How to Craft a Resume That Catches Attention
Understand What Employers Look For
When crafting a resume that will catch the eye of employers, it’s important to understand what qualities they’re looking for. Employers will generally be looking for someone who meets the minimum job qualifications, is organized and detail-oriented, and is passionate about the opportunity. Once you have a better idea of what employers are looking for, you can decide on elements that will highlight those qualities.
Format Your Resume Properly
Formatting also plays a role in catching employers’ attention. Your resume should be well-organized and free from typos and errors. Use clear headings and paragraphs to break up information, and provide succinct descriptions with clear information about your qualifications and experience. Be sure to include only information that is pertinent, while still providing enough detail to make an impression.
Highlight Your Skills and Achievements
When listing experience, include your accomplishments rather than simply listing job duties. Messaging potential employers or recruiters with this type of information is important, as it can give them a better idea of how you can be an asset to their team. If you’ve built skills in the process of achieving the accomplishments through work, volunteer, or educational experiences, be sure to include a comprehensive list of these skills.
Incorporate Action Verbs
When writing out your descriptions, using action verbs can help make your resume even more engaging. Strong verbs such as executed, managed, or directed convey a greater sense of urgency and tell potential employers that you are an independent worker who is capable of taking charge of a situation when necessary. These action verbs reduce the amount of words on your resume and can make it easier to read.
Proofread Your Resume
No matter how great your resume looks, it’s important to proofread it a few times before submitting. Spellcheck is not an end-all-be-all proofreading tool, so it’s essential to read through your resume multiple times, asking a friend or colleague to look it over for errors. If need be, consider hiring a professional editor to review your work before submitting your resume to a potential employer.
Tailor Your Resume to the Position
Finally, you should make sure that your resume is tailored to the specific job you’re applying to. You want to make sure that the most pertinent qualifications relevant to the position you’re interviewing for are highlighted, as this will make it seem as though you’re the perfect fit for the role. Ensure that the accomplishments you list for each job have something to do with the job you’re interviewing for.
Sell Yourself Through Your Resume
Once your resume is complete, you want to make sure that the employer has a strong understanding of who you are and what you bring to the table. Be sure to keep the focus on yourself and reiterate any positive traits that you think make you stand out from other candidates. If you have won awards or certificates in your field, mention this information in a dedicated section to really showcase your qualifications and set you apart from the competition.
Conclusion
Crafting an effective resume is an important step in the job-seeking process. Understanding what employers are looking for and ensuring that your resume is properly formatted, highlights your best skills, and showcases who you are as an individual can significantly increase your chance of getting the job. By taking the time to create a resume that stands out, you’ll ensure that you’re one step closer to landing an interview.