Think about this: your resume is the first impression with the hiring manager of your dream job. Use these tips to revamp your resume and maximize your job search experience.
Your resume is like your LinkedIn tagline. It’s the first thing the hiring manager sees and it highlights your character. I’ve viewed thousands and thousands of resumes in my tenure as a recruiter. Some good. Some not-so-good.
Typically, your resume introduces you before the hiring manager ever decides he (or she) wants to interview you. In some scenarios, this happens long before your initial phone call with a recruiter. With this in mind, it’s critical to make sure that your resume reveals your value to your potential company.
RESUME HACKS
1. SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
If I were in a rush to an event and was forced to cut my own hair right before leaving…I may even do it well. I might smile at my reflection in the mirror and think, not too shabby. I may have executed an excellent home fade that would impress others if I told them I did it myself…but the second I sat in my barber’s chair, he would instantly notice the imperfections. I know because this has happened to me in the past. When I returned to the barbershop my stylist asked, “You went to another barber?”
I shook my head and shrugged, “No — I cut it myself.” I replied as we both looked in the mirror.
He laughed and spun me around in his chair. “I can tell…”
A professional can always spot amateur work. Your friends and family might not be able to see anything directly wrong with your work but a pro can. In the same essence, your resume needs more than “a second look.” Consult a professional who can assess your skills, and your desired position to customize your resume to reach your potential employer. Your resume is worth much more than a haircut.
2. “THE BEST FOR LAST” DOESN’T APPLY HERE
If you don’t engage your reader at the beginning of your resume, they’ll never make it to the bottom. List your skills, accomplishments and relevant work experience at the top of your resume. Use this as a hook to engage the hiring manager to your skillset.
3. SORT BY MOST RECENT
Your most recent experience should be first and it should continue for up to five years. If you have frequent job changes, it’s best to include your reason for leaving because your hiring manager is probably wondering why. If you left because of contract work, list it. If you resigned, leave a valid reason why. Avoid writing too much and leaving nothing for conversation and avoid saying too much it hurts you. You should never speak negatively about a previous employer. Most hiring managers would receive this as a red flag.
4. KEEP IT SHORT — KEEP IT SWEET.
In other words, limit yourself to 1-2 pages (max). I promise you that your hiring manager is reviewing other candidates and they won’t read a 3+ page biography of your work experience. Instead, make it user-friendly. If it’s easy to read, and designed to be skimmable it would be easier for the hiring manager to make a decision in your favor. Save the meaty information for conversation.
5. UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO.
Imagine applying for a position that you’re matched for and the hiring team can’t get in contact with you! I know it sounds silly but it happens. If your phone number or email is outdated (please don’t use your old tr3nds3ttR@yahooo account — make a new and professional one), the hiring team is likely to mistake your missed communication as a lack of interest in the position. If you really want the job, be responsive! Honor the hiring team’s time (scheduled interviews) and they will do the same for you!
CONCLUSION
Your resume is a key component to landing your dream job so use these skills to revamp your resume and remember: “a pro can always spot amateur work.”
If you saw value in this post please share it with someone in your network. It may be just what they need to land their dream job. As always, if you have any results by using these steps…I’d love to hear your experience and share them to encourage others in our community!
For more blogs like this one, visit my career blog online at www.theunlearnedman.org
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