Unfortunately, as a job-hunting tool, the resume is deeply flawed. As many of us have experienced, the success rate of obtaining an interview through submitting a resume can be disappointingly low.

According to one recent study, only one job offer is tendered and accepted for every 1470 resumes that are floating round in the job market.

Why?

Firstly, recruiters tend to work against a job specification, which outlines the key attributes required for the job. Many recruiters will use this job specification as a 'check-list' to screen out applicants who do not appear to have the correct attributes. However, the resume can be a rather inflexible document and, if it does not clearly match up with the "check-list", then it is very likely that your resume will be placed in the "reject pile".

Secondly, recruiters are usually under significant time pressure. Since they will regularly receive several hundred applications for each vacant position, recruiters develop very fast resume screening skills … each resume may receive as little as 10 seconds' attention before a decision is made to accept or reject. The recruiter is unlikely to read your resume in full and gain an in-depth understanding of your experience. If your resume does not clearly persuade the recruiter of your suitability for the job within ten seconds, it is likely it will be placed in the reject pile.

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