You can refine your resume to appear modern and appropriate for today’s job search, but it is equally important to include substantial information that appeals to the hiring manager. Most companies today are using a computerized system (known as an applicant tracking system, or ATS) to assess your application; which means that a human can only see your resume if you pass through the initial scan.
The first step is to identify keywords, buzzwords and phrases from the job description, and remembering to incorporate the most crucial content in your resume, otherwise, you can forget about a job offer coming your way.
Read on to find out more about essential resume tips to help your application make the cut:
Use keywords
Go through the job description and mine for the relevant keywords. This way you’ll be able to determine what the employer wants and include those keywords in your application documents. Start with the job title and craft a targeted job title in your resume’s headline. Include nouns and noun-phrases that demonstrate the skills the employer is interested in as described in the job description. Include relevant certification, degrees, accomplishments, and anything that be a keyword for the job.
Use up-to-date language to reflect modern skills
Use modern language and demonstrate the 21st-century skills sets. Yes, the ability to use a fax machine was at one point a valuable skill but not anymore since the advent of more advanced technology. Focus on the current market and demonstrate your ability to meet today’s job market demands.
Highlight relevant skills
Ensure you demonstrate skills that will act as your selling points and make you stand out from a pool of applicants. If you don’t have these skills, sign up for classes, volunteer or even intern in organizations that will equip you with the missing skills. Alternatively, you can look for resources online and learn at your convenience. Never underestimate the various informal educational platforms such as Youtube or other DIY platforms.
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability
Demonstrate your ability to be flexible and adaptable when it comes to learning new things or changing the way you normally do things. Show that you’re ready and willing to learn by emphasizing your previous experience and accomplishments that came about after using a new approach. For example, you could demonstrate how current you’re about technological trends or any other market trends that are related to your field.
Highlight results
Avoid overused, cliche terms such as, “responsible for” or “assisted in;” these are outdated ways to describe what you offer. If the description asks for a detailed, customer-service oriented candidate, illustrate your proficiency using specific examples and if possible provide figures and statistics.
Consider using bullet points to draw direct connections between your qualifications and what the employer is looking for, this will make it easier for the employer to envision you in the role.
Don’t cling to the past
Stick to what is relevant. Avoid including in-depth work history that isn't even relevant to the position you are applying for. Tailor your resume to the job at hand and optimize every word to increase your chances of landing a job. Focus on highlight parts of your resume that relate to your target job. If the majority of your resume is not highlighted, it is time for a significant change.
Typos and grammatical misstates
This is among the most common resume mistakes. Your resume should be grammatically correct. However, most people are either weak in grammar or spelling or are still learning the English language. Typos and grammatical errors show a lack of attention to details—a message you don’t want to relay to a prospective employer.
It’s vital to proofread your document once you are done writing it and correct any grammatical errors. Additionally, while there are numerous word processors online that you can use, do not rely on them exclusively. Alternatively, you could request one of your friends or family members to go through your document and check for any mistakes. Whichever system you choose to use, ensure you submit a grammatically perfect resume.
Inconsistency and choosing the wrong file format
Consistency in your document is essential. Ensure you use the same design formatting throughout your resume, cover letter, and reference pages. This will communicate to the company or hiring manager your personality distinctions.
Moreover, because most companies use applicant tracking system (ATS) software to sort through all the applications they receive daily, it’s essential to type and submit your document in the proper format. Word documents are better scanned with ATS software while PDF files maintain their shape and give you the opportunity of controlling how your document will appear on the other end.
Providing generic information
It’s vital to always craft a resume for every job you apply for. However, most people use a generic resume to apply for any and every position they come across. It’s essential to understand the company background, culture, products and services, the role the company is seeking to be filled and so on. This way you’ll know how to “package” your application.
Moreover, doing research will help you obtain keywords and phrases that you can add to your resume. Besides doing online research of the company you’re interested in, and mining keywords, also use the job description to do the same. Ensure that you include all the necessary keywords to ensure your application proceeds to the next level.
Placing the most vital information below the top fold
The top fold refers to the top one-third of a document. In your resume, all the essential information should be in this section. Generally, hiring managers spend very little time to go through your document, hence they usually just skim through the top section. Meaning, this is your window to inspire them to keep reading.
Although it’s a no brainer, having an excellent reputation on paper (resume) that clearly demonstrates all the appropriate skills, qualifications and experience are essential to landing your next job. Tailoring an exceptional resume can be challenging, especially considering you are not only seeking to capture the employers’ interests but also passing through the ATS.
Review the tips below and showcase your qualifications. If used correctly, be sure that your application will bypass the software and land on the employer’s desk.
Review samples
Before you begin writing or refining your resume, it’s essential to go through a variety of samples. Afterward, select a style and format that best highlights your qualifications, accomplishments, and skills.
Consider using a template
Templates are great starting points. Not only do they provide a predesigned platform, but they also allow for personal customization. This means that you can make the necessary changes where necessary to match your own style.
Choose the right format
There are numerous formats to choose from when it comes to formatting your resume. However, ensure you choose the one that matches your personal and professional circumstances. The recommended ones are the chronological, functional, combination and targeted resumes.
Choose the right font
Select a font that is easy to read, both for the application management systems and the employer.
Include facts and figures
What better way to demonstrate your qualifications and accomplishment than providing quantifiable data? Including numbers in your resume illustrates your ability to get the job done based on your track record. However, not all achievements are measurable and that is okay. In these cases, consider listing those that will act as strong negation tools in your favor.
Include contact details
Provide all your contact details so that employers can easily reach you. In the contact details section include your name, street address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and email address. Additionally, you could include links to online profiles such as LinkedIn. However, it’s important to note that there are some cases where it’s not okay to include your mailing address, for example, if you are concerned about privacy.
Include a professional summary
Consider adding a resume profile or objective in your resume. Ensure the outline is tailored to the job you are applying for. Generally, the more specific your professional summary is, the better your chances of being considered for the position.
Start with significant and vital achievements
It’s essential to prioritize the contents of your resume, so that the most critical experience, skills, and accomplishments are listed first. Highlight and provide explanations for these as well as quantifiable figures.
Optimize your resume
Use keywords that appear on the job description as well as the company website. Chances are these are the words the application management systems will be looking for in your application. Consider the fact that the only way your application could land you an interview is by passing through the screening tests and the best way to do this is ensuring that both your resume and cover letter are adequately optimized.
Send your resume with accurate attachments
Always ensure you follow the employer’s instructions on how to submit your application. Typically, you may be required to send as a word document or PDF file as an attachment to an email or delivered physically. Whatever the case, follow these instructions.
Do you know about any other resume mistakes? Comment below.
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