The resume game has changed drastically with the invention of automated
resume scanners and databases. It's not just about writing a good resume
but writing one that will have enough keywords to get past the automated
systems.

First off, resumes really aren't about length any more. They are about
keywords. Certainly if you are just out of college, stick to one page. Also
if you have had the same job for years, you can do a one page resume as
well. For people who have had multiple jobs, certifications, and training,
2-pages is the norm.

Match your resume to the job description. See what words are in sections
like "required skills" or "desirable" and work those into your experience.
There are often several words for the same job title or skill. If your last
position had a different job title than the job you are applying for now,
make sure you use the new job title and keywords in entry. Were you a
registrar technician and are now applying for a "collections technician"
position. Make sure you talk about how you worked as a technician for
collections in the description of your last job. Otherwise the resume
system might pass you over because it is looking for "collection
technician" as a keyword and doesn't know the "registrar technician" counts.

Always describe your job in terms of accomplishments and quantify your
work. How many people did you give tours to? How many objects did you
process? How big was the collection you worked on? How much money did you
raise? What percentage of increase in attendance did you see? "Lead school
tour program" is not as impressive as "Provided 30 school programs to over
900 children, grades 3-5, over the course of the school year."

Unless you have very limited experience, only list relevant experience on
your resume. Tighten it up. If you've been working a few years and have had
a several jobs, only list those that have experience relevant to the job to
which you are applying or at least list them first. If you have at least 10
years of work history, you really don't need to list your college jobs
unless they are relevant. List volunteer gigs only if they are relevant or
really quirky and will make you stand out . Do NOT list political,
religious, or social causes unless they are relevant to the job. Applying
to a Jewish museum and you are the chairwoman of the women's auxiliary of
your local temple, list it. Otherwise, leave it off. World record holder
for singing the Song that Never Ends? Might make you stand out a little.
Could be worth including. But if you are running out of space, drop it for
something more relevant.

Also, follow the directions on the job posting. Don't call or e-mail if it
says not to call or e-mail. It's bad form. If you know someone who works
there who can check for you, that's okay but don't be a pest. Museums
receive hundreds if not thousands of job applications for each position. If
you don't hear back within a month or two, write it off and move on.
Government positions usually send out some sort of notice but most other
places don't. They just don't have the time.

Good luck and keep applying!

Deb Fuller

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