According to LinkedIn.com, recruiters spend an average of six seconds reviewing an individual resume. Can you imagine how many resumes a recruiter reviews a day? How will your resume stand out? Is it the color paper you use? It has to be the headshot or the 5-page resume attached. No, not exactly, but there are some ways to make your resume stand out.
The job journey is more competitive than ever with more qualifications and specifications than ever before. Job seekers can not just click to apply to 100 job postings a day. Job seekers are making finding a job an actual full-time job.
Believe it or not, just in 2012, it was not customary to have a resume more than 1 page, in the last 3 years, that has dramatically changed. According to CNBC, hiring professionals are twice as likely to choose job seekers with a two-page resume. "In many cases, strong candidates, who have more experience, write two-page resumes so hiring manager may have developed a subconscious link between strong candidates and longer resumes."
1. Update your vocabulary, use buzz words
Most resumes start off the same way, all the time. Get creative. Trust me the hiring managers will appreciate the change in tone. No matter what duty or accomplishment you're trying to show off, I've got the best action verbs that will catch hiring managers' eyes in seconds.
2. Develop a video resume
In today's increasingly competitive and online-savvy marketplace, a video resume can help you stand out. Sometimes called a profile video or video profile, a video resume is essential in a job seeker's toolbox. A video resume allows the applicant to go beyond traditional methods of applying, such as submitting a resume, cover letter, and work samples. Don't just throw something together; "Do it in excellence or not at all."
If you are handy with drag and drop, then you can make your own video resume with online tools like VEED. With VEED, you can start creating your video resume straight away. No software, and no account required.
So what does "right" look like? Well, this video resume created by Todd Cavanaugh is a great place to start. Vying for a position at Dropbox, Cavanaugh created this faux campaign and video resume to try and catch the company's attention.
Paired with an impressive digital resume, it's sure to make plenty of employers (including, hopefully, Dropbox) think about how they can get him on their team ASAP.
3. Tailor your resume for the job
So gone are the days of sending the same resume and cover letter to several job postings. More time is needed in preparing your resume and cover letter for the job based on the job description. Many recruiters and hiring managers used a computerized review of the resume FIRST before the resume is seen by human eyes. The computerized system scans the applicant package for keywords from the job description. If more words and phrases match the job description, the applicant will be strongly considered for an interview. Yes, it's necessary.
First, identify what's most important to the company. Then match your resume content with the job description. DO NOT cut and paste portions of the job description into your resume, the computer WILL notice. The best way to do this is to have a strong objective statement that matches the job description. Reorder, add, remove tasks and accomplishments that don't fit the job. Lastly, provide compelling evidence, do not lie. Do you think writing, “excellent multi-tasker” in your career summary is going to be impressive or convincing enough? No way! You need to provide specifics: Facts, figures, examples, stories. Something that shows the hiring team that you can come in and be effective in this job right away.
4. Rewrite your cover letter, use metrics
Most applicants do not fully appreciate the value of a cover letter. Your cover letter complements your resume and provides the opportunity to frame your narrative to the reader. Most importantly, the cover letter will allow you to provide metrics or numbers. "If you want to show that you're results-oriented and hard-working, share the numbers." (Glassdoor.com) This provides detailed information for your potential employer. For example, to show your key performance indicators (KPI) or growth add one strong structured sentence: Authored 4 white papers on the emerging digital economy, which resulted in 50,000 downloads by unique visitors. Remember, it's okay to brag about yourself, just make it count. My friends over at LiveCareer.com have a great blog post about implementing resume metrics.
5. Use a fresh, modern resume layout
Lastly, but do not under-appreciate the layout and design of your resume. Yes, nowadays, it matters. I used Hloom.com when choosing a resume. Hloom has many free Microsoft Office Templates that are user-friendly and very creative. Hloom's resume examples not only provide inspiration but also guidance on structure and key elements to include.
I use up to five different resume designs depending on the job and most of the templates I found on Hloom. I use the design below to leads interested in hiring me for media or hosting gigs. This is a one-page resume due to my audience, not my experience. I tailored this resume to reflect what was asked in the job posting. I am in the process of updating all five of my resumes due to new tasks, new headshots, and it's just time to refresh.
Top Sites to Upload Your Resume
Indeed.com
LinkedIn.com
Monster.com
USAJOBS.com
More Resources to Visit during your Job Journey
Glassdoor.com
TheBalanceCareers.com
Can you find more action words to refresh your resume? Did any of these tips help you land an interview? If so, comment and share with us.