by ResumeSpice Team | Nov 2, 2023 | Resume Writing
In today’s ultra-competitive job market, having a marketing resume that stands out from the rest and conveys your expertise is more crucial now than ever. A well-crafted resume can be the key to landing an interview and securing the marketing job of your dreams. But with so many marketing professionals vying for the same positions, how can you ensure that your resume stands out from the crowd? This blog post will provide you with essential tips, best practices, and insights on how to write a resume that highlights your skills, experience, and unique value proposition in the marketing industry.
Key Takeaways
- Craft a marketing resume that highlights individual strengths and incorporates quantitative data to demonstrate expertise
- Include the following sections: contact information, branding statement, core competencies & experience, education, certifications, and technical skills in reverse chronological order
- Tailor your resume for your desired job description and utilize keywords and industry-specific phrases
- Don’t be afraid to personalize your resume where applicable
- Utilize ChatGPT, professional resume writers, and reference example resumes for guidance
Crafting a Stand-Out Resume For The Marketing Industry
Your resume is the first impression you’ll make on hiring managers, and it’s your chance to demonstrate your knowledge in the field. As a marketing professional, your resume should not only be clean, concise, and properly formatted, but should accurately emphasize your competencies, day-to-day tasks, and notable achievements in your areas of focus.
Besides crafting a quality resume, how can you stand out even further to hiring teams? A resume that strikes a chord with your prospective employer requires a deep understanding of the company’s goals, mission, and specific requirements for the open position. The goal is to have you and your resume fit as closely to the company's values and job description as possible- i.e. include keywords and phrases that will position you as a perfect fit for the role.
Your marketing resume should also incorporate quantitative data, like growth in key performance indicators (KPIs) to depict your impact as a marketing professional. Including real-life examples of your accomplishments can further illustrate your expertise and make your resume more trustworthy and memorable.
By highlighting your individual strengths and accomplishments, demonstrating your unique value proposition, and aligning your experience with the company and job description, you’ll be able to capture the attention of hiring managers and improve your chances of landing an interview for your dream marketing job.
Ready to get started?
While creating a high-quality marketing resume may appear intimidating, our step-by-step approach allows you to articulate your experience in a transparent and impactful manner. Start by choosing a marketing resume template and organizing your work experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent position. This format allows employers to view your most recent and pertinent experience first, making it easier for them to assess your suitability for the role.
Check out our blog on expert resume writing tips for additional guidance.
1. Highlight Your Contact Information
Since your contact information is among the first things hiring managers will seek on your marketing resume, keeping it current and readily accessible is crucial. Start your resume with your name, contact number, and professional email address. This will allow potential employers to quickly get in touch with you if they’re interested in your application.
In addition to your basic contact information, consider including links to your LinkedIn profile, online portfolio, or personal website. If you’re applying for a role in social media marketing or social media advertising, linking to your personal social media accounts can also be beneficial, particularly if they demonstrate consistent branding and messaging or if you have a considerable following. This can give you a competitive edge and showcase your proficiency in the marketing field.
2. Write a Compelling Branding Statement
A branding statement encapsulates your unique value proposition and area of expertise in a concise and impactful phrase (around 1-3 sentences). It should be tailored to your individual strengths and specific marketing skills, setting you apart from other candidates and capturing the attention of hiring managers. To craft a strong branding statement, focus on your distinct value proposition and demonstrate your industry know-how.
When crafting a branding statement, strive for brevity and memorability, and customize it to the position you’re applying for. This will help you stand out from the competition and show potential employers that you have a clear understanding of the marketing role and how your background and experience can contribute to the company’s success.
3. Showcase Your Core Competencies
Core competencies are the unique skillsets, capabilities, and knowledge that contribute to your competitive edge in regard to the position you're applying for.
🧐 Tip: It is best practice to adjust your core competencies to best align with each job you are applying to.
To effectively present your core competencies, focus on showcasing your most pertinent skills and capabilities, such as:
- Campaign Management
- SEO
- Content Marketing
- Social Media Management
- Data Analytics
- Copywriting
By crafting your core competencies, you can demonstrate your expertise and visually spotlight relevant skills to hiring managers.
4. Build Out Your Marketing Experience Section
🧐 Tip: Be sure to format your resume and experience section in reverse chronological order! This format allows employers to view your most recent and pertinent experience first, making it easier for them to assess your suitability for the marketing role.
The body of your resume- the experience section, is a vital part of your resume as it enables you to highlight your work history, day-to-day tasks, and key accomplishments. To make the most of this section, ensure that your experience is presented clearly and with impact. Remember to reference the job description and tailor your verbiage to that, as well as highlight tangible successes and KPIs hit.
Use common marketing keywords or phrases
Incorporating industry-specific keywords and phrases in your experience section can showcase your proficiency and help your resume stand out.
Be sure to use these terms appropriately and tailor them to the specific marketing role you’re applying for, as this will demonstrate your industry understanding.
Tailor your experience to the job description
Customizing your resume to align with the specific job description and company values is essential to making a strong impression. Carefully review the job description and company values to ensure your experience is a good fit, and emphasize your relevant achievements.
Example: If the job description mentions wanting Proficiency in managing social media channels, if applicable you should write something like the following to best align yourself with your targeted role:
- Managed and strategized client social media channels, fostering engaged online communities and executing effective content planning to boost engagement and brand presence.
- Successfully oversees global social media channels for clients, achieving a 22% increase in impressions and engagement within just four months.
🧐 Tip: Utilize ChatGPT to assist in the merging of your original resume and the job description. ChatGPT can be helpful in pinpointing keywords and phrases, and help you best tailor your resume to your desired role.
By tailoring your resume to the specific marketing role and company, you can demonstrate your understanding of the position and improve your chances of securing an interview.
5. Dive Into Education, Certifications, & Technical Skills
Lastly, your educational background, certifications, and technical skills sections can further differentiate you from other applicants, showcasing your ambition and dedication to the industry. When listing your educational qualifications, include your highest level of education, such as your degree and the name of the institution attended. Additionally, any relevant coursework or certifications related to marketing, such as digital marketing, social media marketing, or market research, should be included.
In addition to your formal education and certifications, it’s important to showcase your technical skills relevant to the marketing industry.
💡 Examples of technical skills: Adobe Suite, Google Ads, SAS, Website Design
Skills Every Marketer Should Have on Their Resume
Certain skills are essential for many marketing professionals and should be included in your resume. Be sure to personalize your hard and soft skills to your own experience and personality.
💡 Examples of hard skills: SEO Copywriting, Website Management, Designing Marketing Campaigns, Social Media Analytics, Graphic Design
💡 Examples of soft skills: Collaboration, Communication, Adaptability, Management, Delegation, Leadership
It’s crucial to emphasize these essential skills and demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the field.
Additional Sections to Boost Your Marketing Resume
Additional sections on your marketing resume, like hobbies, interests, and side projects, can differentiate you from the competition, highlighting your unique skills and industry expertise. These additional sections can provide valuable context to your marketing experience and demonstrate your passion for the industry.
For example, if you have a personal blog or have worked on a side project related to marketing, consider including a link to the project on your resume. This can demonstrate your initiative and creativity, as well as your commitment to staying up-to-date with industry trends.
By incorporating additional sections into your marketing resume, you can create a more comprehensive and engaging representation of your background.
Navigating Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Applicant tracking systems (ATS), software solutions that scan resumes for pertinent keywords, necessitate the inclusion of relevant keywords in your marketing resume. As we talked about earlier, by incorporating appropriate keywords from the job description, you can ensure that your resume is optimized to pass through ATS and reach the hiring manager. By doing this, your chances of being filtered through to the interview process are much higher.
To effectively navigate applicant tracking systems, focus on using the exact keywords mentioned in the job posting, such as “Excel” if the posting requires spreadsheet proficiency.
Resume Mistakes to Avoid
While a well-crafted marketing resume can connect you to your dream job, avoid common mistakes that could hinder your chance to make a strong first impression. Some common errors to be mindful of when crafting a marketing resume include:
- Using an unprofessional email address
- Including extraneous information
- Employing an obsolete resume format
- Utilizing too many fonts
- Using too much color
- Neglecting to proofread
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a more professional-looking marketing resume.
Marketing Resume Examples
Reviewing resume examples can inspire and guide you in crafting your own standout resume. These examples can demonstrate how other marketing professionals have effectively showcased their skills, experience, and unique value proposition to potential employers.
🧐 Tip: Consider researching the job title you are applying for and referencing example resumes.
Here are a few ResumeSpice marketing-specific resume examples:
Director of Marketing
VP of Marketing
Chief Marketing Officer
By studying examples, you can gain insight into content and strategies for presenting your professional work history and highlighting your skills.
Summary
In conclusion, crafting an impactful marketing resume is essential in today’s competitive job market. By following the tips and insights provided, you can create a personalized resume that showcases your skills, experience, and unique value proposition in the marketing industry. Remember to emphasize your core competencies, focus your resume on the specific job description, and avoid common mistakes to make a strong first impression on hiring managers. With a well-crafted marketing resume, you’ll be well on your way to landing your new marketing job.
Q&A
How do I write a good marketing resume?
Write a resume that is tailored to the job description, utilize keywords and phrases, be concise, and well-written, include your contact information, and list relevant experience. Include skills, coursework, projects, interests, and employment dates to make it complete. Use a professional tone and proofread multiple times before submitting as a Word doc or PDF.
How do you stand out in a marketing job application?
Tailor your resume as closely to the job description and company values as possible. Highlight relevant skills, craft a personal story in your cover letter, and reach out to the hiring manager or department head to make yourself stand out in a marketing job application.
What additional sections can I include in my marketing resume to make it more engaging?
Include hobbies, relevant coursework, industry certifications, and side projects to demonstrate your unique skillset, expertise, and passion for the marketing field.
Need Additional Guidance and Insight?
We can help! Our breadth of #1 ranked resume writing services are created by actual recruiters who know how to spotlight job applicants in today’s competitive job market. We are proud to have helped thousands of marketing professionals land their dream jobs. Our team is here to provide professional resume writing, help you navigate best practices, provide career guidance, interview prep, and more. Check out all of our career services here. You can also call us at 832.930.7378 or connect with us online.
by ResumeSpice Team | Aug 23, 2023 | Resume Writing
Are you ready to dive into our expert writing resume tips for 2023? As the job market evolves and technology continues to advance, it’s essential to keep your resume fresh, relevant, and impactful. These tips will help you design a resume that not only captures the attention of hiring managers, but also stands the test of time.
From crafting an ATS-friendly resume to showcasing your work experience, our guide covers every aspect of creating a compelling and successful job application. Let’s take the first step towards landing your dream job!
Key Takeaways
-
Craft an ATS-friendly resume with relevant keywords, standard section headings, and a simple design
-
Choose the right format to showcase qualifications
-
Enhance your application by highlighting achievements, customizing skills for each job description, and including volunteer experience or hobbies (if relevant)
Crafting an ATS-Friendly Resume
In the digital age, your resume is more than a simple piece of paper—it’s a ticket to your next career opportunity. An applicant tracking system (ATS) is used by many employers to screen resumes, and creating an ATS-friendly resume is crucial to ensure you don’t get lost in the shuffle. By using standard section headings, incorporating relevant keywords, and avoiding complex formatting, you can increase your chances of making it past the electronic gatekeeper and into the hands of hiring managers.
Adapting your resume for ATS compatibility doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or personalization. In fact, it makes it easier for potential employers to find the information they’re looking for and see just how well-suited you are for the job. Let’s explore the key aspects of crafting an ATS-friendly resume.
Use Standard Section Headings
When it comes to ATS compatibility, simplicity is key. By using standard section headings, such as “Work Experience” and “Education,” you make it easier for the software to accurately evaluate your resume and quickly locate the necessary information. This not only increases your chances of making it through the ATS, but also ensures that hiring managers can easily find the information they need when reviewing your application.
Stick to conventional headings and let your experience speak for itself.
Incorporate Relevant Keywords
Another crucial aspect of creating an ATS-friendly resume is the inclusion of relevant keywords. By incorporating keywords from the job description, you improve your resume’s ATS searchability and relevance. One helpful tip is to use a word-cloud generator by copying and pasting the job description to identify the most commonly used terms.
Make sure to include the relevant terms that apply to you in your resume, which will make your resume stand out to both the ATS and hiring managers. Remember, customization is key—tailor your resume to each job description for maximum impact.
Avoid Complex Formatting
Lastly, it’s important to keep your resume design simple and clean. Complex formatting can hinder the ability of ATS to effectively read and interpret your resume, potentially making it invisible to recruiters. Stick to a straightforward design with standard section headings, and avoid using tables, columns, or other design elements that might confuse the software.
A well-structured resume not only ensures ATS compatibility, but also makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly assess your qualifications.
Resume Formatting
Selecting the appropriate resume format is essential to present your work experience, skills, and accomplishments in the best possible light. While there are several formats to choose from, the reverse-chronological format is recommended, and the functional format is generally discouraged.
Understanding the pros and cons of each format will help you make an informed decision and create a resume that effectively showcases your unique value.
Reverse-Chronological Format is Always Recommended
The reverse-chronological format is widely accepted and favored by hiring managers, as it highlights your most recent experience first and works backward in time. This format allows the hiring manager to quickly assess your career history, progression, and ascertain your relevance for the position.
Regardless of your experience level—whether you’re applying for your first job or have years of experience under your belt—the reverse-chronological format is a safe and effective choice that ensures your resume is both comprehensive and easy to follow.
Avoid Functional Format
The functional format, which focuses on skills and accomplishments rather than work experience, is not recommended for most job seekers. This format can raise suspicions among hiring managers, as it may seem like you’re trying to conceal a lack of experience or employment gaps.
Career Branding is Key
In today’s competitive job market, it’s no longer enough to simply list your experience and qualifications on a resume—you need to stand out from the crowd. Career branding is the process of creating a unique and memorable identity for yourself, showcasing your distinctive abilities and expertise.
By including a relevant job title and a concise, well-written branding statement in your job search, you can capture the attention of recruiters and set yourself apart from other candidates.
Include a Relevant Job Title
Including the exact job title you’re applying for is a simple yet effective way to demonstrate your relevance to both hiring managers and ATS software. By adding the job title below your name, you’ll increase your chances of getting past ATS filters and catching the attention of recruiters.
Remember, customization is key—tailor your resume to each job title for maximum impact.
Add a Concise, Well-Written Branding Statement
A well-crafted branding statement can make all the difference in setting your resume apart from the competition. This brief overview, directly below your job title, should highlight your unique skills and qualifications, as well as explain how they can benefit the organization. Be sure to emphasize your most relevant skills and experience and use powerful language that showcases your value.
With a compelling branding statement, you’ll be one step closer to landing that dream job.
💡Example of relevant job title and branding statement:
Highlighting Your Work Experience
Your work experience is the cornerstone of your resume, and it’s crucial to present it in a way that showcases your most relevant achievements and qualifications. By prioritizing the most pertinent experience, showcasing your accomplishments and results, and addressing any employment gaps, you can create a resume that highlights your unique value and sets you apart from the competition.
Don’t be afraid to dive into the details of your work history. Use descriptive verbiage to emphasize your experience and achievements, and focus on those jobs, experiences, or skills that are most relevant to the role you’re applying for. Remember, a strong work experience section is the foundation of a successful resume.
Prioritize Relevant Experience
When it comes to listing your work experience, it’s essential to focus on the most relevant positions and achievements for the job you’re applying for. This not only demonstrates your understanding of the job requirements, but also allows hiring managers to quickly assess your suitability for the role.
By prioritizing the most pertinent experience, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your unique value and expertise.
Showcase Achievements and Results
In addition to listing your job duties and responsibilities, it’s important to showcase your achievements and results. By including quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact and accomplishments, you can add credibility to your resume and set yourself apart from other candidates with similar skill sets.
Make sure to provide context for your achievements, such as the challenges you faced and the resources you utilized, to paint a clear picture of your success.
💡 Example of showcasing a result: Generated $15M in incremental revenue by developing and implementing successful go to market strategy for relaunched SaaS product.
Address Employment Gaps
Employment gaps are a common concern among job seekers, but they don’t have to be a deal-breaker. By being transparent about any gaps in your work history and providing explanations when necessary, you can alleviate any concerns or suspicions hiring managers may have.
It’s also a good idea to include any relevant side hustles, volunteer work, or professional development activities that took place during these periods. Remember, honesty is always the best policy when it comes to addressing employment gaps.
Showcasing Your Skills
Your key skills are the building blocks of your professional success, and it’s essential to showcase them effectively on your resume. By creating a dedicated skills section, including both hard and soft skills, and tailoring your skills to the job description, you can demonstrate your well-roundedness and expertise to potential employers.
Let’s explore the key aspects of showcasing your skills on your resume.
Create a Core Competencies Section
A core competencies section is a valuable addition to your resume that quickly showcases your most relevant skills. By listing your most pertinent skills and competencies in a dedicated section, you can make it easier for hiring managers to assess your qualifications at a glance.
This section should be concise and focused, highlighting only relevant information and the hard and soft skills that are most important for the job you’re applying for.
💡Examples of core competencies: Digital Marketing Campaigns, Social Media Management, Project Management, Marketing Strategy, Customer Service, Team Collaboration, Account Management, HTML Experience, Adobe Creative Suite
Include Both Hard and Soft Skills
It’s important to strike a balance between showcasing your technical skills and demonstrating your interpersonal abilities. By including both hard and soft skills to your core competencies section, you can paint a more complete picture of your capabilities and show potential employers that you’re a well-rounded candidate.
Remember, a diverse skill set, including transferable skills, is often more appealing than a narrow focus on just one area of expertise.
💡 Examples of hard skills: Editing, Data Analysis, Data Mining, Java, Python, CRO and A/B testing
💡 Examples of soft skills: Leadership, Critical Thinking, Public Speaking, Conflict Resolution, Adaptability
Tailoring Your Skills Section
Customizing your skills section to match the requirements of the specific job you’re applying for is essential for making a strong impression. By carefully reviewing the job description and incorporating the required skills and qualifications into your resume, you can demonstrate your understanding of the role and increase your chances of landing an interview.
💡Example of a technical skills section:
Don’t be afraid to get specific—tailoring your resume to each job description shows your attention to detail and genuine interest in the position.
Presenting Your Education
Your educational background is an important component of your resume, especially if you’re just starting out in your career or applying for a position that requires specific qualifications. By listing your degrees in reverse-chronological order, highlighting relevant coursework, and including any certifications or licenses, you can effectively showcase your expertise and demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development.
It is important to make sure that your educational background is accurately represented on your resume.
List Degrees in Reverse-Chronological Order
When it comes to presenting your education, reverse-chronological order allows potential employers to quickly assess your educational background and evaluate your qualifications.
By adhering to a consistent format and ensuring that your degrees are listed in a clear and organized manner, you can present your education in the best possible light.
Highlight Relevant Coursework (if early career)
If you’re early in your career or applying for a position that requires specific skills or knowledge, it’s important to highlight relevant coursework on your resume. By showcasing coursework that is directly related to the job you’re applying for, you can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
This can be particularly useful for recent high school graduates or individuals looking to make a career change, as it allows you to showcase your relevant knowledge and skills even if you don’t have extensive work experience in the field.
Include Certifications and Licenses
Including any relevant certifications or licenses on your resume is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise in a particular field. These credentials can not only validate your skills and knowledge, but also set you apart from other candidates who may not have the same qualifications.
When including certifications and licenses on your resume, be sure to list the name of the credential, the issuing organization, and the date it was awarded. If applicable, also include any renewal or expiration dates to show that your credentials are up-to-date.
💡 Example certifications: HubSpot Inbound Marketing, DV360, Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce
Additional Resume Sections
While the core components of your resume—work experience, skills, and education—are essential, there may be additional sections that can help you stand out from the competition. Consider including volunteer experience, awards and achievements, hobbies and interests if they are relevant to the job or showcase your unique qualities.
Let’s explore these optional resume sections and how they can enhance your application.
Volunteer Experience
Including relevant volunteer work on your resume can not only demonstrate your commitment and passion for a particular cause, but also showcase your skills and expertise in a different context. When including volunteer experience, be sure to prioritize work that is relevant to the job you’re applying for, and highlight any accomplishments or outcomes you achieved during your time as a volunteer.
Including volunteer experience on your resume can be a great way to stand out from other applicants.
Awards and Achievements
Highlighting any accolades that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments can add another layer of credibility to your resume. Whether you’ve received industry awards, academic honors, or recognitions for your community involvement, including these achievements on your resume can set you apart from other candidates and showcase your dedication to excellence.
Be sure to provide context for each award, such as the criteria for selection and the significance of the recognition. This will help employers understand the value of the award and how it relates to your qualifications.
Hobbies and Interests (if relevant)
If you have hobbies or interests that align with the company culture or job requirements, consider including them on your resume. While not always necessary, including relevant hobbies and interests can help to humanize your application and demonstrate your personality and interests outside of work. This can help to create a more well-rounded impression of you as a candidate and show potential employers that you’re not only qualified for the job, but also a good fit for the company culture.
Highlighting your hobbies and interests can be a great way to make your resume stand out.
Proofreading and Finalizing Your Resume
After crafting the perfect resume, it’s essential to give it a thorough proofread and finalize it for submission. This includes reading your resume aloud, checking spelling and grammar, using a consistent formatting style, and saving it as a PDF or Word document.
By ensuring that your resume is polished and professional, you’ll make a strong impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing that dream job.
💡 Tip: Read Aloud to Yourself
A simple yet effective tip for catching errors and awkward phrasing is to read your resume aloud to yourself. Incorporating resume writing tips like this can help you identify any mistakes that you may have overlooked when reading silently and ensures that your resume flows smoothly and coherently.
Reading aloud can also help to ensure that the content of your resume is clear and concise, making it easier for hiring managers to understand your qualifications and experience.
Check out this Google Chrome extension that will read aloud to you.
Check Spelling and Grammar
Nothing can detract from the professionalism of your resume more than spelling and grammatical errors. To ensure your resume is error-free, take the time to carefully check your spelling and grammar, and consider using tools like Grammarly or Google Docs’ built-in spelling and grammar checkers.
Additionally, having a friend or family member review your resume can provide a fresh perspective and help catch any errors you may have missed.
Use a Consistent Formatting Style
Maintaining a uniform formatting style throughout your resume is essential for creating a polished and professional appearance. This includes using consistent fonts, spacing, headings, and bullet points, as well as organizing your information in a clear and easy-to-follow manner.
A well-formatted resume not only ensures that your application looks professional, but also makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly assess your qualifications and experience.
Save as a PDF or Word Document
When it comes to saving your resume, choosing the appropriate file format is crucial to ensure it is accessible and compatible with ATS software. While both PDF and Word documents are widely accepted, PDFs are often preferred as they maintain the layout and formatting of your resume, ensuring it is displayed as intended.
Word documents, on the other hand, may be more easily editable, but can sometimes result in formatting issues. Be sure to review any specific requirements from the employer or job application platform when determining the best format for your resume.
Summary
In conclusion, crafting a standout resume in 2023 requires attention to detail, customization, and a focus on showcasing your unique skills, experience, and achievements. From creating an ATS-friendly resume to highlighting your work experience and education, these expert tips will help you design a resume that not only captures the attention of hiring managers, but also stands the test of time.
By following these expert resume tips, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream job and making a lasting impression on potential employers. Remember, a well-crafted resume is your ticket to success in the competitive job market, so take the time to polish and perfect your application, and watch your career soar.
Common Questions About Expert Resume Writing Tips
What are 3 common resume mistakes?
Avoiding typos, avoiding too much or too little detail, and not tailoring your resume to the job description are some of the most common mistakes you should avoid when writing a professional resume. These mistakes can be easily avoided by taking the time to proofread your resume, ensuring that all the information is relevant to the job you are applying for, and customizing your resume to the job description. By taking the time to make sure your resume is free of errors.
What is the 8 second resume rule?
Your resume has just eight seconds to make an impression. Capture the reader’s interest in that short time and they’ll invest more time reading further into your qualifications.
Pass the 8 second resume test and you’ve taken a big step toward success!
Where can I find resume examples?
Now you know the basics of writing an impactful, effective, APS-friendly resume, but maybe you'd like to see a few examples in full form. We get it! Here’s a link to our resume samples.
Need a bit more guidance?
We get it – working on your resume isn’t your idea of fun. But it is ours and we’d love to work with you! Our ResumeSpice team is the #1 rated resume writing service in the US. We’ve helped thousands of professionals – from early career job seekers to top-level executives – land their dream job. Our expert team of the best professional resume writers is here to provide resume writing help, career guidance, interview prep, and more. Check out all of our career services here. You can also call us at 832.930.7378 or connect with us online.
by ResumeSpice Team | Jul 3, 2023 | Job Application Tips, Job Search Tips, Resume Writing
One of the most common questions we receive here at ResumeSpice is, “Does format really matter?” It’s been well established that recruiters don’t spend a lot of time screening resumes. So it’s crucial to keep their attention and it begins with the correct format. We don’t want you to lose out on your dream job due to resume formatting, so we’re here to tell you one format you should never use.
(more…)
by ResumeSpice Team | Oct 31, 2022 | Resume Writing
Selecting the right resume writing service involves more than finding a company that can string together a few sentences and facts. The chosen service needs to effectively summarize your attributes, experience, and knowledge in a format that flows, while making you stand out from other applicants. The checklist of must-have features below will streamline the process and help you eliminate unqualified companies
#1: Experience Counts
The job market of today is the most competitive in decades, which means you need a professional resume writing service that has concrete experience across a broad range of industries. Rather than relying on a single person who has limited first-hand recruiting experience, look for a company that has in-depth recruiting experience and has worked with hiring managers and human resource personnel who make decisions on job seekers’ resumes every day. They will be more likely to put together a resume that effective captures the hiring manager’s attention.
#2: Consultations, Not Forms
Most resume writing companies incorporate initial forms that ask clients to input key information about their career goals. A company that excels will couple the form with extensive consultations. Choose a company that offers a choice of several consultations formats such as Skype, in-person, and phone to fit your style, personality, and schedule. This approach results in a customized resume that reflects what you have to offer and how you are the best choice for the job.
#3: Timely Delivery
Everyone's heard horror stories about someone finding a listing with the perfect job, only to find out later that an applicant was chosen within a few days of the job posting, before they even had a chance to apply. When it comes to nailing the job you want, timeliness is critical. Look for a professional resume writing service that can turn around a first draft of your resume in as little as two days
#4: Quality Shines Through
Working with a team at a resume writing service not only ensures that your resume gets the customization you deserve, it also enjoys scrutiny from people with different perspectives who each have something to offer. This team effort guarantees that at least two different people work on and review your resume so that it passes the applicant tracking systems utilized by most employers.
#5: Guaranteed
Some sort of guarantee is pretty standard for resume writing services. What you'll often find after you dig a little deeper though, is lots of fine print and exclusions. These are designed to protect the resume writer — not you. A resume writing service that is confident in its ability and that has proven itself within the industry, needs no such fine print. Instead, look for a company that offers a simple guarantee that results in actionable steps for you, such as a free rework of your resume if you don't receive a request for an interview within 60 days.
A resume is your introduction to a potential employer and, as such, should be trusted to a proven, professional resume writing service. Finding the right resume writing service that can deliver a powerful document that generates results, might just be the best investment you make this year.
Call ResumeSpice to learn how we can help you stand out in a crowded marketplace with a resume that gets the attention it deserves. As one of the country’s leading professional resume writing services, we can help you produce a winning resume. Contact us today to learn more at 832.930.7378.
by ResumeSpice Team | Oct 31, 2022 | Resume Writing
Is one of your career resolutions to find a new job? Then, as one of the leading career coaching services, ResumeSpice knows your resume is a critical tool in the process. But if you haven’t looked at your resume in a while, then it can be difficult to know where to start. To help you create a great resume so you can land your dream job, here are 5 tips to help:
Tip #1: Brainstorm about your background.
When you’re first starting out, don’t filter yourself. Instead, write down everything you can think of regarding your career, including past jobs, accomplishments, awards, new skills, certifications earned, continuing education, and any other relevant facts. You can edit all this information and tailor it later.
Tip #2: Concentrate on the wins.
For each position you’ve held, don’t just define your tasks and responsibilities. Hiring managers want to know more than you just “Ordered office supplies.” Instead focus on the positive impact your work had on the company, as well as any important accomplishments. For example, state that you “managed the office budget and office supply contracts, re-negotiating with vendors and saving 15% on supplies in the process.” Hiring managers want to see a track record of success backed up by facts and figures.
Tip #3: Look for help from other sources.
Writing a great resume isn’t easy. Instead, look for inspiration from other sources around the web to jumpstart your thought process. For instance, a site like LinkedIn could be helpful when you look for other professionals with a background similar to yours to see how they market themselves. That’s not to say you should be copying and pasting from the web; but it’s a great place to go as a guide.
Tip #4: Take a look at past evaluations.
You can also look at your past performance evaluations as another source of inspiration when you’re writing your resume. If you have copies of yours, look for your areas of strengths and positive comments from your past bosses. It will also help ensure you don’t overlook any important areas in your background.
Tip #5: Tailor your resume every time you apply.
Don’t send the same resume to every job you’re applying to. Instead, tailor and tweak it for each unique position. For one position, knowing a certain computer program could be critically important. If that’s the case – and you’re literate in that program – then tout that detail at the bottom of your resume in a “Skills” section. Remember, you’re trying to not only give hiring managers an overview of your background, but also stand out in a sea of other candidates.
Your resume is your ticket into the interview process. By following the tips above, you can ensure you create a great one that gets results.
If you’d like more help creating your resume, or finding job leads, reach out to ResumeSpice. As a leading career services company, we can assist you with the entire job search process – from writing a strong resume to preparing for interviews to ongoing career coaching.
by ResumeSpice Team | Aug 27, 2022 | Interviewing
Preparation is one of the basic tenets of searching for a job. If you show up underprepared, you’ll rarely leave a good impression. For that reason, we always recommend researching the company and job for which you’re interviewing. But can you over-prepare to the point where you hurt your chances of being hired? Put simply: yes.
As one of the leading interview prep, career coaching, and professional resume writing services, ResumeSpice knows that over-preparation can result in sounding like a robot instead of an authentic human being. You might also back yourself into a corner. If the interview doesn’t go according to the script you’re writing, you might freeze and, strangely, come off as unprepared.
When prepping for an interview, look to these four tips for guidance:
Prepare for Your Interview, but Don’t Memorize
If you’ve spent countless hours Googling interview questions, writing out answers, and practicing your responses like your interview is opening night on Broadway, you’re going to sound rehearsed and inauthentic. Instead, look up common questions and simply jot down a few bullet points you’d like to get across about each one. Yes, practice, but don’t memorize your answers. You should be able to deliver a great answer without sounding scripted.
Speak to Your Strong Points
Spend time thinking about your experience and background – and what unique strengths you bring to the table – so that you can honestly answer questions. Really think through the job and why you’re a great fit for it. Have relevant accomplishments in mind that you’re ready to talk about and which showcase your skills and abilities.
Remember P-I-E
Studies show that the highest rated interviewees are those who seem positive, interested, and engaged (P-I-E) in the conversation. While you want to be able to answer any question that comes your way, keep in mind that the interviewer is looking for more than just your ability to problem-solve on the spot.
Be Yourself
Sure, you might look great on paper. But if you appear nervous, jittery, or give canned answers, you’re not going to get hired. Employers want to hire people who have positive attitudes and are enthusiastic about the job. So don’t deliver stiff answers, even if you think they’re the “right” ones. Instead, let your personality shine through and show the hiring manager why you’re interested in the job.
Remember, there’s a big difference between being well-prepared and sounding rehearsed. You need to think about why you’re a great fit for the job and be ready to get specific with examples. But you don’t need to script exactly what you’re going to say ahead of time.
Do you need more help preparing for interviews? Call the team at ResumeSpice! Our team of career consultants and career coaches can help you prep for any interview situation. Contact us today to get started.
by ResumeSpice Team | Aug 15, 2022 | Job Search Tips, Negotiation Tips
As a leading resume writing and career services agency, ResumeSpice gets it – you’ve spent months writing and revising your resume, going on interviews, and repeating that cycle continually. So it’s tempting to want to say yes right away once you receive a job offer.
But before you answer, you should take some time to really think about the opportunity and the full compensation package.
Here’s what you should do when considering a job offer.
Show Your Gratitude
Even if you plan to accept the offer “as is,” your first step should be to express appreciation and excitement for the job offer, which will set a positive tone for conversations going forward.
Get It In Writing
Ask for the job offer in writing, which should include the job title, start date, and salary at the very least. This makes the offer official.
Sleep On It
Ask when they want a decision by. Most companies understand that you may need a day or two to think about the offer, but don’t wait too long. If they don’t give you a hard deadline, tell them you’ll have an answer within a few business days. If you’re planning to negotiate the offer, set up a phone or in-person meeting to talk through the details.
Say Yes! In Writing
The last step is to say yes! If you countered their offer, make sure you receive a revised offer in writing as well, to ensure everyone’s on the same page.
Are you ready to negotiate yourself into a new job opportunity or do you need help developing a great resume to get you the interview? Call the experts at ResumeSpice. As one of the leading career services agencies, we can assist you with crafting a strong resume, preparing for interviews, and/or career coaching.
Ready to get started? Call us today!
by ResumeSpice Team | Aug 11, 2022 | LinkedIn Tips
In today’s business world, most people are active on or have heard of LinkedIn. Unfortunately, not everyone has heard that there are some faux pas on LinkedIn that could hurt their reputation.
Since one of our core services is writing great LinkedIn profiles for professionals, ResumeSpice put together this list of several mistakes to avoid on your LinkedIn profile.
Not Using a Professional Photo
You don’t need to spend hundreds on a professional headshot. But your family’s vacation photo isn’t appropriate either. Choose a photo of just you and be sure to wear professional attire.
Using Quirky Job Titles or Descriptions
You can let your personality shine through on LinkedIn (to an extent), but you’ll still need to keep it professional. After all, you want people to take you seriously. Don’t call yourself a “Recruiting Superhero” or a “Marketing Alchemist.”
Misrepresenting Your Experience
Putting information that simply isn’t true can seriously hurt your credibility in a job search. And even if you’re not looking for a new position outside your company, keep in mind that the information you include in your profile can be seen by your boss and co-workers. Keep your profile honest.
Not Personalizing Your Connection Requests
If you want to connect with someone, personalize a message and remind them of how you know each other. You’ll make a better impression and increase your odds of a successful connection.
Asking for Recommendations from People You Don’t Know Well
It’s not a good idea to ask your 2nd and 3rd degree connections to refer you for a job opening or write a recommendation. Asking for a recommendation is equivalent to saying that they have direct experience with you and can vouch for your abilities.
Do you need help sharpening your LinkedIn profile so you get noticed by hiring managers or recruiters?
ResumeSpice can help. As one of the leading professional services agencies, we can assist you with writing a great LinkedIn profile, resume, cover letter, or help you with interview prep. Call us today: 832.930.7378
by ResumeSpice Team | Jul 5, 2022 | Resume Writing
If your resume is in need of a major overhaul, sometimes the hardest part is figuring out where to begin.
As a leading provider of career services, including resume and cover letter writing, interview prep, LinkedIn consulting, and career coaching, ResumeSpice knows how to turn your resume into every recruiter’s dream. Here are some tips that will get your resume in the spotlight.
1) Keep it relevant to the job you want
If you’ve spent the last five years as a marketing professional, but are seeking a sales position, it might be wise to showcase the relevant sales skills you have developed in your most recent position(s).
2) Leave out the objective statement
Resume best practices are constantly evolving and there was a time when including objective statements was standard. Today, with hiring managers overloaded by resumes, objective statements are seen as at best, unnecessary, and at worst, a way for resume screeners to weed out candidates whose stated objective doesn’t precisely match the position.
If you want a potential employer to know more about you and why you’re a great fit for the job, include a cover letter with your application.
3) Use reverse chronological order
Even though resume standards and practices do change, one thing that has remained constant is the order in which you should list your experience. You’ll want to begin with your most recent or current position and work backwards, which means the education section of your resume should be listed after your professional history. The only exception to this rule is for recent grads, who are better served listing their education first.
4) Keywords might be the key to unlocking an interview request
Because your resume will likely be filtered by an applicant tracking system at some point, it should contain the right keywords based on the job description. If you read the description and you’re still not sure which keywords to use, there are tools like TagCrowd that can help you decide which keywords are the most relevant.
5) Keep it simple
Focus on keeping your information organized and easy to skim over. Most recruiters are scanning your resume for specific skill sets and information, so don’t overshadow the content of your resume with wordiness, graphics, or irrelevant information.
6) Numbers are your friend
Use pieces of quantifiable information that highlight your accomplishments and track record of success. If you increase new business by 25% in the first quarter, put it on your resume. If your targeted marketing campaign generated 150,000 new leads, make sure that information makes it on to your resume.
If you aren’t currently tracking that kind of information, there’s no time like the present to begin doing so.
7) Fill in those gaps
It’s a tough time to be a job seeker. There are many people who have been unemployed for six months or longer. But just because you haven’t been employed by a company doesn’t mean you haven’t been keeping busy. If you have volunteer work or coursework you’ve been doing, list that on your resume, just above your previous position.
8) Proofread like your future depends on it
Your resume is only a snapshot of who you are as a person, but unfortunately it’s the only thing a recruiter is looking at to determine your qualifications. Stay credible with a thorough proofing (or two, or three) of your resume.
9) Keep it fresh
Every few months, take a minute to tweak and update your resume. It’s good to keep it up-to-date even if you aren’t actively job searching—you never know when you’ll need to present it for that promotion or volunteer opportunity.
10) Ask for help
Don’t be shy about asking a family member, friend, or trusted colleague to help with your resume. And if you’re seeking professional advice, don’t hesitate to contact one of the career consultants at ResumeSpice. Our team might be the resource you need to unlock your resume’s potential, contact us today.
by ResumeSpice Team | May 24, 2022 | Job Application Tips
As a leading career and coaching service and provider of resume writing, cover letter help, interview prep, and LinkedIn help, ResumeSpice understands what employers are looking for in job applications.
Imagine…you found a job you’d be a perfect match for, you made sure your resume was polished and updated, and you applied for the job. But your phone isn’t ringing and you’re starting to wonder if your application was lost in the ether – or if you accidentally typed your phone number incorrectly.
If you can relate, you’re in the same situation as a lot of other professionals looking for work. While you can’t make recruiters call you, there are a few things you can do to market yourself to potential employers.
Clean Up Your Social Media Act
We’re not just talking about LinkedIn. We’re talking about every social media profile you have. Facebook. Twitter. Snapchat. Instagram.
When employers receive your application, the first thing they do is look at your resume. If you have all the right skills, the next step many will take is conduct an online search.
Before an interview is even granted, you’re being evaluated solely by what information is available about you online. It’s okay to go out with friends and it’s completely normal to experience hardships. Just don’t overshare on social media. A harmless photo at a friend’s house party, may not be viewed as such by a potential employer without context. If you have any doubts about whether or not something would be off-putting to potential employers, play it safe and don’t post.
Keywords are the Key
You can get a major sense of what’s important to a company and to the role being advertised simply by looking at the job description.
Pick out keywords that seem to be important to the role and pepper your resume with them where they make sense. For example, if the role calls for someone with creative writing experience, you definitely want to use the words “creative writing” in your resume. Just be careful not overuse the keywords to the point of not sounding natural.
Follow Directions
I know that you love quick-apply features offered by LinkedIn and Indeed.com. They’re excellent. But a big “however” is about to follow.
If the job description includes information within it about how to apply, you need to follow directions if you want a response. Even though that quick apply feature is staring you in the face, you’ll want to apply by the method the employer instructs. For example, if a prospective employer requests that to be considered, you must submit an application to a specific email address, along with your resume, cover letter, and work samples, clicking “quick apply” and not following directions will not position your candidacy favorably.
Bringing it together
Maybe you want to change careers. Maybe you’ve been out of work for a while. Whatever your situation is, make sure you’re maximizing your potential to be noticed – in the right ways – by sticking to these simple, yet important suggestions.
Want to Get Noticed By Hiring Managers?
If you would like personal career coaching services, contact us at ResumeSpice. As a leading career services company, we can assist you with the entire job search process – from writing a strong resume to preparing for interviews to ongoing career coaching.
