The purpose of a resume is to pitch recruiters and hiring managers for an interview. Often times, hiring manages go through piles of resumes that are mostly unimpressive. The ones they choose to interview are based on how appealing their resumes are. The first step in getting your foot in the door is putting together a resume that stands out from the rest. Here are some pointers for writing a resume that will shine from the others.
Nail the basics in the beginning.
While this doesn’t sound compelling, all resumes have basic information that recruiters look into such as academic degrees and contact information. Get those basic facts out of your way.
List your most current job experiences at the top.
All recruiters and hiring managers give more emphasis on the current jobs you’ve held rather than old ones. Adopt their perspective and adjust the format of your resume that makes it easier for them to find what they are looking for immediately.
Keep it brief and simple, but relevant.
Information such as the company’s name and the titles you’ve held are not under your control – however, the list of accomplishments and what your job entailed is something you can use to catch your reader’s attention. Make sure you add keywords of the job description into your resume since it will help you communicate the way the employer does and any keyword-scanning software will find your resume from others.
Omit the objectives section.
Remember that recruiters and hiring managers read through piles of resumes – reading a paragraph outlining your objects is not appealing. You can present that in the interview, but when writing a resume, keep it brief and relevant.
Include accomplishments and facts.
For all the jobs you’ve held, list accomplishments and facts you’ve achieved. If you devised a marketing plan that saved your previous company $100k, then mention that number. Be specific about your major accomplishments, but do not list everything you’ve done. Remember, resumes are normally one page. You need to list the most impressive milestones.
Don’t forget about additional skills and certifications.
If you speak more than one language, received rewards in your field of work, or have certifications, always include them on your resume. Having anything extra that will make you stand out will always help.
Although resumes are not limited to a specific format, make sure you communicate in a way that is digestible and easy for the recruiter to follow.
Sources:
https://biginterview.com/blog/2012/01/resume-tips-to-standout.html
https://www.asme.org/career-education/articles/job-hunting/6-tips-for-writing-an-effective-resume