Your resume...that one or two page document that seems to sum up who you are professionally is really....drum roll please...

A direct marketing sales-letter.

You might be thinking, "What the heck is he talking about?" Don't worry, I'll explain. So let's look at what a direct marketing sales-letter actually is...

Direct marketing is a type of marketing that is distinguished from "regular" marketing in two ways.

First, it attempts to send its message directly to consumers without the use of intervening media. And second, it is focused on driving purchases that can be attributed to a specific "call to action."

A sales-letter is exactly what it sounds like. It is a letter that you might get in the mail, in an email message, or what you might read on some websites with the intent of selling you a product or service.

If you stop to think about your resume for a moment, you send a message directly to employers (by mail, email, or in person). You are focused not on driving purchases, but rather creating opportunities for employment. The specific "call to action" is the employer calling you to set up an interview!

Your resume is like a sales-letter in that you send it in the mail, email it, deliver it personally, or post it online with the intent of selling your services as an employee!

From now on, I want you to think of your resume as a direct marketing sales-letter that is the cornerstone of a targeted marketing campaign to get you your dream job in the shortest amount of time! Period.

Now for what your resume isn't...

Your resume is not a document that lists all the different kinds of jobs you had, the education you have, the skills you possess, and the kind of position you are looking for.

If you look at your resume that way, you are sabotaging your efforts!

If the sole purpose of a direct marketing sales-letter is to make a sale of a product or service...then the sole purpose of your resume is...

Is to get you an INTERVIEW!

That is the only thing your resume is designed to do.

A resume does not get you a job. It is not for comparing you to other colleagues. It is not a measure of your success in life.

It is generally not designed to do anything else but get an employer to call or email you and ask you to come to the company's office and interview for the open position.

Sometimes, a specially written resume can be used as a negotiating tool in getting a raise at your current company.

However, a well-written resume does not promise you a job. I have seen people go to job interviews with top-notch resumes, and still not get the job because their interviewing skills were terrible! And I am being nice when I say "terrible."

Of course, people can improve their interviewing skills with proper coaching. But, that is another topic for another time!

So remember what your resume is, what it isn't, and what it is meant to do and you will be on the road to a better paying, more personally-satisfying career.

Known for writing winning resumes and cover letters that have led to job interviews for over 90% of his clients, Kristopher Marek provides professional resume writing services for job seekers looking for a better paying and more personally-satisfying career. Don't even think of sending out your resume until you have read an online copy of his FREE book - The Top Twenty Resume Mistakes And How To Avoid Them. Just go to http://www.winningresumewriter.com and get started today.