Many Architecture, Engineering, Planning, Landscape Architecture, Construction, and Real Estate professionals are now in the process of putting together resumes and seeking employment. The writing process can be intimidating to people in the job market after years of gainful employment, but it does not have to be difficult. Here are five myths about resumes based on my experience working as an executive search consultant for the design, construction, and real estate industries:
Resumes should be kept to one page. If I get a one-page resume from a 38 -year old Architect, I wonder what is wrong with him/her. Experienced people should have a lot of accomplishments and it’s important to include this information to communicate the need for employers to consider hiring you.
Personal information should be included. The purpose of this document is to get interviews. At this stage, employers want to know what candidates will do for them and aren’t interested in your hobbies or your Eagle Scout award. Reserve this space for work related accomplishments.
Cover letters are no longer important in the digital age. Send a resume that says, “Dear Employer or Dear Recruiter” and see your resume discarded. Send a nicely written personalized note highlighting one or two reasons why you should be hired and improve your chances at securing interviews.
Hard cover resumes are more likely to get read than electronically submitted resumes. I’ve received resumes with hammers from construction people. Once, I received a resume with a shoe attached. The candidate said that they wanted to get their “foot in the door.” These methods, while creative, are often a waste of time and money. Hard copy resumes get lost. Electronically submitted resumes get interviews.
Responsibilities are more important than accomplishments. If you’re a third baseman looking to switch teams, reporting your accomplishments on the field and at the bat are more important than reporting the day to day tasks of the position. Be sure to include what you’ve accomplished i.e. “grew the design group from five to 30 people, etc.”
It’s a tough market and probably the most difficult I’ve seen after almost 15 years in the recruiting field, but there are good opportunities available. Good luck and best wishes for a prosperous 2009 and beyond.
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