Getting Your Resume Read Part One

It’s a tough job market out there—who are we kidding? It’s always a tough job market. It’s not an easy race, but it is one that you can win. Making sure your resume is up to snuff should be your number one priority.  

Remember, there might be hundreds of applicants all competing for the same position. Standing out from the rest of the pack is very important. Recruiters and employers will generally take 40 seconds to a minute to glance over your credentials—you need to captivate and wow them in that time. “Your resume is likely the first impression a potential client or employer has of you,” says Derek Bullen, author of High Velocity and President and CEO of S.i. Systems Ltd., a leading Canadian talent agency for IT professionals. “The contents of your resume will either get you in the door for an interview, or consign you to a filing cabinet.”

Here are some quick tips that can work for your resume:

- Research: Learn as much as you can about the employer. Show them, in your cover letter, that you know what they stand for, and that you have the skill-set to continue your employer’s message or mission statement.

- Differentiate: Showcase any skills, abilities and experiences that will be relevant to the position. Refrain from bragging—you want them to know that you have what it takes, but you don’t want to come off as a know-it-all.

- Restyle: Every employer is different, and they want different things. Always tailor your resume so it’s relevant to where you’re applying. Focus on skills and experiences that will matter—your ability to throw strikes when bowling might not fit with an accounting firm.

- Excite: The cover letter is the first thing your potential employer will read. Excite them. Make that person want to read your resume.

- Revise: Take that extra time to proof read your cover letter and resume. The number one turn off for recruiters and employers is bad grammar and spelling. Don’t forget to update your resume so it’s relevant to the job you’re seeking.

- Comprehend: If your potential employer requests you to fill out an employment application, do it. Taking that extra time will pay off in the end. Besides, they use those forms for a reason—it easily maps out your skills and characteristics.

These points are just the beginning. There are various strategies and tactics you can employ to really bolster up your resume. Use these tactics to catch the eyes of a potential employer or recruiter, they’ll pay off.

In part 2 we’ll look at ways to leverage new channels like social media. The web has really changed the way people hunt for jobs, and being ahead of the game will only get you that much closer to securing your job.