The best way to make a good first impression to recruiters and hiring managers is to have a solid resume that stands out. If your resume grabs attention of others, you’re likely to land an interview, but there are a few tips and tricks to remember when crafting a stellar resume.
There are some golden rules to follow when writing a resume but these are just the basic necessities to getting noticed. If you want to shine in the very competitive job market, it’s all about tailoring and details. Here are some surefire ways to make your resume stand out from the crowd.
Be Specific: Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for and showcase how your experience would be a good fit for the role and company. Using industry specific language not only demonstrates your knowledge but shows you know what you’re talking about. Including industry specific keywords will also grab the attention of hiring managers as well as applicant tracking systems so review the job description and determine which keywords are relevant for the job and sprinkle them throughout your resume.
Quantify experiences: There’s no better way to show what you can bring to the table than to demonstrate quantifiable achievements in your resume. Metrics can tell a very compelling story so use a $ or % signs whenever possible to highlight qualifications.
Say yes to soft skills: Recruiters are not only looking for someone with industry skills but they are also looking for a candidate who can fit into the company culture and work well with current employees. Highlighting examples of teamwork, communication, and problem solving skills gives hiring managers a chance to see your personality and the way you work with others.
Check the flow and proofread: HR managers go through thousands of resumes so creating an easy to read, error free resume is the first step in getting through the door. While we can’t stress this enough, proofreading can make it or break it with a resume so make sure it’s professionally polished and has an easy flow before sending out. Have a friend, family member, or colleague review your resume. It’s always good to get a second or third set of eyes on a resume so you ensure there are no errors.
Friendly Format: This goes along with the “flow” of your resume but make sure your resume is concise and to the point with a simple, clean format. Recruiters want an easily readable file they don’t have to fuss with, so make sure you save your resume in a file format that is easy to open and read so there are no issues for the person who receives it.
Include a cover letter: Supplementing your resume with a cover letter can be a make it or break it factor in landing an interview. While resumes are the first thing HR managers see, many times these documents are skimmed over meaning there could be valuable details missed. Including a cover letter not only tells your story in more detail but gives you the chance to back up your experience stated in your resume. Reinforce those quantifiable experiences we mentioned earlier and demonstrate growth when possible.
Putting a solid resume together can be a challenging process but this is a must for any job seeker. Remember these tips when creating a resume so you land on top of the candidate pile!
