Mastering the nuances of writing a resume

I have completed my Masters in Social Work. I already attended many interviews. But yet to settle down in a decent job. Is preparing a good resume important? I do know that there are so many models and guidelines online. But in reality, it doesn’t seem to fetch me jobs. Please, guide me. (Preethi Bharathi) 

It is one of the lowest paid but highly needed sectors. As I started writing this column, a friend sent me a GIF on how difficult it is to find a fulfilling career, high salary and work/life balance. It is very apt for a career in the field of social work. It continues being a high priority career option among the young people due to its value of doing something for the society. 

Witnessing such a trend is heartening. Social work graduates can operate in a broad spectrum of career paths. Both government and Non-Government Organisations regularly recruit qualified personnerl. 

People keep shifting from one job to the other and one organisation to another. This volatile situation, peculiar to the field, makes ‘wanted’ notice permanent. The institutes for rehabilitation, orphaned children, awareness-creation, people with disabilities and old-age homes, remand homes and prisons, counselling, health care, environmental protection, labour welfare, culture, human rights, rural welfare, disaster management, Gender and many others present numerous jobs. 

Both research and active grass root engagement exist simultaneously and in equal measure for social workers. Today, it is more than an occupation. Some idealists with developmental work backgrounds have launched their own foundations to reach out to society. 

A resume is an advertisement of oneself. But it should not be deceiving like that of an advertisement. Therefore, keep your resume truthful. You are called for an interview looking at your resume. A huge gap between resume and reality would prove a disaster. Be impressive but never impersonate.