Resumes are one of the first steps that employers take to learn more about the candidates and determine who is the right fit for each open position. An effective resume is easy to read, highlights your accomplishments, skills, and relevant experience. It is also important to have your resume appeal to software systems as well to stay competitive. The Wall Street Journal recommends that even small things such as saving the file to include your name can help make you stand out. Take a look at this Wall Street Journal article for even more resume tips and trends to distinguish yourself.
Understanding how to create the perfect resume can help you stand out in a pool of applicants and make you feel more confident. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, keep reading for five resume tips and insights to help you craft a resume that makes an impression in a competitive market.
1. Job History and Experience
When following resume tips, It is important to make sure your resume is concise, so taking out any old or irrelevant information your resume might still include is crucial. Examples of irrelevant information can be jobs held more than 10 years prior or recent graduates still including GPA. Additionally, tailoring your resume to the job you are applying to will help to keep your resume concise and show hiring managers and recruiters why you are qualified for the position. Creating multiple resumes for each job application can help you choose each work experience that is most directly relevant to the position.
2. First Impressions
One of the most important resume tips is to organize your resume in a logical sequence and prioritize your most relevant and compelling achievements early on. Hiring managers don’t always read your entire resume and typically start reading from the top so they may not finish every section. Strategically placing your strengths and accomplishments at the top effectively communicates your qualifications if the entire resume isn’t read.
3. Focus on Skills and Achievements
Your resume is not just a summary of your career but it should spotlight your skills and the accomplishments of your duties. Focus less on describing your jobs and more on showcasing your impact and the outcomes you’ve delivered. A resume tip to follow is using metrics to highlight your achievements and show future employers that you are a results-driven candidate.
4. Active Language and ATS Keywords
Revising your resume to include active language can also help you be more concise. Incorporating verbs such as “earned” “achieved” can help highlight your accomplishments. Additionally, adding keywords to your resume can help you pass initial screening processes for companies that use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Use words that are included in the job description, avoid graphics which are harder to pick up by software and use professional fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Helvetica.
5. Go Beyond Work History and Focus on Transferable Skills
A resume tip for entry-level applicants or for those who are worried about their work history is that highlighting transferable skills on your resume or showcasing outside projects can show versatility and adaptability. For example, showing leadership skills from extracurriculars or volunteer work can show you can effectively bridge any experience gaps.
As you refine your job applications with these resume tips and trends, remember that the job search journey involves more than just a great resume. It’s about finding the right opportunities that align with your skills and aspirations. At ATHENA Consulting, we specialize in connecting talented professionals with top-tier companies.
Revising your resume to include active language can also help you be more concise. Incorporating verbs such as “earned” “achieved” can help highlight your accomplishments. Additionally, adding keywords to your resume can help you pass initial screening processes for companies that use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Use words that are included in the job description, avoid graphics which are harder to pick up by software and use professional fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Helvetica.
5. Go Beyond Work History and Focus on Transferable Skills
A resume tip for entry-level applicants or for those who are worried about their work history is that highlighting transferable skills on your resume or showcasing outside projects can show versatility and adaptability. For example, showing leadership skills from extracurriculars or volunteer work can show you can effectively bridge any experience gaps.
As you refine your job applications with these resume tips and trends, remember that the job search journey involves more than just a great resume. It’s about finding the right opportunities that align with your skills and aspirations. At ATHENA Consulting, we specialize in connecting talented professionals with top-tier companies.
