The expression “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” may sound cliché, but it is true when applying for a new job. Indeed, studies have shown that first impressions are long-lasting. Since your resume is the first impression potential employers or recruiters will receive, it must stand out from the pack. Here are 10 resume tips that can get you noticed.
10 Resume Tips That Ensure You Make a Great First Impression
1. Precisely State the Value You Add
Precisely state the value you will add to a company. This is essential in today’s market as a myriad of external factors are forcing many companies to operate leanly.
2. Emphasize Relevant Experience at the Top
Don’t wait until the middle of the page to showcase your experience relevant to your desired position. Place this experience at the very top of your resume.
3. Clearly List Career Accomplishments
Awards, sales figures, percentages, and other statistics should be clearly and prominently displayed so that recruiters and employers can quickly and easily learn about your specific accomplishments. Data-driven statements that reflect accomplishments rather than responsibilities can only help your chances of being noticed.
4. Tailor Your Resume to the Employer and Position
Tailoring your resume to the specific employer and position is one of the most underused but vitally important resume tips that recruiters share with candidates. Modifying your resume to match the job opening demonstrates attention to detail and earnest interest.
5. Keep Formatting Clean and Easy to Read
Avoid tiny or unusual fonts that can prove challenging to read. Embrace bullet points and short, concise sentences.
6. Remove Irrelevant or Outdated Experience
There is no need to include part-time jobs you held in high school if you’ve been in the workforce for a few years. A shorter, higher-quality resume is much preferred to a longer but less relevant resume.
7. Add a Summary Statement
While there is nothing wrong with including an objective summary, be sure to include a qualifications summary at the top of your resume. This brief section should clearly outline why you are the best candidate for the position.
8. Use Industry-Specific Language
Be sure to use language that is included in the job posting. For example, if you’re applying for a position seeking a candidate to “maximize opportunity for fulfillment and growth,” use those same e terms in your resume.
9. Keep Your Resume Current
Make sure that all your recent accomplishments are included in your resume. Don’t be afraid to take the extra time to update your resume, even if you’re itching to submit your resume for a position.
10. Get Resume Tips from a Recruiter
Working with a recruiter offers a host of benefits. Your recruiter will likely offer highly specific resume tips to increase your chances of being noticed for a particular position.
Competitive Edge Recruiting Provides Talent Acquisition Services in the PNW
As both a Certified Woman Business Enterprise, and an Emerging Small Business, the highly experienced team at Competitive Edge Recruiting provides custom, comprehensive staffing services for immediate needs and long-term plans. To connect with our highly qualified and reputable team of recruitment specialists, contact us today.