A recent study found that recruiters spend an average of just six seconds scanning each resume before deciding whether to move forward with a candidate. That means you need a resume that’s clear, concise and grabs their attention fast.
Here are eight practical tips to craft a winning resume that will make you stand out from the crowd.
1. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Application
One-size-fits-all resumes won’t cut it. Carefully review the job description for each position you apply for. Identify the critical skills and qualifications they’re looking for, and use those keywords throughout your resume, especially in your summary statement and work experience section.
For example, if you’re applying for a marketing coordinator role that emphasizes social media experience, be sure to highlight your social media marketing skills in your summary statement.
Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. “Increased company’s social media engagement by 20%” sounds a lot more impressive than simply stating “managed social media accounts.”
Your network is your net worth. Crank up your job search by sharing your resume with people in your network. Add a link to it in your digital business card to give potential employers easy access to your details. For a truly modern approach, make your resume and personal profile stand out with your smart contact card, a digital card that lets you instantly share, update, and distribute your credentials to recruiters, colleagues, and hiring managers with just a tap or scan.
2. Keep it Clear and Concise
Recruiters are busy people. They don’t have time to wade through pages of text. Stick to a one or two-page resume, using bullet points and white space to make your information easy to read. Use strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments and avoid jargon or overly complicated language.
*Instead of saying “responsible for managing projects,” use a stronger verb like “spearheaded” or “managed.”
3. Highlight Your Achievements, Not Just Duties
Your resume shouldn’t just list your job responsibilities. Focus on your accomplishments and the results you achieved in previous roles. Use numbers and metrics whenever possible to quantify your impact.
For example, instead of simply stating “managed customer service team,” say “Led a team of five customer service representatives, resulting in a 15% reduction in customer complaints.”
Stand out by filming a short intro video highlighting your achievements in past roles. Don’t be afraid to flaunt it by adding it to your digital business cards. The more people know about your expertise, the more exposure and job offer you’re likely to get and qualify for.
4. Showcase Your Skills and Expertise
Don’t just rely on your work experience to showcase your skills. Devote a dedicated skills section to highlight your technical abilities, soft skills, and any relevant software proficiency.
This section is a great place to include computer programs you’re familiar with, languages you speak, or project management methodologies you’ve mastered.
However, if you don’t have any experience, you may struggle to write this section. Here is a guide we found online on how to land your first job that can help you ace the process.
5. Proofread Like a Pro
Typos and grammatical errors give a negative vibe to recruiters. Proofread your resume carefully before submitting it. Consider having a friend or family member review it as well for any typos or awkward phrasing.
Use spellcheck, but don’t rely on it solely. Spellcheck won’t catch everything, like accidentally using “there” instead of “their.”
6. Leverage a Strong Summary Statement:
Your summary statement is your chance to shine. Use it to introduce yourself, highlight your primary skills, and succinctly explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.
Keep it brief, around 3-4 sentences, and tailor it to each specific position you apply for.
7. Consider a Visual Format (Optional)
While a traditional text-based resume is perfectly acceptable, if you’re in a creative field, consider using a visually appealing format. There are online templates and design tools available to help you create a visually striking resume that stands out.
Make sure the format you decide to use is still clear and easy to read. Avoid using flashy fonts or colors that make the text difficult to decipher.
8. Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords. Research common keywords and industry-specific terms relevant to the job you’re applying for, and incorporate them naturally throughout your resume.
However, don’t use too many keywords. Make sure the keywords are integrated seamlessly and read naturally. Also, confirm that the company you’re eyeing has an ATS system to avoid wasting time on keywords.
Conclusion
These eight tips will help you write a winning resume that will grab the attention of recruiters and land you that dream job interview. Keep in mind — your resume is your marketing tool—use it to showcase your skills and experience effectively and convince employers you’re the perfect fit for their team. Good luck!