Not landing interviews? The problem could be your resume. In today’s challenging job market your resume needs to help you stand out as the top candidate for the job. You have only seconds to grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. If your resume isn’t compelling, you are going to be overlooked.
Resume Checklist:
So, what makes a great resume? Well, it starts with the basics. Here is a quick checklist of what to include to create a powerful, effective resume:
Profile Statement – Today’s hiring managers want to be able to quickly ascertain who you are, what you have to offer and, most importantly, why you should be considered for the job.
Think of your profile statement as your elevator pitch. If you had only a few seconds to sell yourself to someone, what would you say?
Keyword Rich – Your resume must be relevant to the role you are targeting. Incorporate keywords from the job posting to demonstrate you are a strong fit with the requirements of the role.
Many recruiters use applicant tracking systems to sift through and narrow down interested candidates. Using the right keywords is essential to your resume making the cut.
Professional Formatting – Your resume should represent your professional, polished brand. From font size and organization to margin size and spacing – these elements all add up to create a great first impression.
Flawless Spelling and Grammar – According to Careerbuilder, 61 percent of recruiters will automatically dismiss a candidate due to a single typo on a resume.
Make sure your resume is completely error-free before hitting the “send” button.
Ideal Length – It’s critical that your resume is concise, compelling, highlights your relevant accomplishments and contains language aligned to the role you are targeting.
That being said, if your resume is too long, you’ll lose the reader’s attention in the details. If it’s too short, you’re missing the opportunity to sell your skills.
Accomplishments – Showcase your key achievements within each of your jobs, particularly those related to the roles you are targeting.
Quantifiable Results – Recruiters can spot “fluffing” from a mile away. Back up your accomplishments with quantifiable results whenever possible to demonstrate true impact. In other words, use real numbers, dollar amounts or percentages.
A great way to do this is with bullet points that start with key verbs like: decreased, increased, reduced, streamlined, achieved and improved.
Contact Info – Your contact information should appear on each page, including your name, phone number and email address.
A successful job search starts with a great resume. Position yourself ahead of the pack with an impressive resume, that gives you a critical edge over your competition, grabs recruiters’ attention, and most importantly helps you land interviews.
We know that creating that top-notch resume is time consuming and challenging. JL Careers provides the Resume Writing help you need to land your dream job. We look forward to building an Executive or Professional Resume that showcases your talents and accomplishments and lands interviews.
Author: Joanne Loberg of JL Careers Inc. is a Certified Executive Coach and Internationally Certified Career Management Professional. She has a reputation as a highly sought after Career Consultant and she has been referred to as “an absolute expert at navigating the complex territory of career advancement.” Copyright JL Careers Inc. All rights reserved.
Wishing you much career success!
Joanne Loberg
Certified Executive Coach & Internationally Certified Career Management Professional
JL Careers Inc
