How To Get a Job Interview: Why Having 4 Resumes can Bring in 4x the Results

A common question is, "How do I make a resume?"

But the real thing you should be asking is, "How do I make three resumes?"

Right now you're probably asking, "Why do I need four?" or "Seriously, why all these questions?"

OK, no more questions, but let's talk about why having three resumes can enable your job search to get results and what types of resumes you'll need.

What's the Point? And Hey, I Thought You Said There Wouldn't Be Anymore Questions

You need the right tool for the job. That's a fact. And looking for a job isn't any different. There's all sorts of different scenarios out there: interviews, online ads, networking opportunities. So it's best to have a variety of resumes to fit each situation. That way, you'll be prepared and, at the same time, be able to identify the situation and understand which resume would be the best to present. The right tool for the job hunt if you will.

A Universal Resume

This is the most essential - a one-page document that serves to introduce you. A lot of people believe you need to tell your whole story in this initial resume. But you'll get more results if it's short, punchy and gets their attention. Make it an advertisement for the future not an epitaph for the past. It's never a bad idea to make it ready for keywords in case the employer uses scanning software.

An Internet Resume

This one needs to be even shorter, usually no more than two-thirds of one page. This is what you send in an e-mail or other means of electronic communication. It needs to be heavy in the keyword department and preferably in a common format such as a Word document so you can submit it via websites as well.

A Quick-Response Resume

The third resume makes it easy for you to respond quickly to emerging situations you read about. It positions the text on the right-hand side of the page so you can write handwritten notes and dispatch a resume with a cover letter.


An Interview Resume


This is the big one at about 2 to 3 pages. It is for a presentation during or after interviews when employers want to know more. It's designed to intentionally reveal more about you. Since it reveals more about your industry experiences, it could keep you from getting in the door if you used it up front. But once you've got the interview, this can be a more compelling sales document.