I just got this from one of my readers (someone I worked with privately):
Hi! Wanted to check back in and confirm – since I redid my resume and cover letter style a few weeks ago, I have had a dramatic increase in my response rate. This week: four interview requests. (Thank goodness! I was getting worried!)
TEB
I am SO happy to read this. Congratulations TEB. You go git ‘em grrrl!
I wrote about how she had some doubt that simply changing her resume and cover letter could make much difference. But it has! Nice to have confirmation. 
(Here’s the original post: How a New Resume and Cover Letter Got Her the Job Interview!)
Your Boring Old Resume May be Costing You Interviews
Please…whether you’re just starting your job search or have been at it for a while, don’t assume just any old resume is good enough. Read the resume tips in my post. Look at the samples like those on Susan Ireland’s website. And then do your best to create the most appealing, most eye-grabbing representation of yourself possible.
And make sure you edit your basic resume and cover letter to match each job you’re applying for. Long ago I used to do it the lazy way – and let me tell you, taking the time to customize your resume and cover letter can really change your rate of response! Whatever you invest in this now can pay off big time later.
Need Help Writing Your Resume?
If you want help writing your resume, online resume services like Pongo Resume can help. (Note: I’m an affiliate, but I signed up because I think they offer a good service for the money.)
Want to Rewrite Your Resume Yourself?
If you prefer to do it yourself, here are a couple of Work Coach Cafe posts you can check out:
How a New Resume and Cover Letter Got Her the Job Interview!
5 Must-Do Resume Tips from a Fellow Blogger
And don’t forget…the cover letter is every bit as important as your resume. And in some cases, it can be even more important by helping them see what your resume only can’t show!
Good luck.
Ronnie Ann
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New Work Coach Cafe Policy:
Although I had to stop answering individual questions (to preserve my sanity), as always your thoughts and stories are VERY welcome here.
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nnn
Also, don’t consider your resume engraved in granite. Build the best basic resume you can, then customize it based on the job you’re applying for. I don’t mean fudging the facts, of course, but highlighting elements that the ad or recruiter says are important. It can be as simple as adopting some of the language they use—supervise instead of manage, for instance. And the cover letter is an even better place to do this.
Absolutely! And often the actual ad is the best place to find “keywords” and to help you make sure you answer what they say they’re looking for. Also, customizing your resume and cover letter each time makes it feel more sincere to the screener. (And that’s more than a simple insertion of their name in an obviously standard letter.)
There is no bigger waste of time and effort and nothing more annoying than one of those “To whom it may concern” letters with no sense it’s about the advertised job. A little extra time up front pays off.
Thanks as always Terry B!
Ronnie Ann
I’m always surprised at how powerful the process, itself, of revising a resume can be. Sometimes it’s hard to remind myself of all the skills and experience I have had, but packaging them attractively for someone else helps me to see them better myself. It also makes me a more focused and confident interviewee!
Great thought. Feeling good about yourself is an important part of the package. Thanks for adding to the conversation, Almostgotit.
And if anyone feels alone in their rejection, you might want to go check out Almostgotit’s blog. She’s doing a whole week on the subject after getting a rejection letter for a job she never even applied for! Now THAT’S rejection.
Ronnie Ann
It is also good practice to update a resume from time to time; this keeps you on track for your chosen career path, and up to date on your capabilities and value.
Thanks for that reminder. Agree it is a nice way to check in with what we’re doing and maybe also what we really want to be doing!