Resumes. Nobody reads 'em, but you've got to have one

I have read and heard that, on the average, a resume receives about a 10-second look-over. If the average person reads at a rate of 400 wpm, then they cover about 67 words of your resume before moving on to the next one or falling asleep. Subtract about 12 words for your name and address, plus another 10 words stating your "objective" at the top of the resume (if you choose that format), then that leaves about 45 words for the reviewer to capture your work history, education, accomplishment, etc. And this does not even begin to consider your cover letter (if you choose to have one of those).

It 's no wonder that virtually all of the resume preparation books and workshop experts advise you to "get it all on one page," and, if you can, in the top half of that page. It's a little disconcerting to think about how much time (untold hours) people spend trying to perfect their resumes, on the one hand, and how little time, the people employing us spend looking at them, on the other.

To the extent that resumes are read and make a difference, which they undoubtedly do, [and you and I have no way of knowing for whom they make a difference and when], it pays to prepare them carefully and attractively. So, we just need to sit our fannies down and give it our best shot. Focusing upon the dismal statistic of how much attention they're given just won't do.

There is no shortage of opinions about how resumes should be organized for optimal impact. If you've scanned some of the resume preparation guides available at your local bookstore or library, then you've probably observed, with frustration, that the recommendations are sometimes contradictory. As a mercy to us all, I make no recommendations, at this time. You notice I wrote "at this time," permitting me the opportunity in the future to add my two cents worth of expert confusion to your efforts.

One important reason to spend time on your resume is sometimes overlooked. It has nothing to do with the recipient of your resume and everything to do with you. I think that the real value in preparing a resume is the gain in self-knowledge and self- appreciation. In trying to represent yourself fairly and clearly to another person who doesn't know you at all, you are forced to really reflect upon what you have done in the work place and in other settings. Specifically, you must consider what you have done that demonstrates your excellence; how you made a difference to the organization and people around you; and how and in what ways you could improve yourself.

If you are clear about these three areas, I can't guarantee someone will read your resume. But, I am willing to wager that you'll have a heck of job interview.

Dr. Micah Janus is co-founder and President of CareeRx.Com^TM, an online career testing, career counseling and coaching service. Micah is best known for his significant work with Delta Airlines. During the past 50 years virtually every pilot and senior manager at Delta was screened by Micah or his father. All sat in the famous "Janus Rocking Chair," which is now in Delta's museum in Atlanta. Visit CareeRx.Com^TM on the web at www.careerx.com^TM.