Not getting your resume noticed?

Let's face it. Writing a resume is not instinctual. Your blah resume need a makeover, but where do you start?

Yes, it's job hunt time. It can be rough.

The job search landscape has evolved. The necessity to reevaluation how to attract attention to your resume is vital. Let's go step by step. It's easy with our short guide made by a resume professional.

To impress a recruiter in 2024, here are some current suggestions to consider:

1) Simple and Short

• Unless you're a CEO with a C-suite level application, limit your resume to one page that covers the last 10 years of your career.
• To avoid getting lost in a stack of resumes, use concise and well-organized bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
• Use direct, simple sentences in your bullet points and keep each sentence to one line. This makes your resume visually appealing and easy to read.
• A short and intriguing resume can increase your chances of getting called for an interview and give you more to talk about.
• To minimize mistakes, keep your resume simple and straightforward.
• Using complex language or jargon can make you appear disorganized and pretentious.
• Use technical terms only if they're relevant to the job you're applying for. Otherwise, use plain language that any reader can understand.

EXPLORE MINIMALIST RESUME TEMPLATES

2) Avoid Exaggerated Writing

Rather than relying on modifiers, it is better to provide specific examples, such as being promoted to management for achieving a 10% increase in sales. Companies tend to value concrete facts and figures when assessing job candidates.

EXPLORE PROFESSIONAL RESUME TEMPLATES

3) Read the FULL Job Description

• It is common for job applicants to overlook the complete job description, resulting in a resume that does not align with the job posting.

• To avoid being a typical applicant, it's crucial to thoroughly review the job description and note down all relevant keywords that match your resume.

• To increase your chances of landing an interview, ensure that your resume correlates as much as possible with the job description.

• However, it's important not to simply copy the job description word for word. Instead, use a thesaurus to rephrase and incorporate the keywords effectively.

EXPLORE RESUME TEMPLATE DESIGNS

4) Do Your Homework

• To prepare for your job application, make sure to research the company extensively online.
• Employers are interested in determining whether you would be a good match for their team and work environment, so your resume should reflect this.
• Some key areas to focus on during your research might include the company's areas of expertise, upcoming projects, culture and policies, as well as their guiding principles and values.

5) Polish your social media

• Employers often conduct online searches on candidates, examining both their professional and personal profiles.
• Therefore, it's crucial to meticulously review everything and eliminate any errors.
• Additionally, ensure that your LinkedIn profile matches your resume.
• It's obvious, but crucial to remove any negative publicity.
• Your behavior and image reflect on the company, so engaging in questionable conduct such as excessive drinking at a party can create an unfavorable impression.
• This applies to all social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and others.

6) Network, baby!

• Networking plays a crucial role in securing employment, whether it's within your current organization or externally.
• If you happen to have a mutual acquaintance who is or was employed at the company you're applying to, it's worth reaching out to them.
• Their insights about the company can provide valuable information, and they might even be able to introduce you to relevant contacts or personally submit your resume on your behalf.
• LinkedIn is a valuable resource for establishing professional connections.
• Take advantage of your network and identify individuals who may have connections or insights related to the company you're interested in.
• Internal referrals often receive preferential treatment when applying for jobs. Having someone within the company who can vouch for you can give you an edge over other candidates.
• Having connections within the company also showcases your familiarity with their work culture and reduces the perceived risk of hiring you.
• It's important to nurture these connections by following up with them and staying active on LinkedIn.

RESUME TEMPLATES FOR TEACHERS

 

7) Resume Objectives: Distinctive and Polished

• Avoid using generic resume templates commonly found in Microsoft Word or Apple Pages as they do not make a lasting impression.
• Your resume design serves as a reflection of your identity; make sure it showcases your best attributes.
• Ensure your resume design aligns with your professional field; while a visually striking resume may suit a designer, it may not be appropriate for an office assistant role.
• Get smart with time, customized templates can save you lot of unnecessary effort: The Art of Resume: Custom Resume & CV Templates.
• These resumes are fully customizable - tweak it to suit your professional look.
• Some of the resume templates are categorized. Here are some medical/nurse resume templates and some resume for teachers.
• Get yourself a free trial of Microsoft Word (PC or Mac) or free full version of Apple Pages (Mac) for editing your resume - no investment necessary.
• Take a couple of hours to learn the word processing program basics - DuckDuckGo or Google if you get stuck.

8) Present your information in a neat and organized manner

• Structure your resume design to showcase your information effectively.
• Maintain a proper balance of white space around your name.
• Unless you work in a design-related field, avoid busy patterns and overwhelming logos that might overshadow your information.
• Even in design-related fields, prioritize your information over flashy graphics.

CHECK OUT MEDICAL AND NURSING RESUME TEMPLATES

9) Review Your Work

• Pay close attention to spelling and grammar errors in your resume, as they are often overlooked but incredibly important.
• Seek feedback from colleagues, friends, and family members who are familiar with your field. The more people who review your resume, the better.
• Consider using Grammarly, an online tool that can help analyze the grammar of your resume.
• Take breaks between your spelling and grammar checks. It's difficult to spot mistakes immediately after writing your resume, so a fresh perspective can be helpful.
• Pay attention to the formatting details of your resume. Use a ruler if necessary to ensure everything is properly aligned.
• Once you've checked everything, go through the entire resume again to make sure nothing was missed.

CREATIVE RESUME TEMPLATE DESIGNS

10) Eliminate Overused Resume Phrases

• The skills section of a resume holds great significance, but it often becomes a breeding ground for clichéd phrases and expressions.
• Words like "hard worker," "seasoned," "detail-oriented," "good communication skills," and "strong leadership skills" are some of the most overused culprits on resumes.
• Instead, focus on skills that are directly relevant to the job position, providing the reader with more concrete and tangible examples.
• For instance, rather than mentioning "strong leadership skills," highlight your experience in leading a team of five members in bi-weekly meetings.

Don't struggle with an outdated resume any longer; it's time to be smart. Your resume should demonstrate that you are the perfect candidate for the job, as first impressions can make all the difference. Utilize these valuable resume tips to land your dream job today and secure a better financial future.