Separating yourself from other candidates when applying for a job can be difficult. Recruiters generally have a vast talent pool to choose from and little time to decide which candidates to interview. Standing out can seem like a daunting task when all you have is a quick page or two to give as reference.
However, a few small tweaks here and there on your resume can go a long way. But, there is a fine line between doing too little and doing too much and you could stand out for all the wrong reasons. Having said that, here are some tips to think about when constructing your resume.
DO:
Be Specific. When discussing your achievements, be specific and provide quantities if you can. Not only will this information put your accomplishments into a greater perspective for the reader, but it will also make them more memorable. For example, many have managed a retail store, but few have managed a retail store and increased sales by 10%.
Use Bullet Points. Your resume needs to be as easy to read as possible. Recruiters often have to look through many resumes and don’t have the time to dig for information. If it takes to long for them to find important information, they may not see it all. Adding bullet points to separate crucial details increases the likelihood that a recruiter will see them at first glance.
DON’T:
Write Long Sentences. As previously discussed, recruiters have hundreds of resumes to look through and only have time to briefly examine your resume the first go around. Make your words count and convey information using as little words as possible. You don’t have to write an eloquent essay to get noticed. Your goal should be to minimize the time needed for the recruiter to obtain your relevant information.
Be Flashy. There’s no need to make a colorful resume with a cursive font to stand out. That’s not going to make you seem more qualified for the position and if anything, will only make your resume harder for the recruiter to read. Keep it standard and maintain focus on your accomplishments.
Remember these tips as you construct your resume and stand out for all the right reasons!
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Matt Gass is CareerPlug’s Recruitment Services intern.
