According to statistics, recruiters spend an average of only 6 seconds reviewing a resume once it passes the applicant tracking system. This means that resumes have to win the reader over faster than ever before. The following 9 tips might help you to create a truly winning resume:
1.Include your LinkedIn link or the URL to your professional online profile.
If you don't include URLs to your professional online profiles, hiring managers will look you up regardless. Over 90% of recruiters admit to reviewing online profiles, so why not include your URL along with your contact information? This will prevent recruiters from having to guess or mistaking you for someone else.
2. Use consistent branding.
If you have a common name, consider including your middle initial on your resume and online professional profiles to differentiate yourself from the competition. For example, decide if you are Mike Johnson, Michael Johnson, or Mike E. Johnson. Then use this name consistently on your resume and LinkedIn page.
3. Use a professional email address.
If your email address is "lovelyoldgal@yahoo" it is time to professionalize your address. If you want to be taken seriously create an email address that uses your first initial and last name.
4. Provide company descriptions.
Many potential employers and recruiters want to know the size of the company you used to work for. For example, being a director of a huge company means something very different than a director at a small company. One of the best things you can do is to add the company website to your resume.
5. Quantify your achievements.
Quantify your major accomplishments and contributions for each role. This can include the money you saved or brought in for your employer, or the deals you closed, or the projects you delivered on time or under budget. Potential employers want to read about your profitability and they connect to reading numbers.
6. Do not include pronouns.
Resumes need to be streamlined so never use the words "I, she, he, etc". A good rule to remember is to only put adjectives and action verbs on your resume and keep the pronouns for your cover letter.
7. Do not use headers or footers.
Many applicant tracking systems do not read headers or footers, or embedded tables and charts, as they often gets scrambled in the scanner, so stay clear of them.
8. List formal education and professional development.
Be sure to list all your education apart from traditional learning in University or College settings. For example, in addition to your University degrees and College diplomas, you can list professional development such as self-directed online learning at free sites including www.alison.com At this site you can obtain a `Diploma in Customer Service` which can help the potential employer understand that you are a dedicated life-long learner.
9. Recognize that resumes are not only about your history.
In the past, resumes were focused on your work history, yet now they are also about where you are going, not only where you have been. If you want to win the interview, craft the words and accomplishments on your resume in a way that will convince the reader that you should be considered for an interview. Remember, the objective of your resume is never to get a job. It is to get a job interview.
