Let’s be real. Resume writing can feel like a daunting task😒 , especially for those who have not had to update or create on in quite some time.
💡Remember, the GOAL of the resume is to land an interview. (It won’t be the reason you land the job.)💡
You have 6-7 seconds to grab the reader's attention.⌚
In addition to that, an average job posting receives approximately 250 applications, and only 2-3% of those candidates who apply will be invited to an interview. 📉
With that in mind, here are some tips on how to get your resume noticed:
- Focus on the quality of your content
- Customize resume to the role
- Leverage keywords in the desired job description throughout your resume (but don’t overdo it)
- Accurate Job Titles - if the company you are with uses unique titles, be sure to put in brackets a matching title. Ex. Instead of “Dynamic Social Integrator” use “Social Media Specialist”
- Accomplishments vs Responsibilities - use data & metrics to show your value
- Consider brief 1 sentence summary for your current or past employers to provide more context
- Include LinkedIN URL , and make sure it aligns with your resume! (This is the first thing hiring managers will go to when opening your application)
2. Keep formatting simple
- Stick to basic font/design (Unless you’re a designer and know a lot about typography)
- Clear Sections. These are the must haves to include. Anything beyond should be something that would really set you apart from other candidates.
- Contact Information
- Resume / Objective
- Work Experience Section
- Education Section
- Skills Section
- Use text effects (like bold or italic) but do so strategically as you don’t want the reader to feel dizzy or overwhelmed.
- Do not include your picture/ Reference Availability! (This is valuable real estate that is being taken up!)
- Put key information in the top 3rd of your resume. Remember, you have 6-7 seconds to grab the recruiters attention!
- Make it ATS friendly (upload as .PDF!) - This one is so important. I have seen countless resumes come through using a word doc, and they either appear as jumbled symbols or not being able to be opened at all!)
Looking for resume support? Join our webinar on January 18th.
Sign up here!