Human resources managers often say that they skim resumes
in just 10-20 seconds, so you have to attract them fast to catch their interest.
They also say that horrible resumes are more plentiful than ever so people aren't getting the message. Use these
resume tips to ensure your resume scores high for the jobs that you want.
1) ‘Skimmable’
information is essential
To ensure that your resume is skimmable, follow a
logical order (including putting your work history in reverse chronological
order) and use a font that is large, clear and easy to read. Use power words
and bold headings. Make the most important
duties, accomplishments, and personality traits bold.
2) State accomplishments
along with your work duties
In almost every field, the hiring manager will look
for signs that you’re helped their business solve problems and get things
done. Show them that you’re a fit for their
role by highlighting accomplishments in each of your previous roles.
State the main duties that you performed, particularly
list those that match the job descriptions for the jobs that you want. Weave in
keywords that are often sought for the positions that you seek. For example,
“Used expert Microsoft PowerPoint
capabilities to create several successful sales presentations.”
3) Quantify
your accomplishments and avoid jargon
To ensure recipients understand your past work
successes, quantify your accomplishments using numbers, percentages, and
revenue growth in your past experience entries. If you aren’t sure of exact numbers,
use your best guess. If you personally didn’t do all of the work required to
achieve the accomplishment, discuss the part that you did play. For example,
“Led marketing for a $90,000 rebranding.” Or, “Played a major role in securing
$1.25 million in funding.”
Don’t use jargon or abbreviations without explaining
what you mean. The person reading the resume won’t understand and confusing them could mean they dismiss a huge
achievement.
4) Showcase voluntary
work or learning
In almost every field, an applicant who is a
self-starter and proactive with learning and personal growth will be an
attractive candidate. Include relevant volunteer work or learning you’ve
undertaken. Doing so shows employers that not only do you have key skills, but you
took the initiative to learn them on your own.
Learning and volunteerism activities can be anything
from helping a local charity or learning from an online educator like Cluey Learning or Lynda (also known as Linked Learning). HR teams like to see such continual
learning in ideal candidates.
5) Sell yourself
It’s common to feel uncomfortable selling yourself in your
resume. Push past the awkwardness and use business-friendly power verbs to get your
message across. Instead of simply saying that you ‘worked’ in marketing, say
that you ‘modernized’ the marketing department.
6) Be proud
The prouder that you sound in your resume, the more likely you are to
show the hiring manager that you’re the right person
for the job. Showcase how great you were in previous roles and how your
personality made you an effective leader. Also ensure that the employer knows that
you’re ready to change the workplace for the better.
 |
| Julie Melville |
Include awards that you’ve won, things that you’ve
accomplished and any public recognition that you may have achieved. Also, bold
key aspects associated with these accomplishments.
The
bottom line: Improve your resume and see instant
improvement in your response rate for the jobs that you want!
Julie Melville is a content writer at Cluey Learning,
In her spare time, she is an avid reader and loves learning new
skills.
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Look to WiserU
WiserU provides LinkedIn training and services and career training and services for individuals and organizations that can transform your future or grow your business. Visit WiserU.com to learn more.
Look to WiserU
WiserU provides LinkedIn training and services and career training and services for individuals and organizations that can transform your future or grow your business. Visit WiserU.com to learn more.
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