There is plenty of information out there about how to make your resume stand out, but if you follow these 6 steps, you will easily differentiate yourself from other candidates and for the right reasons!
If you need more detailed advice you can check out this guide on how to write a resume that Open Colleges recently put together. It is based on a survey that Career Builder did where they asked nearly 3,000 hiring managers to share some of the most unusual and memorable applications.
1.Give yourself a great title
Along with your name, you should always give yourself a professional title that describes what you do. This title is the first thing that will catch the reader’s eye, so make sure it clearly conveys what you have to offer.
2. Use power words
The words you use can have a big impact on whether or not a hiring manager or employer will consider you a capable candidate, so try to use power words (and not filler words) or phrases that demonstrate your capability.
Power words include things like initiated, implemented, managed, increased, launched, advised, demonstrated, influenced, increased, etc. Certain keywords and skills can also help make sure your resume gets accepted when employers use different automated applicant grading system.s
3. Think outside the box
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, and sometimes a more creative approach, providing it stays within the boundaries of professionalism, could help you get noticed.
In some industries like graphic design or film, a creative resume can give you a huge advantage over someone who goes the traditional route, so if you’re handy in the design department and have a great idea for a resume template that will really stand out, then by all means, go for it.
There are plenty of examples of people who thought outside the box and executed a creative resume idea that blew everyone away, but on the other hand, there are also a few instances where candidates’ attempts to be original earned them a place on a list of the wackiest resume blunders.
The key is to really know your industry, the company you are applying to and your own limitations.
4. Include job related interests
You don’t need to tell employers about everything you like doing, especially not generic things like “watching television” or “playing sports.” However, if your hobbies, personal interests or volunteer positions tie in with the job, including them helps to show employers that you really are passionate about the work you do or would like to do.
5. Tailor your resume
A Career Builder survey shows that 36% of employers automatically take an applicant out of the running if their resume is too generic and doesn’t seem personalised for the position.
While you don’t have to change your whole resume for each application, you should always tailor your personal statement or professional profile to the job you are applying for. It also helps to highlight the skills or experience that a job posting has specifically mentioned.
6. Include hyperlinks
Including hyperlinks to your online profiles, websites or work shows initiative. If you want to showcase work that is relevant to the job, such as writing samples, websites you have created or other projects that demonstrate your expertise, it’s a good idea to have everything easily accessible in one place, such as your LinkedIn profile or a personal blog or website.
