Effective resume writing is necessary to convince employers to grant an applicant an interview. Without an effective resume, applicants will miss opportunities. Resume parsing algorithms will not select a resume online if it is not written effectively. Hiring managers will not give poorly written resumes a second look. Review these tips to learn how to effectively write a resume and improve employability.
1. Use Keywords
Keywords are essential for writing an online resume. Applicants who know industry jargon will have an advantage in the hiring process. Select keywords carefully, and use them appropriately for the best results. The job requisition or advertisement will provide clues about which keywords to choose for a specific position.
2. Identify the Purpose of the Resume
The objective of a resume is to secure an interview. People who write resumes to secure a job may include too much detail. Provide enough information about a position to pique the interest of human resources or the hiring manager.
3. Highlight Your Qualities and Strengths
List the applicant’s strengths. Then, list concrete evidence demonstrating these strengths in action. If the candidate is an exceptional sales person, identify the number of times he or she met or exceeded quota. This will allow the human resources or hiring manager to make an assessment about whether he or she is exceptional by their standards.
4. Make the Titles Scannable and Brief
Employers only take about five seconds to determine if the resume is worth reading in depth. The goal is to present information to capture the attention of employers in five seconds or less. If the resume does not capture the employer attention immediately, the applicant will never be considered for an interview.
5. Proofread the Resume for Errors
A grammatical error or misspelling could decrease chances of getting hired. Proofread the resume two or more times, and use formal grammatical rules for writing a resume. Choose one of the widely accepted grammar rule books and follow it for the resume.
6. Use Bullet Points
Bullet points are easier to read and scan. Most employers do not have the time or patience to read long blocks of text. Bullet points are recommended to improve readability of the resume. Bullet points can be used to list experiences, objectives or educational attainment.
7. Prioritize the Most Relevant and Important Information
Put the most relevant information near the top of the resume. If the hiring manager or human resources manager will only give the resume five seconds, applicants should increase their chances of the hiring manager viewing the information listed. List the most important skills and accomplishments first.
8. List All Relevant Positions
Many people work for the same employer for 10 years or more. In this instance, employers expect applicants to write a resume with every position held in the company listed chronologically. Chronological listings describe the progression of the employee’s career during his or her tenure at the company.
9. Keep the Resume Brief
The resume should be one to two pages. It should contain enough detail to inform the hiring manager but be brief enough to not lose the interest of the reader.
10. Use Action Verbs
Action verbs are more effective in conveying a message. There are lists of approved action verbs for resumes. Consider reviewing these lists before writing a resume. Some examples of action verbs include: Managed, planned, enforced or presented.
Theresa Foster has a professional interest in the art of resume writing and how strong resume writing can improve job search results, although she doesn’t claim to be an expert. To get expert resume writing help, she recommends you contact a resume service. You can find one of the most respected and recommended resume firms online at www.distinctiveweb.com
