Why Do You Need A Resume

Why Do You Need A Resume?
Part One

Unless you're a professional, or management level, the position you apply for may not require a resume. Most businesses have their own applications. This is the only item they need when you apply for a job. Why then, would you need to give them a resume?

To put it as briefly as possible, it's your opportunity to tell your own story. You can say things on your resume that you just can't on a job application. In other words, toot your own horn.

An application may not ask about software applications you can use. It may not ask about your strong points, such as organization skills. The application may not ask you about all your relevant job experience. It may only ask about your previous employer.Just this past week, I was visiting a Human Resources Department for a rather large employer.

A person was there who had applied for many jobs over a several month period. An employee tried to explain why the applicant might not be being called for interviews.

She explained that the biggest complaint from the supervisors who did the hiring was - not enough information on the application. They could not tell if the applicants had the experience to meet the qualifications. In the "previous employment" section of the application, there was barely enough space to write one or two sentences in the box, "describe your duties in this job."

Obviously, you cannot explain what you did with any detail in such a limited space. This is where a resume comes into play. Use your resume to expand on these, as well as other items:

· Summary of your qualifications
· Any specific computer or software knowledge
· Additional & expanded employment history
· Special training or courses that apply to your field
· Education