A resume that gets noticed uses the keywords of the job ad, proves your strengths with examples, shows what you achieved rather than what you were responsible for, is easy to skim, and is tailored to the job. Then it is checked, twice, before you send it.
An effective resume is a powerful document that shows the best of you and your accomplishments. But you cannot just write it any way you like. A hiring manager may receive hundreds of resumes for one job, so if you want yours to be seen, you have to take the extra time to make it stand out.
Your resume is a written record of your work history. It needs to speak to the hiring manager and convince them to take the next step: to invite you to an interview. These tips help you write a resume that does that. For the basic structure, see how to write a resume in 4 steps.
1. Focus on keywords
Many employers search the resumes they receive by keyword, often with software. So make sure the right keywords appear in yours. Read the job description and note the skills, qualifications, and terms the employer is looking for, then make sure those keywords appear in your resume.
2. Prove your strengths
A long list of strengths is not enough. You have to back each one up with proof. For example, do not just tell them that you are a "problem solver": give them real examples of problems you have solved.
3. Make your job titles stand out
As mentioned, a hiring manager may have hundreds of resumes to look through. With that many, they are unlikely to read every resume from start to finish. They are much more likely to skim each one for a few moments to see if something catches their attention and makes them read on. The titles of your previous jobs can do this, so take the time to make them stand out.
4. Use bullet points
Since most hiring managers only skim a resume at first, make it easy for them. Bullet points make your resume much easier to skim.
5. Show achievements, not just responsibilities
Do not focus only on your responsibilities. When you simply list them, you tell the hiring manager what you were supposed to do. That does not tell them what you actually did, or how well you did it. Tell them about your achievements instead. If you can include numbers to prove your point, even better. How to write an accomplishment statement shows how to phrase them.
6. Tailor it to the job
One of the biggest mistakes job hunters make is to write one resume and send it to every job that interests them. A generic resume tells the hiring manager that you want any job. A resume tailored to their opening tells them that you want this job. So adjust your resume for each job, and highlight the things that this hiring manager will be looking for.
7. Check the basics
Besides all of these tips, do not forget the basics. Proofread your resume, and do it several times. Then run it through the Spell Checker to catch any spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes you may have missed. Finally, have someone else review your resume. A fresh pair of eyes often finds problems that you no longer see.