Anyone ever used Copy with a Resume?

I've never used this method myself - I used to work with graduate recruitment years ago for PricewaterhouseCoopers and they were very adamant back then about resumes being in a traditional format.

I also used to work with an online resume company and still do the odd resume. I don't see why not, since employers nowadays are looking for sharp employees who stand out from the crowd. And writing your resume like this is one way to achieve this.

I guess you could try it and show a recruitment agency and see what they think. Rather do that than try something new which might backfire - but in most cases I think employers would perhaps find this approach refreshingly different.

Hi Dexx,

Definitely! Copy editing, highlighting the value your friend will bring to the company (the 'whats in it for me'), and defining her 'unique selling proposition' can (and should) be weaved into the resume.

Good copywriters provide solutions to problems through their writing. The manager reading the resume is a person with a problem - they have a spot to fill and they need a qualified person who will do a good job and not waste their time.

They need to sift through endless resumes to find this person, and frankly it's a huge drain on them.

So, if they see a clearly constructed resume that highlights the benefits and features of a worker, makes them stand apart from the stack of resumes they have on their desk, and lets them knock one less thing off their plate, well then.


However, I wouldn't format it like a direct marketing sales letter - unless the position was in direct marketing (or something relevant).

It would have to appeal to the profession/position the friend was applying for. Most jobs would require more finess and a subtler approach.

So just like any other copy job - research the position, find out what the hiring manager is looking for, and then weave that solution into writing.

Dexx,
I use to work as a professional resume writer. (It's what my kindle book is about).

You always want to use a WIIFM approach. The future employer is only interested in what you're going to do for the company. Not what you want or need out of a job.

That's one reason the old-fashioned objective isn't used anymore, "I want a job with room for advancement" etc.

It's always good to use accomplishments as far as what you actually did on your last job. "Increased sales by 25% in 6 months". Specifics are always better than vague statements like, "Great Salesman with wondeful people skills". Anyone can say how great they are, they want to know what you actually accomplished with your skills.

As far as format it can be tricky. A lot of employers scan resumes into software and then pull them by "keywords". A format that has too many graphic elements doesn't always scan well. Sometimes it's best to go by the type of industry. A 100 year old law firm might only prefer a resume in standard format but a yuppie software company might be impressed with a more creative approach.

Because of the use of keywords always list specific software you're familiar with instead of a general ..."proficient in many types of software". This is true as regarding certifications also.

If your friend has any more questions feel free to PM me.

Rose

One more thought:
Cover letters are another way to use copywriting skills.

Don't use generic letters where the name of the company is the only thing changed. Write specific letters that show you've taken the time to learn about that company and explain how you can help them.

Thats a good question, i don't think that would go down well with employers. They might see it in a totally different way.
Most employers tend to be quite strict with the way they want resumes set out,i think you should turn it into a case study. I'd love to hear how it goes!

I keep my resume as short and straight-to-the-point as possible. Two reasons:

1. The guy who will make the decision will have a few dozen other CV to read. I don't want to get him bored with mine.

2. The man will not buy you as a product. He will look for a person who may match a profile for what he needs for the job, period. Getting the job or not depends mostly on whether you or he or whoever matches the profile.

A resume IS a sales letter!

You begin with a compelling hook a quote from a former employer "Joe Plumber is an exemplary plumber who has done this and that and has increased the business by A,B, and C, I highly recommend him." Boss Plumber

Translate features (your training and qualifications) to benefits (for employer).
Give a case study of how you delivered in the past and the results.
Another testimonial.
A guarantee.
A call to action...hire Joe Plumber now if you want a plumber who A, B, and C like no other can.
A P.S.......I can start next Tuesday just call to confirm.

SALE = HIRED

"BOARD CERTIFIED SURGEON WHO ADDED $1MILLION DOLLARS TO A HOSPITAL'S BOTTOM LINE IS SEEKING RELOCATION.....THIS MAN WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN SAVING A RURAL HOSPITAL FROM EXTINCTION"

To: Hospital Physician Recruitment Executives-Southern Wisconsin & Northern Illinois

If you're seeking a General Surgeon who's not afraid to work, with superior patient rapport, excellent relationships with colleagues.... who added over $1 Million dollars to a rural hospital's bottom line in less than two years, give us an immediate call. Imagine what he can do for you?

From: A.R.C., Healthcare Search Consultants -- Vince Cassiani

Subject: Board Certified Surgeon, Wisc. & Ill. license, prefers rural community. Superior Credentials.

A Wisconsin and Illinois licensed Board Certified Surgeon who, as a result of an illness in his family, wants to relocate to within one hour of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Needs to be close to an ill family member.




...This letter translates the generic "experience" into tangible benefits.

...It takes those benefits and asks the employer "imagine what he can do for you?"

....It uses more plain talk than image-conscious words.

....Plausible answer to the objection "If you're so good, why are you looking for a job?"

I used plenty of copy in my online portfolio which ended up getting me a scholarship to the uni I really wanted to attend and afterwards a job at Australia's largest games company (a place most told me I could never work at straight out of uni).

Here's a link to the portfolio: Tim Robinsons coding compilation

It hasn't been updated in a few years now (since I stopped being an employee and went into Internet Marketing full time), but still serves its purpose.

Hi Dexx,

Just wrote a resume for a client in Australia - I use a technique called resume crunching and tweak it with copy - it's not run-of-the-mill, I am professional yet f--- boring...
its different - because he is into an industry where there is a lot of competition and I wanted to make him stand out.

When it comes to this problem you need to differentiate between the actual CV and the cover letter.

The cover letter IS a sales pitch but it shouldn't be hype - it should be facts built ino a powerful sell of a person.

The actual CV needs to be short - no more than two pages - and should stick to the facts only. It should be tailored on an application by application basis with the key skills the job requires highlighted. For E.G. if your looking at admin jobs then a section on office skills is essential - if you are applying for a job in construction then it is less important so you would need to shift the focus elsewhere