Creating or editing your resume can be a daunting task, especially in such a competitive market. With recruiters often spending only 6-7 seconds looking at each resume, it’s crucial to make yours stand out while clearly conveying your professional strengths and experiences. Here are the top five tips to consider when creating or editing your resume, designed to catch the eye of recruiters and land you that interview.
1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job
Generic resumes are a thing of the past. Today, it’s all about customization. Before applying, take the time to adjust your resume to match the job description. Use keywords from the job listing, and highlight the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the position. This approach shows the hiring manager that you’re not just a great candidate but the perfect fit for their specific role. It can also ensure that if AI is used to screen resumes, yours will make it through.
2. Keep It Concise and Relevant
Recruiters sift through dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes for a single opening. Keep your resume concise and to the point to ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Ideally, limit your resume to one page or two pages if you have extensive experience relevant to the job. Remove any fluff or unrelated experiences that don’t contribute to your candidacy for the specific role you’re applying for. We recommend including your previous positions but excluding any irrelevant details from the role.
3. Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers speak louder than words. Instead of stating that you “increased sales” or “improved efficiency,” quantify these achievements. For example, “Increased sales by 20% in the first quarter” or “Improved operational efficiency by 30%, reducing project turnaround time.” Quantifying your achievements provides concrete evidence of your impact and makes your accomplishments more tangible to the reader. It also can pique interest from the hiring manager to explain the strategies you took to create such results.
4. Focus on the Design and Layout
A well-designed resume is not just about aesthetics; it’s about readability and functionality. Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings and a logical flow of information. Ensure your font choice is readable (think Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman), and use bullet points to break up text and make your achievements stand out. Leave ample white space to avoid clutter and ensure the reader can easily navigate your resume. We typically don’t recommend including a headshot or using a highly formatted template.
5. Proofread and Get Feedback
Typos and grammatical errors can be a major red flag to recruiters, suggesting a lack of attention to detail. Proofread your resume multiple times and consider using tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to help identify and correct errors. Additionally, getting feedback from friends, family, or mentors can provide new perspectives and help you catch mistakes you might have overlooked.
Incorporating these five tips into your resume creation or editing process can significantly increase your chances of making a positive impression on potential employers. Remember, your resume is your professional story distilled into a brief document; make every word count and ensure it reflects the best of your abilities and experiences. With a well-crafted resume in hand, you’re one step closer to landing your dream job.
Feel like you need more help with your resume? Reach out to Lucas James Talent Partners to connect with one of our recruiters.