NEW RESUMES FOR TODAY'S TALENT-DRIVEN
JOB MARKET

Most resumes are inappropriate for today's job market. Rich in names and inclusive employment dates, these resumes tend to summarize work history with listings of formal duties and responsibilities.

Primarily focusing on the past, with little attention given to highlighting actual accomplishments or outcomes, these resumes say little or nothing about what the resume writer can do or will do in the future.

While employers may find these resumes interesting, in the end most such resumes are unenlightening documents: they give few clues to predicting future performance.

A savvy resume is a behavior-based resume that follows key writing, production, distribution, and follow-up principles. It's an employer-oriented resume, because it speaks the language of employers who are looking for a new type of employee in today's highly competitive, talent-driven economy - energetic individuals who can clearly articulate desirable patterns of behavior.

When you write a savvy resume, these patterns of behavior are revealed as a series of accomplishments related to your motivated abilities and skills (MAS).

Just how well prepared are you for writing and distributing a savvy resume for today's new job market? If you already have a resume, take it out and evaluate it according to the following statements:

SCALE:  1 = strongly disagree		
        2 = disagree
        3 = maybe, not certain
        4 = agree 
        5 = strongly agree

My resume clearly states what I have done, can do, and will do for employers.
```
1	2	3	4	5
```
My resume includes an objective that reflects focused career goals.
```
1	2	3	4	5
```
My resume reflects a clear pattern of behavior that is readily identifiable to employers.
```
1	2	3	4	5
```
My resume summarizes specific skills, abilities, and accomplishments that define my motivated pattern of behavior (MPB).
```
1	2	3	4	5
```
My resume reflects the fact that I have a clear understanding of who I am and what I want to do in the future.
```
1	2	3	4	5
```
I know which resume format works best for me.
```
1	2	3	4	5
```
My resume is designed to be scanned into a resume database.
```
1	2	3	4	5
```
I know how to properly transmit an email version of my resume.
```
1	2	3	4	5
```
I understand how keywords operate and have included a powerful "keyword summary" in my scannable resume.
```
1	2	3	4	5
```
I know when it's best to mail, fax, or email my resume.
```
1	2	3	4	5
```
I have a powerful cover letter that will accompany my resume.
```
1	2	3	4	5
```
I know which resume distribution methods work best.
```
1	2	3	4	5
```
I know how to network and conduct referral interviews with my resume.
```
1	2	3	4	5
```
I know how to use a resume at job fairs.
```
1	2	3	4	5
```
I can get headhunters to read my resume and include it in their database of potential candidates.
```
1	2	3	4	5
```
I can conduct an effective resume follow-up campaign that further advances my job search.
```
1	2	3	4	5
```

TOTAL__________

Now, add each number you circled to get an overall cumulative score. If your total is 70 or more, you are well on your way to writing and distributing a savvy resume that grabs the attention of today's employers. On the other hand, if you scored below 55 points, you need to reassess your resume as well as your whole approach to today's employers. Begin redesigning your resume according to principles as outlined in the book cited below.

SOURCE: Adapted from Ron and Caryl Krannich, The Savvy Resume Writer: The Behavioral Advantage (Manassas Park, VA: Impact Publications, 2000), pp. 2-6. All rights reserved.