There are standard rules for good resume writing which, although flexible enough to meet individual requirements, should be followed for best results. The point is, there is a wrong way and a right way to write a resume, and in such a vital activity as your career, you must give yourself every advantage. Advertised jobs represent only a very small percentage of total available jobs. Figure 6-22 represents the many different ways you can learn about and get a lob. The direct-mail approach is one of the most effective ways to locate the hidden job market which comprises about 80 to 85 percent of available job openings, openings which are not advertised or made public.
Managers feel that flamboyant resumes often bring in overaggressive applicants.
They also feel that soiled, sloppy resumes with misspellings and general disorganization often bring in people whose backgrounds and personalities match their resumes. The appearance and format of your resume are almost as important as the information it contains. Employers generally are looking for an individual who can fit into a structured position that has specific requirements such as experience, education, duties, and salary range. Business people and file clerks are conditioned by tradition and experience to handle this size paper. It is perfectly permissible to have a resume reproduced on a copier.