How to design a themed RESUME package

Your resume is YOU in paper form. In order to get yourself past the trash and into the position, your resume needs to not only contain the information prospective employers are looking for, but also grab the attention of the reader! This article covers the "look" of the resume package by helping you DESIGN A THEMED RESUME PACKAGE. (hopefully, you possess the skills they are looking for as well)

Things You'll Need

• computer
• Microsoft WORD
• paper
• envelopes
• creativity (the most important)

Instructions

1. Think. All resume writers harp on keeping a resume package simple. Simple information, simple format, and simple font. This is all true. However, when your resume package arrives to be read, something of "who you are" needs to be present, and the reader needs to be intrigued by it to bring it to the forefront of all they receive. Remember that there is a SEA of resumes and yours should stand out.

2. 

   Identify. Your identity on a resume package should be reduced to one iconic symbol. All good companies have one recognizable symbol that identifies them. Think Nike, Pepsi, Coke, McDonald's, and companies like that. All have a symbol that transcends culture and language. Decide and design a "logo" that you can identify with. This step is the hardest part. As examples, you can use your initials, a favorite flower or print. In a later article I can explain how to create an iconic, personal logo.

3. 

   Write. After you have written your cover letter (or letter of interest) and resume, write a page BIOGRAPHY to include in your resume package. This document (if the reader chooses to read) tells ALL about you from your early years until present time. Keep it to one page and cover information that is helpful to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a teaching position, state all the teaching experiences you have had (while you are telling your story) in the document. A subsequent article will explain how to create a BIOGRAPHY for your resume package.

4. 

   Create. Now that the "meat" documents of your resume package are ready, now is the time to be creative. Create something that can go into the resume package, that is a small gift of sorts, that has your iconic, personal logo on it. This is a token of your appreciation for the reader taking the time to read your resume, and a constant reminder of YOU (the one that needs a job). Create something that can be mailed, and something they can USE, or re-gift to someone. I personally use a handmade bookmark.

5. 

   Package. When packaging your paperwork, there are a few things to remember. ALWAYS use a clean, new, white envelope to send your papers in. I bought mine at Staples. Use a label software program to print your return address and the shipping address. I use Avery labels and downloaded the Avery Wizard to work with my Microsoft Word program. And be sure to include the personal logo somewhere on your return address.

6. Celebrate. Making your own resume package is helpful in more ways than helping you find a job. It is a creative process that keeps you thinking, evaluating, and crafting about your most important topic. YOU!

Tips & Warnings

• Place the right amount of postage to ensure a timely delivery

• enjoy the process as well as the product

• offer your services to help a friend freshen up their resume

• never, never, NEVER send your resume package with mistakes, misinformation, or in shabby shape