In today’s digital world with most job applications online the first challenge is to get your resumes past the robots where human eyes will then see it. Resumes trends change quickly and it is important to stay up to date with the trends regardless if you are currently seeking a new position.
Most employers want a quick snapshot of what you have to offer. The resume needs to be professional, well written with no spelling or grammatical errors, and eye-catching. You need to capture the reader’s attention in the first half of the resume. This includes writing a qualifying summary highlighting your most relevant qualifications and skills. You can use the tips given here and make it online with a cv building service.
The easier it is for your resume to be skimmed by the reader the greater the chance it will be reviewed.
- Research, Research, Research
Do an industry-specific resume search. This will provide ideas and samples along with the keywords you can use to help make your resume stand out.
2. Keep your formatting simple
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- Have your name and contact information visible at top of the resume. There are great templates you can utilize within Microsoft Word that can help you with the style of your resume and help make formatting simple.
- Not all resumes follow the same order, some have education first and some have experience first.
- Do not use small fonts
- Do not use a lot of bullet points
- Use spell and grammar checks
- Do not exceed two pages
| Resume Types | ||
| Chronological | Functional | Combined |
|
Pros |
Pros |
Pros |
|
Chronological Resumes start by listing your work history, with the most recent position listed first. Employers like this format because it tells them, what, where and when you did the work. It is a good approach if your job history is steady and shows growth and development |
A functional resume focuses on skills and experience, rather than on your chronological work history.
This is a good format for the first-time job, career changes, and those who have been absent from the job market for an extended period of time. |
Combination resume (or hybrid resumes) suit mid-career professionals and people with long work histories. They also work well for people with special skills and a strong track record of accomplishments.
This format combines the best of the chronological and functional resumes. |
| Cons | Cons |
Cons |
|
Not an ideal format if looking for a first job or making a career change. Because it reveals gaps, job changes and abscesses from the job market. |
Employment history is not highlighted. This form can be confusing for the reader to understand. |
Can take longer to read. |
3. Cut out the jargon
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- One of the keys is using contextual keywords and phrases. Once again, internet searches will help with keywords and phrases to use.
4. Describe your accomplishments
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- Do not list the tasks you performed, instead use action works showing results, this will also include percentages and numbers. Let’s say you are applying for a sales position; you will want to explain that you were the top-performing sales associate with a percentage % of sales.
- Control your timeline. Cut out things that take up valuable space and remember less is more, you want to intrigue the reader so that they want to contact you to learn more.
- Omit experience that dates further than 10 years. For those re-entering the workforce, this means you can list the accomplishment of running a household and raising children. Let’s face it the skills used in running a household are extremely valuable.
- Omit graduation dates, you do not want to give the hiring manager an excuse to pass you over because you are too young or too old.
5. Always keep your resume current.
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- Especially on social media like LinkedIn.
Recruiters are always looking for the right people. Keeping your resume up-to-date with current trends and up to date online you never know what will come along.
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”
~ Confucius
Cheryl Viola, MBA, Executive Director
Sources:
https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-things-people-reading-your-resume-wish-you-knew
https://www.janmelnik.com/strategies.html
https://www.skylinecollege.edu/careercenter/assets/COMPLETEDYNAMIC_RES_GUIDE2011.pdf
http://money.com/money/4621066/free-resume-word-template-2017/