You’ve taken our advice, activated your network and have found a position that you can really see yourself enjoying as the next step in your career. You’ve heard the saying from Olivia Fox Cabane, “You never get a second chance to make a great first impression,” and a great first impression is what you want your resume to leave for you. A fantastic resume will reinforce all the wonderful things a recruiter told a hiring manager about you, or it will drive a hiring manager to call you for a phone interview. Below are some tips to help insure your resume will be a valuable asset for you in your job search.
-No typos, no grammar slip-ups.
It sounds basic, but making sure your resume is not littered with typos and has correct grammar is the first step toward success. An employer will assume that you have taken more time perfecting your resume than a run-of-the-mill email, and if there is a lack of attention to detail here, they will not be expecting to receive the “excellent verbal and written communication skills” the position requires.
-Focus on accomplishments, not just responsibilities. For example:
Specifically spell out what achievements you brought to the company during your tenure, not just ordinary job functions.
-A: “Implemented multiple process improvements.”
OR
-B: “Recommended and lead process improvements through automation resulting in a 15% profit increase.”
In example A, the improvement is referenced, but it doesn’t explain the value that it brought the company or department. Example B is better because it explains the cause and effect and makes your effort look important and effective.
-Know your salary range
Along with your amazing resume, many companies will have you fill out a candidate profile. In this candidate profile, it will ask you what you would like for a salary. If you are applying for a role that typically receives $85,000 annually, if you check the $120-$130,000 range as desired salary, you may be automatically eliminated. A good resource for checking industry salaries is: http://www.livecareer.com/salary-calculator .
-One size does NOT fit all
Create more than one version of your resume. If you want to apply to more than one job, have different versions of your resume. For example, the two jobs you are applying for may have the same title, but they have different job functions, you’ll want to craft a resume for each position. Make sure that where you have applicable experience that the job requires, it’s called out specifically on your resume. We talk to candidates each day who have the exact experience a hiring manager is looking for, but it’s nowhere on their resume. Do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to submitting your resume!
-One page is ideal
If you’re in your twenties, one page is sufficient for your resume. As you progress in your career, a two page resume can be an asset, but make sure it ONLY includes relevant information. Showing career progression is good, but only reference applicable positions you’ve held in the last 10 to 15 years.
As long as you are calling out your achievements in each position, give numbers to emphasize impact, and avoiding resume jargon like “proven record of success,” you will get noticed. Did you know, according to results from HireRight, a professional-level online job posting receives an average of 89 people applying? One other tip to help your resume easier for hiring managers and recruiters to keep track of, make sure you include your name in the title of your resume. Instead of just saving it as “resume,” save it as “your name here resume,” and save the hiring manager some time and effort. With these easy-to-use tips, you’ll stand out from the rest of the job-seekers.