The average corporate job opening attracts 250 resumes, according to the employment website Glassdoor.
With that kind of volume, it’s little wonder that most resumes get looked at for 7 seconds or less.
If you’re looking for a new position, how can you increase the odds that a hiring manager will pay attention to your resume long enough to appreciate your value?
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make sure your resume gets read.
Here are a few quick recommendations you can apply today.
Top Resume Makeover Strategies:
1. Use relevant keywords.
As you probably know, many companies use artificial intelligence to screen applicants.
Clear the first hurdle by including keywords those robots are looking for.
You can often figure that out by copying the language in the job advertisement.
2. Strengthen your professional summary.
Hiring managers are often pressed for time, so your summary may determine whether your professional resume lands in the reject pile or receives further consideration.
Considering writing a brief and compelling description of your background and what makes you an outstanding candidate.
3. Quantify your career accomplishments.
Numbers sound more impressive and persuasive.
Create bullet points that communicate your achievements with percentages, dollars, growth numbers and other statistics.
4. Simplify formatting.
A little structure can make your resume easier to scan but avoid going overboard.
Stick to a professional font, adequate white space, and helpful headings.
5. Ask for feedback.
You may be so familiar with your resume and career background that you overlook obvious mistakes or missing info.
Ask a friend, family member or trusted career professionals to look it over and tell you their first impression.
6. Deliver it directly.
Now that you’ve polished your resume, guide it to someone who wants to see it.
Use LinkedIn and other sources to find the name and position of an appropriate contact, if it’s not given in the job listing.
Keep in mind that your resume is just one ingredient in a successful job search.
You need to maximize the rest of your strategy too.
Try these techniques:
1. Assess your qualifications.
Are you seeking positions that match your background and make sense in the context of your career path?
You may need to provide some explanation (cover letter) if you’re overqualified, under-qualified, or trying to change career fields.
2. Customize your cover letter.
This is where you can address such concerns and make the case for hiring you.
Research the company, so you can discuss their specific needs and how you can help.
3. Highlight work samples.
Give employers a preview of the impressive qualifications that won’t fit in your resume.
Link your application to your personal website or your LinkedIn profile, published works, media etc.
4. Follow up.
Unless the ad says no calls, try to discuss the position further.
Be prepared with substantive questions if someone has the time to speak with you.
5. Leverage your network.
One of the most effective ways to get an employer’s attention is to find a contact you have in common.
Maybe you know someone willing to make a call or send a recommendation.
Even if you’re a star performer, you may have to work on your resume to be sure it gets read.
Making it easier for employers to recognize your value and to connect with you will help you to land more interviews and job offers.
