Although it seems like common sense, having a rock-solid resume that includes all pertinent components is critical to landing your next job. With increasing job demands and ever evolving company expectations, it might not seem so simple to craft an exceptional resume these days. has the added challenge of attracting not only hiring managers but the software bots doing their upfront work.
If you want to make sure your resume stands out with hiring managers, intrigues the software bots, and makes the “contact for an interview” lists, try these tips that are certain to get you in the front of the hiring line.
1. Review Samples
Before you get started on your resume, review examples that fit a variety of positions. This will help you narrow down a style and format that best spotlight your achievements, abilities and strengths.
2. Start With a Template
A resume template will give you the foundation to customize a resume that reflects your information and highlights your skills.
– Select ideal resume type.
There are several basic types of resumes. Chronological, functional, combination are three of the most commonly used. You’ll want to make your selection based on your professional circumstances. It will be important to spotlight your work experience, educational background, and skill set.
-Personalize your content.
Add a personal touch to the template(s) you select.Customize the resume for each position you apply for by ensuring that your skills and experience are clearly aligned with the position you’re pursuing. It make take some additional work and time,but the effort can pay off well if you’re identified by resume as an ideal match for your desired job.
–Prioritize your content.
Take the time to prioritize the content of your resume so that your most important and relevant experiences are listed first. Provide clear and concise description of your accomplishments at the top of each position and quantify them if you can.
-Keep it short
Leading recruitment experts recommend keeping it under two pages as bots and humans alike prefer shorter, more concise resumes.
Choose a basic font.
When formatting your resume, use a basic font that is easy to read, both for hiring managers and for applicant management systems. Google also favors the simple over the complex. Many fonts make your resume clear and easy to read while retaining your individual style.
Here are some helpful resume templates and resources to get you started.
3. Add Numbers That Quantify Accomplishments
Adding numbers to your resume can serve as an awesome way to shows employers what you have achieved in the past. Some achievements may not be quantifiable, but, if possible, correspond your specific achievements with number figures. An example would be, indicating exactly how many new client accounts you were able to secure in your position. This has been proven to serve as powerful tools in salary negation as well.
4. Keep Contact Information Accurate & Updated
Ensure that all your contact information is current. Include your full name, street address, phone number, and email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile or professional website, you can provide those links, too. In some cases, you might elect not include your entire mailing address, but in most cases it’s typically a good idea to do so.
5. Add a Profile
Consider using a resume profile or summary, with or without a headline, if you want to include an objective on your resume. Remember to tailor your profile to match your the job you want. The more specific you are, the better the chance of being considered for the job.
The easiest way to personalize your resume for targeted job without rewriting the whole resume is to include a Profile Summary or Summary of Qualifications section at the top of your resume. You can create or revise existing one by reviewing the job description. Identify your experience, credentials, and education that best match the job description and include them in the Profile Summary at the top of your resume.
6. Include Keywords
The verbiage in your resume should be consistent with the keywords that appear in job descriptions. This will boost your chances of moving along in the hiring process. Don’t forget to include keywords in your cover letter as well (correspondence will be screened, too). Be apprised, keywords change on an ongoing basis, so the key is staying current with your industry.
Research websites in your industry, they will most likely be optimized for automated applicant tracking systems (ATS). This a talent management system that many companies use to screen candidates for job opening. Additionally, hiring managers scan resumes to find these keywords. By including keywords in your resume or cover letter, hiring managers will be able to quickly identify if you meet the requirements of the position.
*Tips for Finding Keywords
- Search and review job postings that are similar to the positions you are applying for. Scout for keywords to embed into your resume. Scan for buzzwords that match your experience and background. Sprinkle these popular keywords throughout the “qualification” and “responsibilities” section of your resume. Search for job listings that match your background or experience.
- Review company’s website for possible keywords. Utilize keywords that the company uses on their “About Us” to describe itself. For example, if the company identifies itself as “innovative,” you could include” innovative” as a keyword to incorporate in your resume.
7. Proofread
Along with checking the details, take the time to carefully proofread your resume before you click upload or send. A polished resume will impress an employer.
8. Send Resumes/Correspondence Following Employer’s Instructions
If employee welcomes emailed resumes, make sure to follow their instructions on how to properly submit your correspondence. The employer may want your resume attached to the email message or uploaded to their employment dashboard. It’s important to always follow what the employer’s resume/job application submittal process. Here are some helpful tips on emailing your resume.
Could your skills use a facelift so that you’re more marketable on the job scene? There are a variety of short-term courses, certificate programs and degree options that you can utilize online. Online education options have also proven beneficial for making a career change or pursuing pay increases.
