As a professional resume writing service, we know what hiring managers want to see. While it may be obvious that these professionals are searching for qualified candidates with error-free resumes, you can transform a basic resume into something special by following our quick list of resume secrets.
1. Keep It Short & Sweet
Did you know that the word resume originates from a French word that means to summarize or sum up? As the name suggests, resumes aren’t meant to include multiple pages of information, rather they are simply a quick review of you. Typically we recommend that you limit your resume to one page, although a two-page resume is not necessarily a job killer. Just keep in mind that hiring managers are busy and don’t have time to read a book about your work experience.
2. Bold Designs, Bad Idea?
We’ve seen some wildly fantastic resumes with crazy designs. Some even feature original artwork and graphics. While these certainly are eye-catching, flashy resumes really only work for those applying for a creative or artistic job. For instance, a graphic designer or animator might show off their skills with a funky, cool resume, but someone applying for a job as an accountant, a nurse or a software developer probably is better off with a nice, simple design.
3. Think About The Robots
Well, actually your resume is not being read by robots; at least we are pretty sure they aren’t. Still, most resumes are run though applicant-tracking software. This software was designed to understand any type of quirky, offbeat language, so if you list yourself as a public relations guru this might be a term unfamiliar to the software program. If you have a highly creative resume and resume format, keep this version to hand out to people and bring along on interviews, and stick with a more formal type of format when you submit an online resume.
Be sure to use very straightforward language that software will tag as it reviews your resume. To figure out which keywords are being targeted by the software, read the job description carefully as this should provide you with clues. At our professional resume writing service, we can create a keyword-targeted online resume that will attract the attention of hiring managers and applicant-tracking software.
4. Add Some Interests, Gain Some Interest
These days, many people like to add a little section at the bottom of the resume that offers some insight into their personality. You might label this as Interests & Hobbies or perhaps Outside Interests. It can be smart to list any business-related clubs or groups you belong to, as well as brief information about blogging, if you have a blog. This tells the hiring manager that your interest in your industry extends beyond the regular work day and that, with a blog, you excel at communication and networking.
This can be a good place to show off your eccentric side or highlight unique interests. For instance, rather than listing your interests as “outdoor activities, watching movies, going to concerts, and reading,” perhaps you might kick it up a notch. Instead you might list your interests as “Long-distance hiking, mentoring at-risk youth and searching for the best pizzeria in Pittsburgh.”
As another example, you might list your interests as “stand-up paddleboarding, gourmet cooking and volunteering at the local animal shelter.” Basically, you want the hiring manager to see that you are a passionate person with a unique personality. Generally speaking, though, limit the really off-beat interests to just one item and the rest probably should somehow relate to your abilities or your industry.
5. Cookie-Cutter Resumes Don’t Work
While a great professional resume writing service will provide you with a well-written, dynamic resume, you may need to tweak each resume a bit before you send it out. You need to make sure that each resume is tailor-made for a specific job. If you send out your resume to 10 companies, each of these companies might be looking for different skills. Make sure that the resume you send out includes the information that is listed in the job description; otherwise you may not look like a great match.
At our professional resume writing service, we’ve helped thousands of people improve their chances of earning a great new job, and we can help you as well. Each of our resumes includes a unique guarantee. If you use our resume and follow our advice, but aren’t hired in 45 days or less, we will refund the cost of your resume and give you an additional $100. You have nothing to lose, so contact us today and let’s get started on your resume.
