Improving Your Resume
Posted in Resume Writing
Nowadays, job seeking is becoming relatively difficult. What can even be more difficult is the fact that you may not get into the "yes" pile after an interview. So the first thing that you ask yourself is that where did you get it wrong.
According to a study, an employer review 100 plus resumes in an hour. That means he or she only spends 20-30 seconds on each resume. Therefore, employers are using the resumes to screen applicants than selecting them. So what should you do to make sure that an interview will follow?
Catching their attention
This does not mean bright and scented papers for your resume. Instead, you can use creative photos to help you pass the screening. So you may don your snow suit along with snowmen with a caption that says you are the one in the middle. But be careful that you do not overdo it.
Dropping names
One of the simplest ways of getting hired is by name dropping. If you include the name of well-known companies you have worked for, that may catch the recruiter's attention. The employer may assume that you are well-trained since you have worked for these reputable companies.
The only thing concerning name dropping is that it works only when you are mentioning companies. Potential employers may be put off if you namedrop an influential person.
Errors on your resume
Although there are employers out there who want resumes to be free from errors as much as possible, common mistakes do not mean you are disqualified from having the job. While some may find it inexcusable, for some it may be fine. The most unforgivable of them all is to commit typographical errors. So it is best that you proofread them. Do not entrust everything to your spell-checking software.
Also, employers seldom read cover letters. Actually, almost a third of them do not read it at all. So in order that it gets read, put your cover letter in your resume and not on a separate paper.
Making it to the right pile
These tips may help your letter get it on the right or "yes" pile.
Get yourself a conventional email address. A goodexample is your name. But using sweetnothings4u@gmail.com is not a good idea.
Make sure your resume is tailored-fit for each job you apply for. Be sure that it shows the skills the employer is looking for.
Utilize all the space in the paper. You may also use bullet points to make the information stand out.
Inclusion of interests is important as long as it is relevant to the job.
Use a standard format when submitting your resume through email.
Do not disclose unimportant information like height, weight, etc.
Remember to state your achievements. Do not just focus on responsibilities. In other words, whatever it is you have done in your job, make sure you include the accomplishments in doing it. In addition, always put the positive information at the very beginning and at the very end of your resume.
