Did you know that, on average, most hiring managers will receive about 250 resume submissions every time they post a job opening?
It’s astounding, but true. Even more astounding is this: They only spend about 6-8 seconds “reviewing” resumes. That means you have very little time to get noticed.
However, while an average of 250 resumes are submitted for a job, roughly 75% of them are instantly rejected by the company’s Application Tracking System software, or ATS.
This is a kind of software that screens out candidates that are not qualified, even before a hiring manager gets a chance to review the resumes.
Now, even if you are qualified, and your resume does get through the ATS software, remember, you’ve only got 6-8 seconds to make a great first impression…
And after that first impression, you’ve still got work to do to really stand out.
So… here’s what to do.
Don’t be shy. Use those 6-8 seconds right away. Highlight your achievements right up top. This includes what you’ve achieved in previous positions, like “doubling the team’s sales” or “increasing company revenue by X%.” Grab that attention quickly.
Now, once you’ve got their attention…
When you’re showing your previous job experience, don’t use acronyms. Fully “spell out” your qualification, as acronyms may come across as the hiding of real experience by using industry lingo.
Now, even when you get past the fist 6-8 seconds, you don’t want a long, drawn out resume. Keep it to under 2 pages with an easy to read font, while keeping all the information relevant to work, job experience, soft skills, hard skills and education. Leave your hobbies up for the watercooler chats after you’re hired.
Never ever lie. It’s not worth it, and you will be found out. If there’s a skill that’s needed, but you don’t have it, learn it.
Of course, you do want to highlight your education, certifications, licenses etc., especially if they’re relevant to the job. Also, when you’re submitting a resume to a job, be sure your resume is “tailored” for that specific job. Don’t “boilerplate” it. If you have to write different resumes for different positions, do it.
Look at all the “keywords” in the job posting and use them (if you can) in your resume. But don’t lie.
Be professional and use professional language. Spell check your resume, be sure the grammar is correct and your contact information, especially your email address, does not contain any vulgarities.
Include a cover letter. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to tell your story and how it relates to the position at hand. Here, you can highlight your experience as it relates to the job and show what kind of communication skills you have. Try to keep your cover letter around 300-350 words or so… and use those keywords.
Ask for help. Have a friend or family member read your resume. Ask them if there’s anything that’s not easily understood, or if they see anywhere that you can improve on it. Let them “review” your resume before the hiring manager does.
Now, once you’ve got your resume “fixed”, it’s time to find a job!
And perhaps the easiest way to find a job is with FindYourJobNow.com
Simply go to our homepage, type in the kind of job you’re looking for and where you want to work…
And your options will appear!
Resume statistics USA - The latest data for 2024 (standout-cv.com)