It’s apparent that it isn’t easy standing out these days to
get your dream job. EVERYBODY is applying for the same job, and it seems to
take an act of congress just to get a call for an interview. Your resume, is one of the essential tools
you use to make that happen. But again,
EVERYBODY’S resume tends to look the same, so how do you kick yours up a notch
you may ask? By using the following tips
to stand out from the crowd.
Use power action verbs—not “fluff”.
We hear all the time you have to know how to market yourself to
get that job you’ve been dreaming about, however, that should not be confused
with how to create an attention-getting resume necessarily. Using “confidence inspiring” words should not
be your method to the madness. Use
action verbs to show, and not tell.
Words like, implemented,
instructed, lead, supervised, assessed— instead of phases/words like, “results-oriented”,
“hard-working”, “passionate”. Also, make
sure to “show” your work with
examples. Did you oversee a project,
increase revenue, decrease turnover?
This is what will catch the recruiter’s eye and get you that interview.
Measure your work. “It’s all about the numbers”, that’s another
phase we hear a lot. But it is true.
This is the proof in the pudding as they say. Show your work in figures—20% retail sales increase, supervised
marketing team of ten (10), improved retention by 8%, secured inventory valued
at $500,000 in merchandise. Make
sure these are in bold, italicized font in order for the resume reviewer to easily see your
stats. This is what we call, adding value to your resume, and making
it clear to that employer you have something to offer, that they can’t refuse.
Customize each
resume. Just like tires, your old “standard”
resume needs replacing or at least revising for each job. Many large agencies utilized computerized
systems to scan for key words and phrases to select your resume from among
hundreds of others. When a person is
reviewing your resume as well, they look for those specific words/phrases that
relate to that job. The best way to do
this, is to use the job description, identify tasks/experience/skills you have
that are listed in the description and add it to your resume. You will take out those phrases that are not
relevant to that particular job. Put it
into your own words, while basically saying the same thing, to detail your
experience. (No plagiarizing) Then make sure to place these towards the top of
your resume to capture their attention early on. Recruiters and Resume Reviewers usually only
spend about fifteen (15) seconds to review, so give them what they want, and from
the very start.
Create a professional
email address/voicemail. You would
be surprised at how many job seekers don’t realize they need a personalized professional
email address AND voicemail. I can’t
tell you how many resumes I’ve reviewed or voicemails I’ve heard that were
totally unprofessional. Hiring agents
will use whatever method they can to “weed” out those as “unqualified”. You might be perfect for the job, but when
they looked at your contact information, your email is sexyred@hotmail.com
or when they called to set an interview, they had to listen to all the
lyrics of Chris Brown’s Look at me now,
uncensored version at that. Rule of
thumb, just have a personalized professional email with just your first and
last name, and add numbers or characters if needed. Voicemail should sound professional, with
basic information to reach you. If you
don’t think you have the most “appealing voice”, get someone you know that
does. Don’t give the recruiter a reason
to disqualify you, present yourself as a career professional, on paper, on your
social media platforms, as well as in person.
These are a few suggestions you can use to spruce up your
resume before uploading or presenting it at the next job event you attend. Composing a good resume is easy, but creating
a resume that will well represent you and your experience, IS a work of art.
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