The importance of my resume in gaining the attention of the interviewer cannot be overstated. Richardson states “…I read-I mean really read-less than half”. Richardson again states in his article “…they spark my interest in a particular product-you”. Our instructor writes in Blog #2, “ 10-30 seconds: That’s all the time you have to survive the first cut…”. As stressful as this is, the best thing to do is to do your best and establish some sort of “edge”. The “edge” I speak of revolves around differentiating myself from all others applying for the job. My skills, experience, field of studies, and quality of presentation.
How do you get the interviewer’s attention long enough to pass the first “cut” and keep his attention long enough to get him interested in my abilities. To gain his attention, I will start with the paper the resume is to be printed on. This paper should not be common paper used in copying machines but of excellent quality. This paper should be between 16 lbs and 25 lbs with cotton fiber and a watermark. This will insure the “feel different” quality when he holds the resume. The cotton fiber paper comes in a lot of colors but I will choose an ivory color, to stand out in a pile of white resumes.
After I have made the “cut” I will need to keep the interviewer interested in me. The Purdue Owl states “…be as concise as possible-no shorter than one full page and no more than three pages…” . They also go on to say “… written in a concise style using bullet lists rather than long sentences…”. Therefore, I will keep my resume to one page and focus on the “user-centered and persuasive” style approach talked abou t in the Purdue Owl. For example, My “Objective” will focus on creating a user-centered approach on how I can help keep the company on top of the competitors.
The Paper?
I was surprised to see that your only listed strategy for surviving the first cut was to print your resume on quality paper. Is this really your plan of attack? We know that you've got between 10 and 30 seconds to impress the reader, but how long does it take a person to notice the quality of the paper they're holding? 1 second? I think it would be a better idea to focus on strengths in your education and work experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for. The readings for this week stress the importance of these areas, because companies don’t decide who makes the first cut and who doesn’t based on the watermarks the applicants use.
reply
I agree with you, most companies probably don't decide on who makes the cut and who doesn't based on watermarks of the paper they are holding. Richardson stated "...anything to guide my eye quickly to the points that should grab my attention and force my respect." The paper is just a small part in the overall objective of "grabbing the interviewer's attention" and getting him to look at the important stuff, like as you mentioned, strengths in education and work experiences. If you re-read my blog closely you should notice that quality paper is not my only listed strategy for surviving the first cut. I do believe the interviewer is more interested in you and your resume if you have piqued their interest somehow.
Quality Paper
In your defense, it's a good idea to print your résumé on a good, quality paper. It's not necessarily about a watermark or pattern or texture, but a heavier, quality paper will feel different to the reader. The difference in tactile feel might be what grabs their attention and makes them take a second look, you never know. For sure, printing it on a heavier paper certainly can't do any harm, as long as the visual texture of the paper and/or any watermark don't distract from the content of your résumé. The paper quality is a subtle difference, but I think it can be an important one!
Kristin
Its In The Paper
Kristin, I agree with you. When I first started going to career fairs, I always figured that the content of my resume was the only important part of it. After talking with a recruiter at a follow up interview, I was given the advice to do everything possible to make my resume stand out. Even little things such as the weight of the paper or even the shade of white can make a significant difference. At the same time however, you should not go overboard. Use what you have learned about the culture of the company to decide what is appropriate for grabbing the recruiter's attention.
Paper
I'm going to have to agree with Kristin on this one. I really don't feel that the higher grade of paper would take anything away from your resume as long as it does not become to much of a distraction from the content. There is point where this could be taken to far such as using a poster board weighted paper, but I doubt that anyone would do that. As long as it is still easily read and the reader is not distracted it shouldn't really be an issue. Who knows, it might even show the possible employer that you are willing to go the extra mile.