by Becky Cole

Recently, I was asked to re-design materials for an employment program around resume writing and interviewing. In looking at the material they already had, as well as the vast amount of material that is on the web, I noticed that although both parts were supposed to accomplish the same thing – to convince the employer you should be hired – there was a huge disconnect between the two parts of the job hunting process.

Then I thought, what if you wrote your resume as though you were in an interview? What if, on your resume, you told the employer the answers to many of the questions you would be asked during the interview? Following is what it might look like.

Summary of Qualifications
Ed.S in Education, 15 years of grant writing experience, Organization Development, Writing, Customer Service

Interview Question: Tell Me About Yourself When they ask this question during an interview, they are asking for is your education, work experience and skills you have that would make you a good fit for the job. When you answer this during an interview, make sure the information you provide is related to the job for which you are applying.

Resume Response: Read the job description carefully, and then do some daydreaming. What would the job look like if you were doing it? What five skills – both personal and job related – would you be using, if you had the job? If you can’t write out at least five skills you have that relate to the job, then you should re-consider applying for the job. What kind of education or training do you have that fits with the job?

Instead, include this list about how you would do the job at the top of your resume, so the employer can see right away whether or not you meet the basic requirements.

Leave off the objective: There are still many places that will tell you to start your resume with an objective. The employer already knows you are looking for a job to utilize your current skills and learn new skills, so there is really not a good point of including this on your resume. It just takes up space that can be better utilized for better information.

Strengths
65% approval rate on grant proposals, Researching prospective funders, Managing submission schedules, Quickly synthesize information

Interview Question: What are your strengths? This tells the employer how you feel about yourself and the work you do. This is the time to talk about things you feel you do well or better than others. If you have any accomplishments, include them in your list, as well.

Resume Response: Go back to the job description and imagine yourself doing the job. If the job requires you to type a letter, do you have those skills and would you be good at it? If the job requires you to use a floor cleaning machine, do you have those skills and would you be good at it? Come up with at least five things that relate to the job for which you are applying.

Work History
2008-2010 Grant Writer
XYZ Company, Minneapolis, MN

• Initiated 12 successful proposals in 6 month period
• Developed partnerships with 4 new organizations in 3 months
• Tracked grants using ABC software

2002-2008 Technical Writer DEF Company Rochester, MN

• Interviewed stakeholders
• Synthesized information
• Developed a system for tracking updates and chances to installation manuals

Interview Question: What skills have you learned at a previous job that will help you at this job? Your next employer wants to know how they will benefit from hiring you. This is different than just telling them what you did at your last job

Resume Response: Read the job description and think about your previous work history. List your employment information, but under each heading list only 3 or 4 things that used the skills or similar skills that relate to the job for which you are applying. For example, if I am applying for a grant writing job, but my previous job also required me to answer the phones on occasion, I would not list “answering phones” as part of my job duties.

Even though your work history may include a variety of types of jobs, pick out the skills that relate to the job for which you are applying and list them on the resume.

The employer doesn’t need to know everything you did on the job. They just want to know you have the skills and qualifications to be successful when you work for them.

Becky Cole is a consultant for non-profit organizations specializing in capacity building for both individuals and corporations throughout the Twin Cities.  She has an Education Specialist Degree from Indiana University. Becky Cole can be reached at: bcole@employmentnewsmn.com