by Carole Kanchier

Gail has sent out two hundred resumes within the past three months, but only landed one job interview. Is this happening to you?

Passively sending out resumes – regardless of how well-written they are – to employers or recruiters won’t necessarily get you an interview or job. You must get your resume to the right person, which requires creativity and work. Try the following.

Know the type of job you want. Identify the industry, title, function and organizational level, specialty area, type of company and location.

Don’t select a job because experts predict it’s in demand, to please others, or just to be employed. Rather, select one that’s congruent with your personal qualities. What’s your passion? What skills and other attributes do you want to use?

It’s difficult to maintain enthusiasm when you are applying for positions that don’t excite you.

Prepare a scannable resume. Many large organizations use computers to scan resumes for key phrases or buzz words mentioned in job descriptions.

To make your resume easy to scan, use crisp type, such as that produced by laser printers. Use white or light-colored paper, with standard typefaces such as Helvetica or Courier, and font sizes of 11 to 14 points. Use all capital letters for section headings.

Avoid fancy treatments such as italics, underlining and graphics. Use common headings such as career objective, skills summary and work experience. Include the job code listed in the ad.

Employ key words from the text of want ads to define your skills, accomplishments, education and other strengths. Include numbers, dollars and evidence of quality. Use nouns such as manager and technician, and industry jargon.

Develop a different resume for each job target. Also craft two variations of your resume: one with a scannable layout to send by email; the second with a more creative arrangement to bring to an interview.

If you’re using email, save your resume as a text document. Ask someone to proofread it.

Use the appropriate format. Since most employers prefer chronological resumes, use this format if you’re applying for a similar type of job in a related industry.

If you’re an older professional who is changing fields, consider the functional format (organize accomplishments and skills to match specific job requirements). This enables you to cluster accomplishments of a particular function such as marketing, regardless of when and where you performed them. Include a section outlining your employment history.

Write a short cover letter. In two or three succinct paragraphs, identify your job objective, highlight related accomplishments, and indicate how you can benefit the employer. If you’re sending the resume by mail, consider including a portfolio with sample accomplishments, commendations, publications and other achievements.

Network. About eighty-five percent of all employment comes from networking. It enables you to increase your contacts and get useful information, such as unadvertised positions and companies that are hiring.

Identify people who can connect you with decision makers in the organization. Personal referrals to hiring managers increase the likelihood your resume will be read.

Increase your contacts by joining professional, trade, alumni or civic groups. Attend career fairs, trade shows and professional conferences.

Create ways to meet people in hiring positions. Ask for introductions. Make cold calls.

Research. Effective research can identify job possibilities with prospective companies and hiring managers. Check The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Rich’s Guide, other publications and company Internet sites.

Look for hidden leads. A newspaper story or television program describing a new company or product may suggest positions with a growing company or expansion of a larger one.

Use a variety of search strategies. Contact employers directly. Identify the hiring managers at companies of interest to determine job availability and skills required.

If appropriate, revise and send your resume. Show that you’re qualified for the targeted position. Request an interview.

Contact small companies. Try executive recruiting firms, temp agencies, and trade and professional associations.

Be proactive. Make things happen. Follow up each mailing with a phone call or email within three weeks. If you don’t hear from anyone, call again. List things to accomplish daily. Completing these will help maintain optimism, motivation and energy.