You’re perplexed as to why you haven’t received even one interview invitation after submitting dozens of applications. Everybody has been there.
Competition is tough and more likely than not, you’re competing with dozens, if not hundreds, of other job seekers for that same dream job.
The easiest solution to making your resume stand out from the competition is to get it done well. You may break out of the job search rut by creating a standout resume, which can greatly increase your chances of landing a good job.
This article will show you how to improve your resume writing.
1. Make Use of Titles and Headings
Titles and headings on your resume help hiring managers and recruiters rapidly find the information they’re looking for by drawing attention to the various parts.
Use titles and headings to separate sections and subsections like work experience and specific job titles.
2. Add A Skills Section With Bullet Points
Skip the resume objective, nobody cares what you’re searching for and lead with the good stuff instead. The top of your resume should include critical keywords and a quick snapshot of your core strengths, Bullet points are a solid choice they stand out even if someone is just skimming your resume.
Hard talents and other measurable, tangible characteristics are likewise more important in this context, so emphasize them as such. Employers want to see software and programming experience on your resume if you work in a profession that relies heavily on technology. If you work in the creative sector, your best bet may be to develop your design and communication skills.
3. Show How You Make An Impact
List your relevant work experience in reverse chronological order, and use action verbs.
Don’t just list your old job titles. To prove you’re worth a hiring manager’s time, you’ll need to highlight some concrete wins. Statistics that build upon your skills section are most impactful bonus points if they show a track record of growth, revenue, and profitability.
If you’re drawing a blank, adding resume skills that can help solve a problem area for the company you’re applying to.
Impact doesn’t always have to be measured by metrics, cultural improvements, special projects, customer growth, anything that shows success can work.
4. Tailor Your Resume To The Role
The most common error made by job searchers is utilizing the same resume for each position they apply for.
We advise creating many resumes, one for each type of position you are interested in.
Be 110% sure that your work experience and interests match the job opportunity you are looking to get. Too often, resumes with tons of experience in areas other than the one being applied for. Instead, note roles that highlight your experience and show why you are a good fit for the role.
5. Describe Your Experience In Detail.
There are certain fundamentals we all know to enter in the experience area, including: Previous employers, job descriptions, and duties. You also need to remember to include the following two details: your accomplishments, including your prizes and outcomes.
Highlight yourself, sometimes just a title and no highlights or takeaways from that role.
This is the time to brag about what you have accomplished, even if it’s just a couple of bullet points.”
The most important part of the resume is to show how you’ve made an impact in your current and previous roles, this can be done by quantifying your results and impacts, as best you can.
Most recruiters and hiring managers will be asking themselves, ‘How can this person help elevate the team and the organization’. Quantifying your contributions will be your first step showcasing how.
6. Design Your Resume Using A Template That Fits The Tone Of Your Industry
When it comes to hiring, every sector has an unofficial procedure that it uses.
For instance, traditionally creative industries favor and even encourage resumes with a little personality. This can include incorporating graphics and vibrant colors, as well as adding your photo to your resume.
Be sure to follow the tone that’s most appropriate for your industry, no need to reinvent the wheel when the guide is already there.
7. Incorporate Keywords From The Job Description.
You should include the keywords from the job description in your resume for two reasons.
Hiring managers will be able to see how well your qualifications match the job description.
You will ensure that your resume successfully passes through automated resume scanners, which look for keyword matches.
8. Use Plain, Professional Language
There is a narrow line between showcasing your expertise and going overboard, so resist the temptation to use a lot of industry-specific jargon.
Keep your language plain, professional, and only use industry terms when it makes sense to. The most important goal is to get your message across, and too many buzzwords can cause your accomplishments to get lost.
9. Show Quantifiable Results
What actions did you take in the past that really impressed your managers. Perhaps you were in charge of a project that made the business significantly more money or saved it a lot of money.
Potential employers don’t just care about what you can do, they care about what you have done. Demonstrating your successes in previous roles using concrete numbers helps show hiring managers what you’re capable of.
Use specific examples of goals you hit or milestones you reached that were a direct result of your professional efforts.
10. Check Your Writing For Grammar, Conciseness And Precise Action Verbs
One thing you don’t want is an error in your resume. It can affect your credibility and make you look unprofessional.
So, the first step is proofreading your resume. Once you complete it, leave it for a few hours or days then give it another look.
Then, run it through grammar editing software to make sure everything is correct.