Did you know that for every job posting, there’s about 250 resumes submitted? That means besides you, 249 other people want that same job. But it also means that if your resume isn’t right, chances are high that the employer will toss it in the garbage before even reading a few words into it…
Meaning you can submit your resume to 50 jobs, 100 jobs, 500 jobs and never get noticed.
So, if you’ve been applying for jobs, but haven’t gotten any interviews yet, there may be something seriously wrong with your resume, regardless of your qualifications, education or experience.
Today, we’re going to show you how to fix that. How to get your resume noticed… and how to up your chances at getting picked over the 249 other submissions.
So, let’s get into it!
After finding a job you want (search here), writing an effective resume, or transforming an outdated one, is the single most important next step to landing an interview.
You see, according to recent studies, as many as 84% of recruiters will dismiss a resume if it comes across as robotic or impersonal.
As many as 57% will skip over your resume if you don’t include a “thank you” note…
And 54% will toss it if it is generic or not customized.[1]
The resumes that are most likely to be noticed by employers or recruiters are clearly written, have an overview at the top (showing how you fit into the position), are not crammed with unnecessary information, and they highlight soft skills like communication and leadership.
In fact, soft skills have become so important in the workplace that 61% of employers/recruiters find them to be just as important to the job as hard skills.[2]
So, with these facts in mind, here’s some quick tips to improve your resume, and your chances of landing your dream job.
- Tailor your resume to the job you’re seeking. Employers are looking for one thing and one thing only: the best candidate for the position. By writing your resume for that exact job and highlighting soft and hard skills needed for the exact position, you’re telling them you’re a great fit.
- Use easy to read fonts, and make sure your resume is printable. While most employers look at resumes on their computer, you’ll want to ensure that if they do print it (and this is a good sign if they do) it’s properly formatted. After you write your resume, print it out at home to ensure it looks right.
- When writing your overview, begin with the most important, relevant information first. This is your first impression, so be sure to take advantage of it by putting your best foot forward and use the space to highlight your soft skills.
- Never lie on your resume. Never.
- Don’t use irrelevant or outdated experiences. While having a “gap” in employment is never ideal, including irrelevant or outdated experience in your resume can be just as worrisome. Streamline your resume and include relevant experiences to and for the job.
- Keep it to roughly two pages. Your resume has a better chance of being reviewed if it’s about two pages long. Any longer than two pages and the employer may pay no attention. And if your resume is too short, the results will be the same.
- Don’t use a free generic resume template or complex tables. Generic templates show the employer that you’re simply blasting your resume out there until someone bites or are too lazy to format one yourself. Plus, many employers now use a software system that will automatically toss out some templated resumes.
- Don’t be afraid to credit yourself for big achievements. If you were a key player in launching products, increasing sales, or boosting the revenue at your last company, be sure it’s on your resume. Hiring managers look at your past achievements as a good indicator of your future value.
- Don’t use “fluff” language. Fluff language like “ambitious,” “hard-working,” and “team player” can be a turn-off to hiring managers. From their point of view, words like these are simply generic and overused; making you look generic too. Use “soft skill” words instead. Read more about soft skills, HERE.
- Don’t overcomplicate it. Your resume should have four basic sections. Your overview/summary of qualifications, your education/certifications, your work experience, and your soft and hard skills.
- Be absolutely certain that your contact information not only works but is professional. Don’t use any juvenile sounding email addresses, ever.
By using these quick tips to write, improve or fix your resume, hiring managers should take notice, and you’ll be one step closer to your dream job.
Now you have to find that dream job, right?
Click HERE to begin your search.
[1] 59 Resume Statistics That Job Seekers Should Know in 2024
[2] Soft skills at work are more important than ever | Fortune
