My What a Pretty Resume You Have- Revisited
A couple of months ago I wrote a post on resume formatting titled ‘My what a Pretty Resume You Have‘. Since it was posted it has become one of my most popular. Last week Jacob Share from the blog JobMob jumped back into the fray. Jacob has posted several times on the topic of resume formatting and it’s probably fair to say we disagree a bit on what constitutes and effective resume. I generally feel that when it comes to resume formatting, specifically around using graphics, crazy fonts, colored paper, etc that less is more. On the other hand Jacob feels that job seekers should use any all tactics to create a lasting impression.
While Jacob and I differ somewhat on how to best format a resume, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that there are two sides to every argument. And since I respect Jacob’s expertise in the field, his work in this area is certainly worth the read. So I’ll leave to each of you to decide which path works best for you. In any event, you won’t be able to say that you weren’t informed.
So do take a few minutes to check out Jacob’s blog and his thoughts on this and other topics. As always, I welcome your comments and feedback. And thanks again Jacob for the great discussion.
Until next time…
Personal Branding; Image is Everything!
I work in sales and as such I’m in front of clients on a daily basis. This usually consists of me presenting my company’s software either via the web or in a live setting. At the beginning of each meeting as I navigate to what I plan to show, there is frequently a shot of my computers desktop wallpaper. My current wallpaper is a picture of my two kids that was taken while we were on vacation earlier this year. Why is this important? I never thought it was until recently.
Over the years I’ve done presentations in front of hundreds of clients. Naturally, my desktop background has changed over the years. What I don’t think I realized until recently was that my desktop wallpaper says something about who I am. In sales, who are clients think we are is everything. As Andre Agassi once said ‘Image is everything’ and he was right. That image of my kids has broken the ice in many a sales meeting. Because in corporate America everyone either has kids or knows someone who does and even if they don’t they’ll never say anything negative in that setting. So playing ‘the family man’ card is always a good idea. You may be saying, ‘but I’m not in sales, so who cares?’. You couldn’t be more wrong.
First, if your position is at all client facing, guess what, you’re in sales. Think about it. Even the lowest level cashier at your local McDonald’s is in sales. If he/she is rude or even unfriendly, you’ll be less likely to return in the future. A fact McDonald’s hasn’t grasped yet, but we’ll save that for another time.
Second, even you’re not client facing, when your boss or others walk by your cube and see your desktop, what they see is telling. It may mean nothing or it may mean everything. Let’s say you’re an aspiring professional. You work hard, long hours, do all the right things, you’re trying to make your mark. You’re also an avid hiker, so your desktop shows you and some buddies and the top of some peak you’ve climbed. One day the VP of your department happens to be walking by and sees your desktop. Turns out he’s an avid hiker too and he pops his head in and starts talking to you about hiking. Do you think that may help your career at some point? Sure wouldn’t hurt. Now imagine that instead of hiking, your desktop shows you and some buddies at the local watering hole after a few adult beverages. You probably won’t get the pop in visit from the VP.
The key to remember is that who we are is on display in ways we don’t always think about, essentially we’re always selling ourselves. It’s not always about coming in early and working late. But it is about the brand you portray both in the office and out.
Until next time…
