If you are searching for a job, you know how important it is to perfect your resume. Standing out against sometimes hundreds of other applicants is the key to scoring interviews and significant job positions. Over the years, it has become even harder to find ways to differentiate yourself compared to others. Here are some ways to make sure that your resume stands out and represents you effectively.
1. Focus on simplicity
Many people might assume that creating a resume is about attracting the employer’s attention. This is not the case, as many employers want something easy to read and simple to follow that they can read very quickly. Make sure that your resume uses a simple format and is easy to read. Focus on creating sections that highlight the best features of you and your career history such as education, experience and skills. You can leave out the “about me” and “career goals” sections as they don’t help you get an interview.
Furthermore, simpler resumes are easier for Applicant Tracking Systems to read and parse correctly. The more columns and design additions you have in your resume, the more likely it is for ATS systems to struggle reading it and the more difficult it will be for you to pass them. Many companies use ATSs before a recruiter looks at your resume so it is important to make sure you pass them.
2. All about word choice
Word choice is also essential when it comes to resumes. There are several tools within Applicant Tracking Systems that recruiters use when they are searching for potential candidates. Two key tools recruiters use show recruiters which candidates would be best for the job based on the keywords in your resumes. Recruiters will also search their resume database to find candidates that have certain skills and you need to make sure your resume has these skills included. If you want to stand out and ensure that you get seen by these key individuals, then you need to ensure that you have the right words included in your resume.
If you're unsure if your resume is perfect and ready for employers, don't be afraid to reach out to friends and mentors in your industry to help you or use a tool like Jobalytics that can help you identify the keywords to add to your resume to get seen by ATS and recruiters.
3. Keep it concise
Along with the recommendation of keeping it simple, you need to make sure that your resume is concise and to the point. You want your potential employer to know exactly what your skillset is and be able to see it. You want to use action verbs and focus only on the most important things you’ve done and show results where you can.
Even though it might not be the typical writing style that you have done before, it is still vital that you make sure you get your point across without adding too many extraneous details.
4. Utilize a skills section
Recruiters only spend a few seconds on your resume before moving past it so you need to make sure you get across what you can do as quickly as possible. One of the best things you can do is include a skills section in your resume that highlights the most important skills you can do that relate to the job. It can include software and tools that you’re familiar with, specific skills that are important to the role you are applying for, and any other relevant terminology you know recruiters will be looking out for with candidates.
If you follow these steps, your resume will be perfect in no time. It may be difficult to stand out, but with these tips above, you can make sure that you’re seen as a candidate. You definitely can use these tips to perfect your job search and make sure the potential employer knows exactly what your value is before you even step into the room for the interview.
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