Creating an ‘Attention-Catching’ Resume
Creating an ‘Attention-Catching’ Resume
Regardless of where you are in your job search process or career, it is always important to have an up-to-date, attention-catching resume. This is easier said than done but by following the guide below; you will be well underway with creating an impressive resume that will catch the attention of hiring managers. When in doubt, give us a call; we will be happy to review your resume and provide constructive inputs which should ultimately enhance your visibility in the marketplace. Your resume should include the following information:
Education, Certifications and Skills
Degrees, certifications, or awards (especially if they relate to your job you’re applying for) is highly effective in communicating to the prospective employer that you have time the necessary time to prepare and develop the theoretical skill sets necessary for the job. Summarize each category in a clear and chronological manner and should be noted at the top of your resume.
Accomplishments: Use Strong and Impressive Descriptors
Employers are more interested in seeing your accomplishments and results for each position more so than your tasks, duties and responsibilities. If you are indeed an accomplished employee, your resume will contain words and impressive descriptors such as: achieved, improved, trained/mentored, managed, created, resolved, volunteered, influenced, increased/decreased, ideas, negotiated, launched, revenue/profits, under budget and won.
Context: Outline of Employment History
Emphasize either your job title and/or employer name, especially if you’ve worked for an affluent company – you should capitalize on the prestige. Offering context for your experience and accomplishments, like noting company size, market impact or revenue generation, can communicate to employers the range of experience you have, and if your accomplishments will translate well to their company size, culture and goals. It also frames you as a much more accomplished job candidate, which definitely helps. This section should also include pertinent and applicable keywords used in the job description; these words should be cascaded throughout to ensure a natural, relevant resume that reads well and aligns you with the company’s goals and needs.
Appearance and Flow
Use bullet points instead of a solid block of text to summarize your strengths. Keep in mind that the resume should catch attention and provide a summary so don’t go overboard; limit each section to two to five specific items. This format will provide a nice, structure flow and will increase the potential of catching the attention of hiring managers. The overall resume should maintain a consistent text and font size that is classic and easy to read (such as Times New Roman or Arial in sizes 10, 11 or 12); avoid using different fonts, font sizes and text boxes in your resume. This format creates an increased potential for your resume to become readable after being scanned into an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
Links to Personal Web Page / Online Presence
Prior to including links to your personal web page, website, networking page or online portfolio it is necessary to maintain an overall ‘professional appearance”. This information will provide employers with an easy way to learn more about you so it’s essential to project the right image. Include the essential information and job history in your resume that best relates to the position, and save more secondary information like unrelated volunteer efforts or personal work projects for your online presence, which hints that there’s plenty more to learn about you as a job candidate.
Proofread your resume thoroughly. Make absolutely sure there are no grammatical or spelling errors. Even one misspelled word can discredit your entire resume. Have someone else proofread your resume for grammatical errors, clarity, and effectiveness. Give the person five seconds to look over your resume. The information that they gather within five seconds should be the main points you are trying to convey.
Without a doubt, writing your resume may seem like a job in and of itself but the extra time and effort required will be well worth it when you’re viewed as a great potential hire and can start off on the right foot in the hiring process. When in doubt, give us a call; we will be happy to review your resume and provide constructive inputs which should ultimately enhance your visibility in the marketplace.
Remember, your resume is most likely the first step in the hiring process; give it the time and attention it deserves!