One of the most competitive places today is the job market. An employer will receive over 250 applications on average, for each job position posted. A lot of companies utilize applicant tracking systems to sift through and eliminate the ones that are least qualified.
If you are lucky enough to even get through that process, the next step is impressing the hiring manager. Most resumes are skimmed through because they do not have time to thoroughly read each one. If you feel you’ve been sending out tons of applications but you’re not getting a high response rate, it might be the lack of ‘wow’ features found on your resume which makes it very easy for the employer to throw it in the no pile.
On the other hand, you don’t want to flood your resume with useless information taking away the focus from the qualities that make you a great fit for the job. Here are some tips on making your resume stand out and getting you your dream job.
First impression
People who say looks don’t matter are in denial or know nothing about this world. You want to attract the hiring manager in any way possible if you really want the job, starting with a stunning resume. Choose a readable font and maybe have a friend check it doesn’t cause any eye strain. Make sure your resume is up to date, meaning no objective section and apply terminology to today that way the employer knows you’re with the current trends. You can do research on the worst and best fonts and why to choose those.
Do not list your entire history
Of course, you need to include previous experience, but you don’t need all of it. You want to think of the requirement needed for said job and apply your resume to fit those. Meaning, include your experience that applies most to the position you are applying for. Don’t include experience that will not add value to your resume. List skills that will be helpful for that specific job title. That way, the recruiter knows you already have some of the experience from the previous jobs that you can use for this one.
Keep it short
Along with the various resumes the managers must look over, remember they have tons of other work to do too. Make their work easier by getting straight to the point and not making your resume too lengthy. One look at the length may turn away the manager form reading it all. A one-page resume is recommended but if you need more room, keep it to a two page minimum.
Look alive
Nobody wants to look at a generic looking resume, they want to see character and personality. Add a few action words in your CV and this will show them you can bring life to the dullest of situations. Remember, only use a few verbs because you don’t want to go overboard.
Photo
Not all job seekers use a photo as something to factor in, but many do. Attaching a relevant picture of yourself can help show them what kind of person you are. Companies will sometimes even request to view your social media, so they can see a more in-depth version of you. If this is the case for you, make sure your pages, like Instagram and Facebook, are clean and nice looking. This will show you are a more reliable person.
Stand Out
Overall, writing a resume is not a hard thing to accomplish. Just consider these tips and tricks to making it more attractive and focus on how you can impress the hiring manager.
Be sure to reread it a few times and apply it to the position you want. You will notice these little changes will help in a lot of ways!
Check out “How to Nail Your Interview” for some of our interview secrets and you’ll be all set when the employer contacts you.