Noticeable Resume

Get your resume read by a prospective employer

Employers are often inundated with resumes every time they post a job and hence a resume has to catch the eye of the prospective employer to brighten the chances of being called for an interview.

Many times the resumes are not properly made and hence not enough attention is drawn to them, and as a consequence, either they are not noticed or they are ignored without a second glance. Studies have shown that up to 75% of qualified applicants are rejected because they cannot be read.

Below are the formatting and keyword rules you must follow to make friends with your potential employer. They will help ensure that your resume does not hurt your chances of getting hired.

Formatting

Your resume is not the place to get creative. The details should be in facts and figures and well organized.

Use a .doc or .txt format.

Do not use a .pdf or any other format. These can be easily read.

Do not include graphics or tables on your resume.

They not only give a wrong idea to the employer that you are not capable of explaining in sentences.

Do not use resume templates.

Originality is the prime requirement.

List the names of your employers first, then the dates you worked there.

This sequence is essential in getting the attention of the employer.

Upload your resume instead of typing it in.

Uploaded resumes are more decipherable and inadvertent errors can be avoided.

Keywords

It is important to use keywords correctly without any spelling mistakes.

5 Tips for Proactive Resumes

  1. Use your resume to create a compelling story around your accomplishments.Identify patterns that will let you put your best foot forward in a job interview; stories create a lasting impression. They have to be precise and to the point, not elaborate and time consuming.
    Since every word counts, be sure to use vivid language and compelling details in your resume to capture what you can do based on what you have done.

 

  1. Build your authority.Clarify your particular role in your accomplishments at previous employers. Include details that illuminate how you — not anyone else — were key to the success achieved. Don’t hold back if you exceeded expectations.

 

  1. Mind the gaps.If you’ve had some in-between time during your career, reclaim that territory. Do not avoid it at any cost. Every point (or lack thereof) in your resume is connected and has a purpose.

 

  1. Document your skills.Describe how you’ve gained a credible presence — not just in numbers, but in becoming recognized for your expertise.

 

  1. Align yourself to the job you hope to get.Once you have taken the previous steps, draw parallels between your accomplishments and what your prospective employer needs. Do not hope that the person reviewing resumes or holding job interviews will connect the dots. Make it obvious.

    One way to do this is by really researching the place where you hope to work. Search online for news about the employer; try to talk with people who work there or have recently. Then, do everything you can to demonstrate on your resume how what you’ve done matches what is now most important to the company where you are applying.