Waiting for a response from potential employers can be a daunting process for job seekers. This is particularly true when you're not receiving any feedback and you're left wondering if there's something wrong with your resume. Follow these ten tips from experts to update your resume and improve your chances of landing an interview.
Revamp Your Resume
It's 2023, and the job market is more competitive than ever. Employers are working hard to attract top candidates, so it's time for you to do some in-house improvements and modernize your resume. Try creating a visually appealing resume that includes graphics, borders, and call-out boxes to highlight important metrics and figures. If you're looking for inspiration, check out these visually engaging CorrectEnglish resume samples.
Cultural Fit Is Crucial
Having values and goals that align with those of the company you're applying to is crucial to being a cultural fit. Employers often evaluate job seekers' resumes to determine whether they're a good fit for the organization. Your resume is an ideal place to showcase your cultural fit by highlighting your values, beliefs, motivation, management style, and communication style.
Add Your LinkedIn URL
Include your LinkedIn profile URL at the top of your resume next to your contact information. If you're using a networking resume, hyperlink the URL so that the hiring manager can easily navigate to your profile. However, if you're creating an ATS-optimized resume, avoid hyperlinking the profile URL as it could be marked as spam. LinkedIn is a go-to platform for recruiters and including your profile URL allows them to evaluate your culture fit and accomplishments.
Provide a Snapshot
Rather than providing a general summary of your career history, use the top portion of your resume to highlight your achievements. Include metrics and numbers to demonstrate the value you can bring to an organization.
Eliminate Filler Words
Avoid using filler words such as "accomplished," "professional," "results," and "success" as they don't offer any insight into what sets you apart as a candidate. Instead, use job titles and highlight accomplishments and successes using percentages, dollars, or other metrics.
Remove Slow Windups
Delete slow windups, such as "history of implementing" or "hands-on knowledge and understanding of." Instead, use more concise and direct language, such as "implements," or "builds, grows, and manages."
Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure that your resume includes the most relevant experience for the position you're applying for. Put the most important information first in each section of your resume, including your career snapshot and work history. Use relevant keywords and quantify your experience using challenge, action, result statements.
Consider Using Two Resumes
Consider using two different resumes, one that's visually engaging and ATS-optimized and another that's ideal for networking and applying to the hidden job market.
Follow Up
Following up with recruiters after you've submitted your application can help you stand out from other candidates. According to the 2016 Recruiter Nation Survey, 59% of recruiters keep in touch with candidates after they apply, so take advantage of this opportunity to build a relationship.
Include Soft Skills
Employers are increasingly interested in assessing soft skills, so it's important to talk about them on your resume. Rather than using generic phrases like "excellent communication" or "team player," incorporate related keywords within the context of an accomplishment that demonstrates your soft skills. For instance, "attention to detail" and "meticulous" can be used to highlight a candidate's recovery of $2 million in missing revenue through reviewing customer accounts.
As you refresh your resume and embark on your job search, keep these tips in mind to ensure that your resume attracts the attention of potential employers.