It is common knowledge that not all resumes get the same attention from Recruiters and due to the volume some receive they are only spending sometimes approx. 45 seconds reviewing each resume.
Recently we are seeing the old-fashioned application form come back into circulation, but not in paper format - In-house Recruiters are now choosing to gather candidate information via an online application form.
There are 2 main reasons for this...
1 - There is the ability to incorporate bespoke psychometric testing questions into the application form (cultural fit, values, role pre-requisites etc.)
2 - The application form gives them all the information that they want / need to know about you in a concise format up front without having to screen a resume to find it.
Remember - "A resume tells the Recruiter everything you want them to know about you, but an application form gives them everything they want to know about you!"
what can you do to make your resume stand out, pique the interest of the Recruiter and get their undivided attention?
Firstly, set your watch...starting at the top of your resume, read it carefully, word for word, line by line and stop yourself after 45 seconds...
-How far down did you get?
-Do you feel it paints a clear picture of you?
-Are your key strengths covered fully at this point?
-Is the format easy to read, absorb and understand?
-Have you differentiated yourself enough from the possible other resumes the Recruiter might read?
-Does your resume get across enough detail in that time to engage the Recruiter?
Why not have a look at my top tips below to make sure your resume gets the attention it needs and deserves...
1 - Use an easily legible font. I know there may be an urge to stand out with fancy font, but you want to aid ease of reading and not showcase your MS Word skills. I find Ariel 11 a very legible font - clean, crisp and very easy to read.
2 - Try not to use up space on your resume having your personal details on separate lines. Have all of your personal and contact details built into the header across the top of the page. Not only do you get into the 'depth' of the resume quicker, the details are then on the top of every page naturally, linking your name to what the Recruiter is reading at all times.
3 - Make sure your LinkedIn profile details are also included. Having your LinkedIn profile details allows you to be slightly more concise with role descriptors, details etc. as the Recruiter can access more information or specific details there.
4 - Most resumes are usually submitted electronically nowadays, and if this is the case why not further assist ease of access by hyperlinking your LinkedIn profile into your resume.
5 - Email addresses should be correct, working and professional. It should be representative of you now and be neutral in nature. If you created an email address years ago as a teen and the username might in any way detract from your application or cause grounds for bias. It might be time to set up a new one!
6 - Most people when creating a resume go straight into the experience or education section. I would suggest adding in 2 new sections at the top of your resume - a short 'blurb' and a key achievements section.
The 'blurb' section should tell the Recruiter "who you are and what you are all about". This section is really there to add a person to the text. It will be your first opportunity to differentiate yourself from the other resumes in the pile. There are lots of examples online of what you can put here. My tip would be to avoid buzz words or writing in skills or attributes which would be considered a given - example being "honest and trustworthy". You would never be dishonest or untrustworthy when job hunting or put those words on your resume hence it doesn't stand out to Recruiters and might put you in the " same old, same old bracket".
The key achievements section is really there to make you stand out. You need to differentiate yourself and talk about all the great things about you. It may also grab the attention of the Recruiter and make them want to read on further. Also, you may have something very worthwhile at the end of your resume that they may never get to, so let's give that information pride of place. Here I would avoid promotions, education etc. and focus on things that make you different or better than others - awards, special achievements, specialized trainings etc.
7 - Ideally your resume should be no more than 2 pages. Why not set it up to automatically print on both sides - environmentally friendly and cost efficient.
8 - If you have similar roles with different companies I would not go into the depths of each role for each company. Show the ability to do something once and assume it is there in the roles that follow.
9 - Make sure your dates add up and prepare to answer for any gaps. Don't lie or try and bluff. Explain openly and honestly if asked.
10 - Add in any languages you have and the proficiency which may make you stand out / show your stretch potential to Recruiters / Companies especially if they are international companies or branch organizations.
11 - If you are using MS Word, justify all text making sure the start and end of each line is exactly the same. This is neat, tidy and aesthetically pleasing.
12 - If you have references, put them and their contact details down. If you don't, simply don't. Writing " References available on Request" is annoying and a waste of space and time. You can also show your LinkedIn Recommendations section electronically too.
13 - I would hope that in 2024 we would not have to say this but remember to "try" and make your resume as neutral as possible and make sure there is nothing in it which may cause conscious or unconscious bias from the Recruiter. Avoid putting your DOB on your resume and also there is no need for a photograph. Also be careful that any extracurricular activities that you have mentioned in hobbies and interests don't lead to a bias either - religion, politics etc.
14 - When it comes to your education action, please be short and precise. Have the date, location and overall grade. There is no need to show every module descriptor, or every State exam sat. You can have more depth in your LinkedIn if needed.
15 - Ensure you spell check, grammar check and format check your resume and don't just rely on MS Word. Sometimes it is hard to see the wood from the trees so maybe get a peer, friend or family member to cross check.
16 - Ask yourself why you are creating this resume. Does it suit its purpose?
If it is for a role - header, blurb, key achievements, work experience before education.
If it is for a development program or further education - header, blurb, key achievements, education before work experience (if any)
If it is for an office job, do you need to show 2 restaurant roles and 2 retail roles in depth? Maybe not, but if they relate do, or if not try and identify key learnings from them which may suit the office role.
17 - If you can drive maybe also put that in. It may sound simple but Recruiters may look at your address and wonder how you might get to work? You would not want that to be a stumbling block right at the start of your application.
18 - Do not have your resume and LinkedIn profile identical or copy and paste sections between them. Each are there to provide information but to different audiences , with different purposes in different ways.
19 - Education = not only mean formal schooling. What have you done to continuously develop? What opportunities have you taken to learn more? Courses, qualifications, system certifications etc should all be added and show Recruiters you are not only a lifelong learner but you can juggle work and schooling at the same time.
20 - Cover letters are somewhat becoming redundant so it is important to have variations of your resume for different roles you are applying for where you may mention certain things over others. Slight tweaks, or tailoring can really be worth while. Top tip here would be to look at the job description of the role you are applying for and ensure you have covered as many of the role requirements as possible in your resume and you have dropped in some of the key words too.
Good luck in your job searches and feel free to leave a comment or message below.
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