Trying to find the right job can be challenging and frustrating. To get the job that you really want, you need a high-powered resume that employers will notice.
It’s a known fact that employers don’t bother to read resumes thoroughly. They quickly scan the first page, looking for key information. Resumes that pass go onto a ‘yes’ pile for further examination. Resumes that don’t show the right information go into a ‘no’ pile, which is usually the trash.
You aren’t the only person trying to find the right job, so you need to stand out. How can you guarantee that your resume will make it into the ‘yes’ pile? By knowing what employers are looking for and presenting it so that they can’t possibly miss it.
Avoid long, drawn out resumes and include relevant information only. One of the things the employer is looking for is experience that relates to the job being applied for. They do not care about your life history unless it involves a lifetime of working in that particular field. Employers have neither the time nor the interest to read about your hobbies, where you went to high school or about your first job as a dishwasher, etc.
Clearly state your objective in a single sentence. The employer wants to know specifically what job you are aiming for. Saying that you are looking for any job, not a specific one demonstrates lack of confidence and indecisiveness, which are undesirable qualities to have in an employee.
Your resume should be easy on the eyes. Avoid fancy fonts, especially script like ones. They’re difficult to read and don’t impress anyone. In fact, a fancy, decorative looking resume might give the impression that you’re frivolous and don‘t take things seriously.
Use a simple font such as Arial or Times New Roman and leave plenty of white space between the lines if possible. Contact information should be displayed clearly at the top of the page.
Anyone can find the right job, no matter what state the economy is in. All you need are a few simple strategies that will give you a bit of an edge over the competition.
For more resume tips check out my book How To Write A Killer Resume: And How to Get The Job You Want