangible and definite to review.

This resume writing tip wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the power of recommendations and testimonials. Having a credible third party sing her praises or offer insight into her comprehensive nature and effectiveness as a member of the team, department, or organization speaks volumes about her performance and professionalism.

The point is that your resume is just one tool in your sales and marketing toolbox. Most of the time, your resume won’t be the only tool used in your job search. The more tools you have at your disposal, the easier it will be to tailor your presentation and the more successful you will be in your job search.