Revised Resume Tactics

In an odd way applying for jobs has never been harder. Sure, you can simply blast off dozens of applications a day electronically. How do you make yours stand out, however? With the proliferation of electronic applications and brief resume scanning, it has gotten harder than ever for non-traditional candidates to make themselves visible in the crowd. Here at Wall Street Oasis you hear networking probably as much as most professional recruiters use it. We all know it is that important but if we don't have the connections, what else can we do about it?

If you are struggling with the job hunt the following article suggests you try something unorthodox. That's right. Shun the good graces of the respectful job applicant and risk landing on the front page of Dealbreaker... with a multi page resume.

Now understandably, this suggestion is more so geared towards of you with non-traditional backgrounds, career changers and those attempting to lateral within a company or industry. Over my years in business I have seen resumes change a great deal. They are a lot less personal and robotic these days. I remember hiring a secretary who sent me her resume via snail mail on that fancy sort of paper and print that made Patrick Bateman sweat. I am not saying that this is what you should do if you are struggling to get hits on your resume, I am just saying that after many years this particular gesture still sticks out in my mind.

Many of us can take a hint from the supposed weirdos who send comical application packets to employers in hopes of a response. Sometimes the fear of winding up ridiculed and roasted keeps us from making the sort of effort which would precisely demonstrate the dedication and determination we claim on our cover letters (which often go unread).

Here are the 9 tips the article recommends trying. Some aren't really aimed at the typical college kid, but some could be of great use. It never hurts to give them a shot or at least... a thought.

Here are three off-the-beaten path suggestions I'd recommend:

1) Tighten/Expand

Many people will attempt to bunch as much experience in as possible. This is a mistake. My thoughts when looking over an application have always gone in the direction of specifics. I would much much rather read ten painfully detailed bullets from one job (even one assignment, deal, etc) than see six gigs with a general bullet or two. If you are a younger person with little experience, showing attention to detail and a pedigree for taking pride in your work can impress employers a great deal. It is not a world beater but can give a significant leg up.

2) Hyperlinks

This one is included in the list so I won't say much more...other than that they are a great way to avoid the spam folder. This is a much bigger asset than many of you realize. Take advantage.

3) Customization

The application process can be a war of attrition. There is a temptation to fire off as many applications as possible. This is not in your best interests. It really does pay to take the time to find a few select firms which match up well with your own profile and skill set. Once you do, tailor every work of your resume and cover letter to that particular firm. Find out what deals they have worked on recently and what sort of strategies they use. Think of a way how your experience can in some way mirror what they do and focus on that.

None of the previous suggestions will guarantee you a job or even a call back. They will, however, show the ability and willingness to think outside of the box. It is a quality all employers value, to greater or lesser extent. By being willing to show that you are not afraid to be different, you may achieve different results. Especially if you fall into the group of people who have been told you will never make it.

Good luck and keep on pushing.