Let’s be honest – after you apply
for a job, your resume usually ends up amid a stack of paperwork on the hiring
manager’s desk. It takes about six
seconds for you to catch someone’s eye and make an impression so having a
strong, unforgettable resume is vital. Below are a few tips to enhance your
resume and place you in the running for the position you desire.
A simple way to
ensure your resume will be noticed by hiring managers is to use relevant keywords that relate to
the position you are applying to. Significant keywords to include are related skills,
languages, knowledge or areas of expertise that are applicable to the position.
To determine which keywords would be the most effective, review the job
description and seek similar job postings on various job sites to decide which
terms are most used for the position.
Including your professional social media
profiles on your resume allows the hiring manager to get a better idea of
your personality, industry knowledge, and how you brand yourself. If you’re
looking for a position in sales or marketing, displaying your expertise and
knowledge and having a strong social media presence is essential. As students
applying for jobs, we are constantly reminded to clean up our personal social
media sites. You do not want to include your personal social media accounts on
your resume – only list your professional accounts.
Generic phrases
and cliché terms such as “hardworking, determined, or great communicator” need
to be removed from your resume ASAP. Cut
the fluff. No hiring manager has the time to read a resume over a page
long. Determine which points of information you want to emphasize and focus on
those areas. You can certainly go into detail about a previous job or related
experience during the interview, but your resume should not be an essay of
information. Make it short, simple, and easy to read.
These tips are
only a few of many that should be considered when creating your resume. Ensure it
represents your authenticity, knowledge, and applicable experience to create an
unforgettable resume that sets you apart from other applicants.
Great article Whitney! It is hard to stand out when jobs receive over 500 applications for one position! Adding your social networks can give employers a better look at your skills and qualifications. I add those to my resume and then I can connect and reach out to the employer on sites such as LinkedIn.
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