So, the stress is on. You’re looking for new opportunities, but it feels like time is running out. You’re sending resumes left and right, and responses have been few and far between—if you’ve even see a response.
Don’t fret. There’s a way for companies to notice you. While it might feel tempting to use one resume for the astronomical number of jobs out there, it isn’t exactly the best approach. This might lead your resume into “the black hole” where it’ll never be touched again.
Recruiters will spend an average of 3.14 minutes reviewing your resume, and they’ll decide within the first minute if you should join their company. Thus, taking the time to build your resume effectively will be very rewarding in the long run. You may even score that new position you’ve always wanted!
As you build your resume, you should always include:
- Your contact information. This is a fundamental block that should always be included at the top of your resume. Hiding your name, phone number, and email address at the bottom will make it more difficult for a recruiter or manager to contact you.
- Your accomplishments. You can say you’re a “team player” and a “jack of all trades” as much as you want, but you’re wasting your time and precious resume space. Instead, use evidence. Adding your achievements also makes for great conversation points that can be used to your advantage during interviews. The accomplishments you display should be pertinent to the posting in a way that you’ll be able to elaborate on later. These should only be a few bullet points per position, as you only want to include the information that’ll make an impact.
- A professional history. Giving your potential employer a “story” about yourself makes you a more appealing candidate—and a more interesting one. In your interview, you can stress where you’ve been, where you are now, and what you’re hoping to bring to the company once you’re employed. While employers want to see potential, they also want to see character. While reading this section, companies will consider if you’re a natural fit for the company’s trajectory, reputability, and culture.
After you’ve drafted up a copy of a position-specific resume, we think you can ditch:
- Generic computer skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office. Only include this information if you’re applying for a position as a computer programmer or a similar role. But at this point, what working adult isn’t proficient in Microsoft Office? Instead, mention other computer programs and skills.
- References. As a professional, you probably know individuals who can support what you’ve documented on your resume. This space should be replaced with additional positions, skills or accomplishments.
- GPA. If you’re still new to the working world, and if you’re applying for a position that requires excellent academic marks, keep it. But as you continue to gain experience, it’ll become less relevant in comparison to professional work metrics.
- Objective statements. OK, so this one is often debated. If you’re moving into a new career path, and your experience doesn’t speak to this alone, including a few strong sentences will help tie it all together. Explain to the employer how your previous skills are valuable and how they can easily translate to this new industry. Otherwise, if you have a straightforward career path, this isn’t necessary.
Now let’s talk about fine-tuning a little bit. When a resume has too many “buzz words,” it often goes unnoticed. The same can be said if you fill your resume with too many keywords that should be avoided. Either way, let’s face it, you want that job, right? Tailor your resume to fit the tone and particular demands of the position. Here’s what we suggest:
First, read the job description. We don’t mean skim through it. We mean READ for points you can expand on. Use a pen or highlighter to mark skills you currently have as well as words the company repeatedly mentions. By doing so, this will become the base for your tailored resume.
Next, we recommend putting the position that will get the potential employer the most excited at the top. This professional experience should be something that will have them stop dead in their tracks as they sift through resume after resume. Do you have a lot of success at your current position? What about specialized certifications? Essentially, don’t pile these up towards the bottom—make them count.
If you have additional experiences that aren’t at the top, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t make the cut. You probably have soft skills or volunteer work that could still apply—and that’s okay. Take the relevant achievements from these positions and list them. Refining this part, in addition to putting your most applicable experience at the top, will make for a solid resume.
The very last thing you should consider lacing throughout your work is the reason why you’re applying for the position in the first place. When you build your resume, the intent should be crystal-clear. If you’re applying for a financial advisor position, show this employer that you’ve worked for previous investment companies. If you’re applying for a position as a professor, list the successes of your academic research and highlight your passion for helping students grow. It’s that simple–except this is often an area that many candidates don’t fully think about.
From here, all that’s left to do is a full, clean sweep of your resume. Did you make any spelling or grammar errors? Are all facts about the company you’re applying to correct? Did you properly indent throughout the document? And be sure you’re proofreading everything before you send it all out. Making one of these mistakes could end up hurting your chances in the long run. When a hiring manager decides which candidates should be brought in for an interview, they will most likely go with the candidate who submitted a polished and error-free resume.
While it does take a little more time to tailor your resume, it’s the perfect way to let potential employers know that you’re the perfect candidate. Also, by practicing this method, you’re certain to become quicker and more efficient as you apply to more jobs. In today’s world, it’s likely you’ll hold multiple positions in your lifetime, but applying to each doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
From all of us at Burnett’s Staffing, we wish you the best of luck in your job search. Need some more help? Contact us today.