A resume provides job seekers with a tool
that can be used to win interviews and increase their chances of getting a job.
This tool can be highly effective in performing its purpose, or a complete
waste of paper. Here are some resume suggestions to enable job seekers to
develop a tool capable of getting themselves on the radars of hiring managers
and employers.
1) List Accomplishments: A resume is viewed on average for only 10 to 15 seconds. Resumes
must include accomplishments to illustrate a prior history of success.
Accomplishments can be better illustrated if quantified. For example, a sales
executive who states that they performed within the top 5% of account managers
while contributing over 1 million dollars in annual sales, can increase
interest from hiring managers and set themselves apart from other candidates.
2) Use Action Words: These powerful words more effectively illustrate the ability to get
the job done by creating engaging resume documents; they showcase how
contributions to previous employers have made a direct impact. For example, a
job description that reads “arranged meetings for company staff” can be
enhanced by revising it to “facilitated meetings to strategize growth solutions
and company initiatives.”
3) Use a Professional Summary
Section: This section is considered one of the most
important components of a resume due to it being on the first section of a
resume. This section, as well as a cover letter, provides the first impression.
An engaging professional summary section should always be used instead of an
objective section unless the job seeker is just entering the workforce,
re-entering the workforce after an extended absence, or changing careers.
4)
Incorporate Qualifications Listed in Job Postings: A resume should be reflective of what is required in the job posting
it is responding to. A job seeker should review all qualifications listed in a
considered job posting, and ask themselves if these qualifications are listed
in the resume. Incorporating a core competencies section within a resume and
listing the mandatory skills that are listed in the job posting inside of the
core competencies section, will increase the chances of getting called for an
interview.
5)
Proofread: A candidate should always get someone to review their resume after
it has been written. Once a hiring manager or employer finds a spelling error
on a resume, chances are he or she will stop reading the resume.
By
incorporating effective resume writing techniques a job seeker can increase
their chances of getting an interview. The job market is very competitive and
filled with many individuals with similar skills and strengths. But with the
right resume, a job candidate can illustrate their similar skills in an
engaging and powerful format, resulting in more interviews.
Ozzie Saunds is the founder/owner of www.ResumeToronto.ca
and the InspiredMinds Group. Have a question about your resume? Email him at ozzie.saunds@resumetoronto.ca
No comments:
Post a Comment