So you have found a job offer that fits your qualifications and your interests, and you want to apply. The first step is to send your resume. But given how saturated the job market is, it is nothing short of a necessity to make your resume stand out from the rest. Otherwise, it may get buried among tens or hundreds of other resumes that are just like yours.
To stand out, you need to go beyond the content of your resume and focus on other aspects like the format, design, and overall visual appeal. The right approach to a resume will make it more visually appealing, present your best skills, and overall make you look more attractive to employers.
From adding a bit of color and playing with fonts, to paying attention to keywords, stating your career objectives, and adding a summary of your qualifications at the top, there are many ways to take your resume to the next level. If you want to know more about them, read the article below!
Use Keywords
Many employers use applicant tracking systems to scan resumes and sort them based on certain keywords. If your resume does not contain the right keywords, it may not even get through the first stage of the process. With that in mind, it is crucial to include relevant keywords in your resume.
But how do you know which words to use? Start by looking at the job posting. What words and phrases are repeated throughout? Those words and phrases are the ones you want to use. For example, if the job posting talks about high performance computing, you want to make sure that this exact phrase appears in your resume at least once.
Add a Bit of Color
Do not be afraid to add some color to your resume. There is no rule that says that resumes must be all-black, and adding a bit of color will make your resume stand out. Just be careful not to go overboard. After all, you still want your resume to be professional. So, choose one or two accent colors and use them sparingly. For example, you can highlight your name, headings, and other key elements in a dark blue or green, while leaving the rest of your resume in black.
Use a Fancier Font
Similarly, you can use a fancier font. While Arial and Times New Roman are the staple of resumes, they are not very interesting to look at, especially when you are applying for a job that requires any creativity. This, of course, does not mean that you should write your resume using Comic Sans or Papyrus. But choosing a font that is more unique and stylish will certainly help you make a better first impression.
Start With a Career Objective
Most resumes start with a summary of your qualifications. But some people believe that starting with a career objective is more effective, as it gets the employer's attention and allows you to emphasise what it is about the job that you are applying for that interests you most.
Be sure not to make this too long or wordy, though. Keep it short and to the point. A good rule of thumb is to make it no longer than one or two sentences. Otherwise, you risk having the employer lose interest before they even reach the rest of your qualifications.
There's nothing that employers like more than an ambitious young person applying for a position because they know they can expect a lot from them. You can also develop your skill with some business training on storytelling here and then write a compelling tale about why you want a career in the field and what your ultimate goals are. This could knock interviews off their chairs if done right!
Add a Summary Section
If you are worried about starting with an objective statement, another option is to add a summary section at the top of your resume that briefly outlines your qualifications. This is a great way to quickly grab the employer's attention and give them an overview of what you can bring to the table.
There, you can talk about your skills, your experience, and why you would be the best candidate for the job. Again, do not make this too long or wordy. You want to give the employer just enough information to get their attention so that they are interested in reading more.
Focus on Your Skills Section
The skills section of your resume is where you can really show off what makes you stand out from other candidates. For each skill that is relevant to the job you are applying for, provide a brief description of what that skill is and how you used it in the past.
For example, if you are applying for a job as a web developer, you might list skills like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL. Talk briefly about your duties or projects related to those skills. That way, you will give the employer a better sense of your experience and what you are capable of doing.
Use Bullets, Not Paragraphs
Although it is important to provide detailed information about your skills and experience, resist the urge to write long paragraphs in your resume. Employers do not have time to read through pages of text, so they will likely just skim over it or skip it altogether. Instead, use bullet points to list out your qualifications and experiences. That way, they can quickly scan through and pick out the most important information with ease.
Avoid Clichés
When writing your resume, avoid using clichés like go-getter, team player, or out-of-the box thinker. These are overused phrases that do not really say anything about you as a candidate. They are so common that employers have likely seen them hundreds of times before and will just tune them out. Instead, focus on using specific examples and quantifiable achievements to show that you have certain qualities.
Proofread Your Resume
Before sending your resume, be sure to proofread it carefully for any spelling or grammatical errors. Nothing will turn off an employer more than finding a mistake in your resume. If they see that you cannot even take the time to proofread your own work, they will likely assume that you are not very detail-oriented or reliable. So, take your time to proofread and edit your resume until it is perfect.
In Conclusion
A resume is one of the most important tools in a jobseeker's arsenal. It is your first opportunity to make an impression on potential employers, so it needs to be as strong and effective as possible. By following the tips above, you can take your resume to the next level and give yourself a better chance of landing that dream job.
From adding a bit of color and playing with fonts, to focusing on your skills section and adding a career objective or a summary at the top, there are many ways in which you can improve your resume. Just remember to keep it professional, free of any mistakes or typos, and relevant to the job you are applying for. Good luck!
