5 Simple Tips to Make your Resume POP!

Looking for a job? Need to make your resume pop? Candidates are doing all that they can in order to stand out against their competition, but at times, they can go too far.

There are ways to get ahead of the competition, without putting a cheesy picture of yourself and your cat on your resume.

Here are several tips to guide you as you craft your resume:

1. Tailor to the Job Description

Make sure that you read the job description, and know it inside and out. Figure out what is most important about this position and note the key words and phrases that are mentioned. Then, make sure to tailor your resume to hit those key objectives. When a recruiter or hiring manager is scanning dozens of resumes, those ever-important keywords will catch their eye, and prove that you are qualified.

2. Stay Relevant

Make sure that your resume is up to date and to the point. You do not need to include anything that does not relate to the job that you are applying to. Don’t add that you delivered pizzas in high school, or babysat for your neighbor for extra cash in college. Also, we are now in 2012; don’t include positions you held 20 years ago, which will make you appear dated.

3. Two Words: Spell Check

You would not believe how many people submit a resume and do not use spell check. Come on people! Microsoft Word will even do it for you! There is really no excuse to have any typos in your resume. As obvious as this might be, there are way too many mistakes that we come across on a daily basis.

4. Streamline Your Design

Why complicate your resume any more than you need to? There is no need to include complex graphics. While this might make your resume look pretty, it will distract the Recruiter from your skills and experience.

IMPORTANT: Never include a picture in your resume. If you include a picture, and a company decides not to hire you, they are liable for a discrimination lawsuit. Therefore, employers typically have to immediately throw away any resumes including photos.

5. Prove Your Worth

A resume is a written account of your qualifications, not just a timeline of your work experience. You are introducing yourself for the first time to a potential employer, and must prove to them that you are the perfect candidate for the job. Don’t just list your daily responsibilities at former jobs; include statistics and examples that show your success and progress in past positions.

This may be overwhelming, and there are endless ways to refine your resume for each unique job, but you don’t have to muddle through it alone. Seek out the assistance of a niche Recruiter. They know more details about what the company is looking for, they have years of experience editing resumes, and they can help you define who you are, what you’re looking for, and why you’re qualified in a tidy, one-page summary. No pictures of pets necessary.

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Author Name – Jessica Gundling
Title – Recruiter
Location – Washington, DC
Twitter – @JessGund
Byline– Jessica is new to the recruiting world, and has been learning a tremendous amount about the industry. She is fascinated by the interactive space, and you can find her at different networking events where she is always eager to meet interesting people.
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