Since I've started at NOI, several resumes from new media professionals have come across my desk. Many, if not most, of these resumes come from qualified candidates who aren't marketing themselves well. Because we often work in organizations where few people, including our potential boss, have a solid understanding of the work we do, it can be difficult to write a resume that explains our skillsets and experiences in a comprehensive and easily digestible way.
The following are some suggestions for making your new media resume stand out:
Be sure to list accomplishments and results. Did you raise a large amount of money online? Grow your organization's list by 33% in a year's time? List concrete accomplishments!
Whenever possible give specific numbers and metrics. It tells a potential employer what you're capable of doing and also that you know how to quantify your work.
Facebook and Twitter aren't skills. Instead of listing them, talk about how you use social networking and social media to organize, fundraise, or drive message.
Emphasize project management. Overseeing an email program, managing vendors, or leading the design and building of a website show that you have experience taking a leadership role and seeing a project from start to finish.
By making just a few tweaks in your resume you'll greatly increase your chances of landing an interview and nabbing your new media dream job.
Melissa Ryan is the New Media Director at NOI.
Photo from Flickr user woodleywonderworks, shared under Creative Commons license
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