English 421Y: Technical Writing Online

After reading the articles, I compared the detailed advice it gave to my resume. I wanted to know how I measured up in the eyes of human resources. Having the fate of my résumé depend on someone who reads multiple others daily and spends less time reading it than it takes them to brush their teeth did not sit well with me. I asked myself, “How can I make it more appealing and unique then everyone else’s to have mine chosen”?

All the articles relate to building your resume to capture the reader’s eye and to make them think that you are better than all of the other resumes they are looking at. It is important to know what sets yours apart from all the other resumes. In the article, “A Glimpse and a Hook” the author really portrays how a common resume scanner analyzes and goes through its process. When the author writes about how he will search the applicant’s name on the online search engine, Google, and to build an impression really concerned me. I immediately searched my name on Google to see if anything came up that I do or do not want future employers to see.

While reading the articles, I compared what is being taught in class on building a resume to the people who scan them. This changed how I organize my resume so it reveals unique material about me and easy to read while not being cluttered.

I reflected back on previous material from this class, especially that which detailed how to relate to the audience. The primary reader in reading a resume is more than likely a receptionist in human resources. This is the audience that the resume is addressed to. The secondary reader would be a manager or someone in a hiring position. Using the format of how to create a resume from chapter 15, Starting Your Career, with what the reading articles emphasize what is important, and the arrangement of skills, experience, and relevant work.

In conclusion, this week’s material was relevant to job seekers who need help with improvements on their resume. Having examples and criticism given from resume analysis will allow resume builders to have an idea of what important information is extracted from resumes.