A 2.0 resume is one that is targeted for the position desired. Many companies have employed the use of technology to scan for specific keywords within them. The more those words appear in a resume, the more likely an interview is to be scheduled. One can find the keywords most likely to be used by reading the ad for the position carefully. The next step is to then be sure to use them in the resume. As long as you really do have those skills, that is.
A 2.0 resume is proof-read and completely free of common spelling and grammatical errors. This may seem like common sense, but it is something that is generally not done. Have as many people as you can find read your resume as your own eye may not catch your own errors. After the resumes have been scanned, someone reads them to further weed out the best matches for the position. If a resume contains as little as one spelling or grammar error, it is usually kicked to the curb. Those errors are a big deal as they show your general lack of attention to detail.
A 2.0 resume is specific. Most of the time, a human resources manager is not looking for a list of every task performed throughout your professional life from your very first job in high school until today, but instead how you benefited the company you last worked for. Did you help reduce costs? Did you find an additional avenue of income? Did you help start a new project, or finish one under budget or before the deadline? Those accomplishments mean more than the mundane tasks of the job.
A 2.0 resume is concise - short and to the point. For most positions, one or two pages is plenty. Human resources mangers do not have time to read a six page dissertation of your employment history so do not give them one. If you are following the previous tips of keeping your resume targeted and specific, the length should not be an issue.
A 2.0 resume is formatted properly. This may also seem like common sense, but is not normally done in practice. Try the following format if you are having trouble. Since most employers are looking for skills, list them and your accomplishments first. Then list out your work history. By highlighting what you can add to a company, you are more likely to land that all important interview. In addition, if you have been on leave of some kind, such as for school or medical or family leave, those gaps are less noticeable, and what you have achieved can stand out more.
Most of the time the 2.0 resume is going to be submitted by email. To give it another chance to stand out and make a positive impression, also send it old school style: through the post office. While no delivery method is fool proof, sending two copies is an additional assurance that it will eventually make it to its intended recipient.
