This discussion will be about the effect your resume has on employers. These days when companies post a job opening, they are expecting to receive a large number of resumes in conjunction to this opportunity.
I have heard a couple of different surveys in the past month or two, suggesting that human resource employee’s or business managers are spending anywhere from 15 to 45 seconds to read a resume.
This means that you need to get the best bang for your buck, so to speak.
Here’s a list of items you can use to increase your odds at catching the eye of a future employer.
1. Length – If a person was taking 15 to 45 seconds to read your resume, you need to be concise and to the point. Almost all companies I have spoken with prefer a one page resume unless the job is upper management or a specific trade which requires a specific educational background. If you must have two pages, you should fill both pages and you need to make sure you number each page and identify the second page with your name. As employers gather large numbers of resumes, pages can be lost.
2. Concise and to the point – A general resume is good, but when applying for a job, you need to highlight the previous employment or education that would be necessary for that job type. Be clever with your verbiage, but also to the point.
3. Replication – Most people will repeat themselves in one way or another on their resume. If you want to break away from the pack, you need to be specific and use terms associated with the job you are applying for.
4. Keywords – Keywords are what the employers focus on. The employer understands the position and surveys the resume looking for specific words that identify a qualified candidate. Pay close attention to your writing.
5. Time Lines – Make sure that your employment and/or educational time lines fit. If you leave out a previous employer and/or there is a gap in your employment history, employers may see that immediately. Please check your resume for any employment/ education gaps.
These five bullets should help you to fortify your resume and catch the eye of a future employer. If you have any resume questions you can check the website hebercareerpath.com. The site has a free resume help function.