FOUR EASY STEPS TO BUILD ING A RESUME
THAT GETS RESULTS
In a Large Stack of Resumes, How Can Yours Stand Out?
The modern job market is more diverse and crowded than ever before. Degrees, certifications, experiences, and networks carry varied values. The rise of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) in the post Covid-19 era also creates new hurdles. The one thing that remains the same is everyone needs a resume that gets results. A results-getting resume is not impossible to build. Getting there requires some critical steps, though.
In the post Covid-19 world, I have helped nearly 5,000 job seekers do just that. There are many templates, companies, and gurus building resume brands. There are 4 easy steps to building a resume that gets results.
Step 1: Make It Simple
Simplicity is your best friend. If you want a resume that gets results, then start by making it simple. Cut graphics, tables, and columns from your document. These items make scanning a resume difficult for both ATS and hiring managers. Use a simple left-to-right format for all content and separate skill lists by commas. Simple gets read.
Step 2: Keep It Short
The average resume gets a 10-second look on the first pass. Simple gets read, but keeping it short gets attention. The vast majority of resumes should be no longer than two-pages. Summaries should contain 3-5 sentences. Experience sections should hover around 5 bullet points of content. Education and certifications sections should list earned credentials and the granting institution. A resume of 300-400 words creates greater impact than one of 1000 words 8 out of 10 times.
Step 3: Create Clarity
Hiring managers get a lot of resumes in the modern era. Creating clarity with your document immediately improves your visibility. Build sections within your document using a larger font and bold typeface. Use common terms like experience, education, skills, and certifications to define your sections. Employ job titles that clarify what your job was. Ignore titles like "Chief Fun Officer" and let your next employer know you were a "Customer Relationship Manager". Drop the word "Owner" from your e-commerce platform and use the job title "Director of Sales and Marketing". When you are introducing yourself through your resume, clarity communicates. Cut, Drop, End
Step 4: Make Experience Count
Your experience is unique, but nothing makes experience count more than numbers. Whether you work in sales, manufacturing, or service; numbers resonate with potential employers. If you improved workflow on the assembly line, that is great. But, if you improved workflow on the assembly line by reducing downtime by 40% that is better. If you maintained high customer satisfaction ratings, that is excellent. But, if you maintained a 97% customer satisfaction rating, that is attention grabbing. One bullet point with a number for each job will enhance your resume's value.
Put It All Together
Any of these steps will improve a resume immediately. Collectively, these steps build a resume that gets results. While nothing beats working with a professional, these steps will move your resume towards the top of the stack.
