Virtual job tips: 4 powerful resume hacks

 

With an ongoing pandemic and a complicated job market, making your resume stand out to recruiters is easier said than done. We talked to employers all over the country to find out what catches their eye when looking at resumes. Here are our top 4 most powerful and easy-to-implement resume tips that will get you noticed and help you land that dream job!

1. Show off your soft skills

With many companies still working remotely, recruiters are paying more attention than ever to candidates with strong soft skills. If you have proven communication, time management, adaptability and problem-solving skills, make sure to show them off on your resume as these are like gold for employers. Recruiters still look for hard skills on your resume, but soft skills may well be the reason you get invited to an interview.

2. Make your resume results driven

To really make your resume stand out, talk about how you made a difference to your previous employer’s operational goals. This is especially relevant for sales, marketing and managerial jobs where employers are looking for people who will make a noticeable impact on their company. Adding Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)to your resume showing how many clients you closed, or how you reduced expenses at your last job are effective ways you can help recruiters better understand the value that you’ll bring to their organization.

3. Keep your resume short

Recruiters may be reviewing hundreds of applicants for the same position, so when it comes to resumes, less is often more. A 5-page resume detailing your whole life story will likely end up in the shredder, so keep things short, recent, and to the point. Aim for one to two pages of key information presented in an easy-to-scan format.  Separate your resume into clear sections and present your resume in a standard professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Stay away from cartoony or creative-looking fonts if you want someone to be able to read it quickly.

4. Adapt your resume to each job opportunity

You might be applying to many similar roles, but every company is different, and they’re likely looking for slightly different qualities in their candidates. Make sure to research the role to find out exactly what kind of candidate they’re looking for and adapt your resume accordingly. Cookie-cutter resumes won’t get you an interview!

A great way to make your resume stand out for a specific job is to check the job listing for keywords. If the employer is looking for someone with strong communication skills and experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, then use those same words in your resume (only if it’s true, of course).

Put this advice into action and you’ll increase your chances of getting called for an interview. What are you waiting for? Get to revamping your resume already! For even more insider scoops on how to get hired and take the next step in your career, check out the rest of our job seeker resources.