Free Resume Examples: More Is Better

If you ever studied any probability theory in high school or college, you probably remember the marbles.

Most introductory probability books talk about drawing different colored marbles out of a bag. What's the probability of getting a particular color?

Let's say the bag has 20 marbles, 15 red and 5 blue. The probability of drawing a red one is 15/20, or 3 out of 4. The probability of drawing a blue one is 5/20, or 1 out of four 4.

The principle should be obvious. Given a certain total number of marbles, the probability of drawing a particlar color goes up as the number of marbles of that color goes up.

Simple right?

Yes, but almost every job seeker forgets that simple rule when it comes to free resume examples.

You want your resume to stand out. So you copy a free resume example you consider "unique." Imagine lots of other people copy the same one. Does yours stand out anymore?

Nope. And that's what lots of people did with the three or so templates that came with Microsoft(R) Word. It became almost a running joke for headhunters and recruiters. Only it wasn't funny.

Free resume examples, and templates, are fine tools to use. In fact, I'll bet in your career you've used examples to get started on most projects. It's always helpful to get new ideas when you're brainstorming.

The problem is, most people think an example or a template is a form to fill in.

That's lazy, and the results are likely to be far from what you're hoping for.

I recommend you use free resumes examples. I also recommend you follow a simple rule of thumb. Use a LOT of free resume examples. The more the better.

What you're doing here is picking and choosing the styles, formats, phrases, words and techniques that will present YOU best. You're not the person the example fit at one time. You're you.

Remember those marbles? Imagine there is a resume example out there that fits you perfectly, so that you could in fact copy it, change the personal information at the top, and turn it in. What are your odds of finding it? I don't know, but I do know they go way up the more marbles (or free resume examples) you have to choose from.

Now, finding that "perfect match" free resume example is an extremely remote possibility. I'd say the probability is zero. But that's not what you're looking for.

You're looking for close-to-perfect pieces and parts that you can adapt to create your best possible customized resume. Fortunately, the same probability principle applies. The more pieces and parts you have to choose from, the greater your odds of finding what you're looking for. More pieces and parts come from having more free resume examples in the bag.

Maximize your odds of success by looking at LOTS of free resume examples. I'd start with 10, then do a second round of 15 more.

It's some work, but the result might be that "dream job" you've been looking for.

A little work can pay off big.

(c) Copyright 2005 by Roy Miller

An article by Roy Miller, creator of http://www.Job-Search-Guidepost.com. He has just released a new free report on how you can avoid losing thousands of dollars by copying a free resume example without knowing what you're doing. You can claim your copy here: Free Resume Examples Report.

This article may be reprinted for use in newsletters and on websites provided that this information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: roy@job-search-guidepost.com.

---

Networking is the Key to Star Performance in Everything You Do.

Many people's idea of networking relates to the 'size of... Read More

Finding Freelance Writing Jobs - Join Us On The Job Search

Finding freelance writing jobs require great skill, dedication and lots... Read More

How To Get More Interviews In Your Job Search

Richard Bolles, job search guru and author of What Color... Read More

Revitalize Your Recruiting for 2005

Happy New Year! The forecasts are in agreement: Hiring is... Read More

What Makes Americans Hate Their Jobs? This Advice Turns That Epidemic Around

Here are the sobering facts: studies show that almost 70%... Read More

Relocation Issues...Who Will Pay?

In light of recent unemployment figures, and a continual downturn... Read More

Success at Work: Techniques: Computer Literacy

It's hard to believe that there are people in today's... Read More

Your Attitude Is Screaming

There is more attitude around than the 'traditional 'positive /... Read More

Nonverbal Interview Behavior

Non-verbal interview behavior can drown out your verbal self-presentation.Practice interviewing... Read More

How to Overcome Being Overqualified

Have you ever gone through the interview process, felt confident... Read More

Ready to Move -- Anywhere!

"I have lived in this city all my life. My... Read More

Strange Jobs Still Pay The Bills

Strange jobs? How do we define that? Years ago I... Read More

Reinvent Your Career In Five Simple Steps

The phrase "reinventing yourself" seems to be popping up all... Read More

How to Improve Your Work Situation

buWhy are so many people unhappy in their work situation?... Read More

Resumes Arent Important - They are Everything When it Comes to Getting an Interview

Employers and recruiters receive hundreds of resumes for every position... Read More

Resumes, Networking, Headhunters ? Useless Without Marketing Sweet Spot

A career transition is no longer about getting your hands... Read More

Career Search from Within

Seeking meaningful and fulfilling work can become a discouraging, confusing... Read More

Consultants - If We Cant Laugh At Ourselves?

There are hundreds of varieties of Consultants these days. We... Read More

Your First Job

"Your first job is an extension of your education"Fresh out... Read More

From Bumbling Bosses to Cranky Co-Workers ? How to Overcome What Makes You Hate Your Job

I'll be the first to admit that I hated my... Read More

Job Interviews: Identifying & Using Your Most Important Asset

When you're looking to get hired or get promoted, what... Read More

Interview Preparation Made Easy: Create An Interview Preparation List

Here's a quick way to compare your own job experience... Read More

Writing A Great Resume, Part 1

Need a great resume to land that great job coming... Read More

Free Resume Template: Beware!

Downloading a free resume template can be so alluring. No... Read More

Tips for Getting Your Movie Career Launched

Hollywood helps those who help themselves! In you want to... Read More

Dynamic Pre-Hiring Practices

The pre-hiring process can be a challenge. Much time and... Read More

Adapting To Change In A Changing World

Have you learnt a new skill or improved upon your... Read More

The Perfect Resume

The perfect resume presents hiring managers with a... Read More

Waiting For the Official Job Offer

At the end of the third job interview, Helene was... Read More

Build Your Career Decision By Decision

Do you dislike making decisions and avoid the challenge whenever... Read More

How to Track Your Right Career

Are you lost in the wilderness when it comes to... Read More

10 Keys to Getting Paid What You?re Worth!

Asking for money is so taboo in our culture that... Read More

So You want to be a Bodyguard?

Then let me start by helping out. The politically correct... Read More