1. Write a new resume for each job position
Creating a new resume for each job you apply to is one of the best ways to achieve success when applying. Recruiters are typically looking for specific job-related attributes when evaluating candidates, so it’s important that your resume is tailored to the position you’re applying for. Make sure to also include any relevant keywords you come across, to ensure that you score highly on applicant tracking systems (ATS).
2. Use a professional design
Your resume should be aesthetically pleasing enough to stand out to recruiters while simultaneously remaining easy to read. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is by using a professional design that incorporates the right colours, spacing, and alignment. If you aren’t a design expert yourself, using an online resume builder will solve this problem for you, as you’ll be able to use professional templates that have already been proven to work.
3. Enhance your resume with action verbs
Using action verbs instead of generic wording is an excellent way to garner the interest of hiring managers while effectively summarizing your attributes. Implement words such as “orchestrated”, “developed”, and “accelerated”, rather than over-used terms like “managed” or “responsible for”. Action verbs more vividly portray the work you’ve done in the past, and combining them with bullet points helps to create a resume that engages readers.
4. Quantify your achievements with numbers
HR professionals are tasked with hiring individuals that can immediately bring value to the company. So how can an applicant show this without seeming over-confident? The answer is to use figures and data to back up any claims that you make. Don’t just mention that you’re a great salesperson, but include the exact number of new deals you brought in while working in your last position.
5. Keep your resume concise and to the point
Studies have found that most recruiters only look at resumes for an average of 7.4 seconds. This means that you only have a handful of sentences to make a real impression on whoever is reading your resume. Therefore, it’s important that you keep your resume short and compact, with only essential information being included. Make sure that regardless of the section the reader focuses on, your potential will be impossible to ignore.
6. Proofread, proofread, and proofread
Have you proofread your resume enough times? The answer is, probably not. And if you’re sure you have, give it one last proofread just to be extra sure. There are few things more damning to an application than evident mistakes, grammatical errors, or typos. Not only does this show a lack of attention to detail, but it also makes it seem like you aren’t particularly invested in the position you’re applying for. Therefore, we even recommend that you send your resume to a friend or family member for feedback before submitting it.
7. Add your LinkedIn
No one has been able to escape the proliferation of social networks into every part of our life. This includes recruiters and HR professionals, who are constantly on the lookout for new ways to assess applicants and find the right candidate. LinkedIn has emerged as one of these platforms, and hiring managers routinely use it when evaluating applications. Make sure your profile is complete and that it clearly displays your qualifications so that you can effectively include it to make an even better impression on your prospective employer.
8. Include both hard and soft skills
Most candidates are aware that adding hard skills such as “programming” or “graphic design” to their resumes, is an excellent way to show their competencies. However, one of the best ways to stand out from other similarly skilled applicants is by adding soft skills as well. This can include capabilities that range from “interpersonal skills” to more specific ones such as “active listening”. However, whichever soft skills you choose to include in your resume, just make sure that they are somewhat relevant to the kind of work you’ll be doing if you are eventually hired.
Conclusion
To maximize your chances of landing your dream job, keep these 8 points in mind while creating your resume. If you’re inexperienced at resume building, check out our guide on how to write a professional resume for beginners.
