I’m seeing more and more attention given to how you should write a résumé, articles telling us the résumé is dead, that we need an online résumé, maybe include video and graphics.  We are told that keywords matter and that our résumés are scanned by computer for the shortlist.  Yes, the world is changing and certainly we are becoming more technology dependent in the working community.

The age of the new résumé is upon us, but there is a reality to it.  Eighty-two percent of the businesses in British Columbia are small businesses, less than 5 employees.  Some (Gasp!) don’t even own a computer, but are good employers.  Many are the backbone of communities supplying the necessary goods and services.  They are not going to scan your résumé for keywords!  They are going to look you in the eye and ask you questions based on your education and experience.

Your résumé needs to be targeted to the audience.  If you are applying to major corporations by all means put in all of the keywords.  If you are applying for a job in Nanaimo, it is a different audience, they are looking for how you can support them in meeting their present and future goals in a one page, no nonsense format.

The purpose of a résumé has not changed.  It is not about you but about how your skills and abilities can help their business.  How you convey that is dependent on where the business is located and the nature of the business.  What works in Vancouver won’t necessarily work in Nanaimo and vice-versa.

Your success with your résumé will be dependent on how well you researched and targeted your potential employer.  If you are unemployed and need assistance visit the nearest WorkBC Employment Centre, if employed but wanting to change careers, visit our website at www.lrassess.com

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