Even if you’re not job hunting – but especially if you are – keeping your resume fresh and up to date should always be a high priority. You never know when an opportunity may crop up to put it to use in your favor, so by giving your resume a fresh once over periodically, you’ll be ready when the time comes.
Even if you’ve let this priority slide recently, the good news is: with a few practical tips, you can get your resume right back on track. Here are five suggestions:
1. Start with a compelling summary.
At the very top of your resume, fine tune your summary. This is the written version of your 60-second elevator speech, describing in a compelling way why you would be perfect for a job. Like all aspects of your resume, you need to have a strong “master summary” that you can then tailor to each individual position you apply for.
2. Use numbers to illustrate your achievements.
As you describe your current and previous job responsibilities and accomplishments, be specific and use as many numbers and concrete metrics as possible. Just like a picture is worth a thousand words, quantifiable achievements really make your resume stand out.
3. Showcase the unique value you would add if hired.
Your credentials and experience may be impressive, but try to find the unique skill or characteristic that really makes you stand out among the competition. What value can you add to a company if hired, that no one else could offer? Maybe it’s fluency in a certain language or mastery of a specific software program. Whatever it is, find that diamond in the rough – and let it shine brightly.
4. Keep your resume keyword rich.
Regardless of how strong your resume is, it will be rejected by applicant tracking systems (ATS) unless it contains the keywords hiring managers are looking for. This is where customizing your resume to each specific position really comes into play. Human staff responsible for the initial review of resumes likewise take note of keywords. Read the job description carefully for those keywords that are relevant.
5. Proofread and edit.
No, it’s not enough to run a spell check before finalizing your resume. Before you submit it, read it over yourself, carefully and thoughtfully. Then, have one or two trusted and knowledgeable friends or colleagues do the same. The goal is not only to eliminate any glaring spelling or grammatical errors, but also to ensure your resume has the right tone, keywords, and that “aha” factor that will help you get your foot in an employer’s door.
For more tips on perfecting your resume, and all the steps in your successful job search or career growth strategy, contact Accurate Staffing Consultants today. We offer direct hire, temp-to-hire and temporary roles in healthcare, clerical, industrial and other professions, as well as career counseling, so let us tell you more about what we have to offer – tailored specifically to you.