What Are the Differences Between Telecommute Resumes and
Standard Resumes?
Jobseekers often ask me what the difference is between a
"standard" resume and a telecommute resume. So I have compiled
this short article to explain those differences.
1. Telecommute resumes have to stand out.
Recruiters and hiring mangers are flooded with resumes when they
post a telecommute job. I spoke to a recruiter that stated he
gets between 750 and 1,000 resumes, each day, every time he
posts a project. It starts to taper off a little after the third
day. So after just three days, he could easily have more than
2,000 resumes to sort through.
Because of this, you absolutely have to have a resume that
stands apart from the crowd. I don't mean that you should add
all kinds of clipart and colorful graphics - so don't go crazy.
You should take time to make sure your information is presented
in an easy to read and eye-pleasing format. You will need to
emphasize your skills, particularly your ability to work
independently, and your time management skills.
2. Telecommute resumes are highly scrutinized.
You are competing with people all over the country instead of
just local applicants. The telecommuting employer has the "cream
of the crop" to choose from. They are going to analyze and make
judgments on what they find in your resume.
You have to pay extra attention to spelling and grammar errors.
Make sure you aren't using the word, "I" anywhere on your
resume. Pay attention to where you place commas, and remember to
end your sentences with a period.
Don't rely on MS Word to teach you proper grammar, those little
green lines look intimidating, but you can make them go away
(see below). Instead, refer to a manual such as the Gregg
Reference Manual or some online manual.
3. Telecommute resumes have to take the place of you.
The hiring manager is not going to be able to meet you. They may
call you for a phone interview, but they will make most of their
hiring decision based on your resume alone. You want to make
sure to cover everything you think is applicable, and leave off
information that isn't. Read over your resume and think about
what impression you will make.
In addition, if you have taken any online certification tests,
(offered at Brainbench.com) be sure to add that information. If
you belong to professional associations, (like the International
Virtual Assistants Association) be sure to note that on your
resume. Going the extra mile might make the difference between a
regretful e-mail, and "you're hired."
** How to make those green squiggly lines go away:
In Word 2002, go to the "Tools" menu and scroll down to
"Options." When you click on "Options" a new window will open up
that has several tabs to choose from. Select the "Spelling and
Grammar." Look for the check box that says, "hide grammatical
errors in this document." Check the box and hit the "OK" button.
Voila! All of the little misleading lines have vanished.