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Note from Kim
 How well are you navigating the job search jungle? Have you developed a plan of attack for your job search, or are you casually perusing jobs in the newspaper or on Monster.com?
While passive job seekers can be very attractive to employers, especially if the candidate is in a high-demand field, a more aggressive approach to the job search can be very effective. It's all about building relationships – use every opportunity to network and help others who may need you. You never know when someone you assisted will be there for you.
Take advantage of social networking sites online to build relationships. A great site is LinkedIn. If you haven't done so, go there and create a profile, and then search for professionals to add to your network.
Best wishes for a successful job search, and keep me posted on your progress. You may email me at editor@resumepower.com.
To your success,
Ask the Resume Expert
Jordan Lewis from CA asks: “Should a resume targeting recruiters be different than a resume targeting employers?
Great question, Jordan. Regardless of your resume’s target audience (companies or recruiters), it must convey your key strengths and representative accomplishments powerfully and succinctly. While concise writing is important to both of these audiences, this element is essential to recruiters, who may receive hundreds or thousands of resumes (many unsolicited) every week.
When targeting companies, 2-3 pages works for professionals with significant career accomplishments. Even though your resume most likely will not be read word-for-word in the initial applicant-screening phase, it will be given a thorough review once you make it to the interview cut. In order to get there, you must provide enough information to warrant closer review.
But when targeting recruiters, a maximum resume length of two pages is a better strategy. And, if you can get your document down to a single page (while still providing enough compelling details to spur further interest), even better.
Most job seekers planning an aggressive job search will be well served by creating two different versions of their resume:
 A detailed, keyword-rich, and accomplishments-packed document for employers; and
A hard-hitting, abbreviated version for recruiters.
For the latter version, you will need to be brutal in your editing. Pair down or eliminate your opening profile, cut your “Expertise” section, minimize your job descriptions, and combine your top accomplishments into three or four bullets for your most recent experience. You can group older experience into an “Early Career” section, providing just a few key details to save space.
Do you have a resume, cover letter, or job
search strategy question that you’d like
addressed in our newsletter? Email your question
to editor@resumepower.com.
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This Month's Feature: How to Maximize Keyword Density on Your Resume
Keywords are industry- or job-function-specific terms, jargon, acronyms, or buzzwords. (Examples include “MBA,” “Six Sigma,” “Consultative Sales,” “CNA,” and “Turnaround Management.”)
Keywords are used as search terms to narrow down the field of candidates for any given position. The more appropriate keywords your resume has, the higher the number of “hits” your document will receive.
You can maximize keyword density in your resume by conducting online research. Visit major job boards (such as Monster.com) and scour through position announcements matching your career target. Take note of terms used repeatedly in these ads. Where you have like skills/qualifications, incorporate these keywords somewhere in your resume (either in your opening executive profile, in a bulleted “Areas of Expertise” list, or embedded into your “Professional Experience” section).
Expert Tip: Using Bullets Effectively
Two common problems seen often in resumes today are either an overuse or an absence of bullets.
Bullets (small circles, squares, or other symbols) directly precede indented text on a resume. Their purpose is to signal to the reader, “Stop! Take note! Key point to follow!” Bullets are also a great way to break up long blocks of text to make your resume more reader-friendly.
When used strategically, bullets are very effective in calling attention to major points that you want to emphasize. An “Areas of Expertise” list, opening executive profile summary, and inventory of “Key Accomplishments” are all good choices to pop in a bullet. But if you bullet almost every single word, phrase, or sentence in your resume, the desired effect is lost.
Conversely, if you don’t make use of bullets at all on your resume, you miss out on a great way to hit home your key points, guide readers’ eyes through your document, and facilitate quick skimming. By using bullets judiciously, you’ll improve the appearance and lasting impact of your resume.
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Did You Know?
You may be able to deduct resume writing services on your
taxes! Check with your tax advisor for details. 
Ask the Resume Expert: Should a resume targeting recruiters be different than a resume targeting employers?
