by ResumeSpice Consultant | Jan 13, 2023 | Candidates
Times are tough and the economy is uncertain. If you’re wondering if you should polish your resume, it certainly couldn’t hurt. If you do feel the need to launch a search for a new job in 2023, you’ll have your resume ready to go, so you can hit the ground running.
However, before you get to work on updating your resume, there are a few trends to be aware of…especially if it’s been a while since your last job search. Keep the following in mind so that when you apply, you impress hiring managers.
Trend #1: Demonstrate growth.
With a rocky road ahead in 2023, you want to be able to demonstrate how you’ve helped past employers to navigate difficult or uncertain situations. If you’re not sure what specifically to put on your resume, then review job postings from potential employers you’re interested in. They’ll make their needs and pain points clear, so you can address them on your resume with relevant examples of ways you’ve helped past employers in similar situations. Don’t forget to include an example in your cover letter, as well.
Trend #2: Highlight any tech experience – even if you don’t work in tech.
Companies are looking to automate and adopt new technology that makes processes faster, easier, and less costly. If you have experience in any technological areas, like AI or machine learning, or specialized industry-related software, highlight it on your resume.
Other areas to include that are in demand include data analysis, digital marketing, any programming languages – even a basic understanding – and search engine optimization. This will help you stand apart from candidates who don’t have this level of experience and make your resume more memorable to a hiring manager.
Trend #3: Connect the dots from accomplishments to impact.
Another important takeaway from 2023 resume trends is to go beyond simply quantifying your work to showing the impact it has made. For instance, if you renegotiated a contract that saved the company $100,000, where was the company able to invest those savings and grow as a result? Connect the dots between your accomplishments, the impact they made with the company, and why that was important.
Trend #4: Keep your resume simple and make it easy to understand.
Your resume is the highlight reel of your career. Keep it concise and simple, so it’s easy to read for hiring managers and see quickly why they should call you for an interview.
For instance, focus on the top four or five skills – and the impact they’ve made – on your resume at the top with a Summary of Qualifications. This will likely change from job to job since you should be customizing it with every application.
The same goes for bullet points under each position you’ve held. Focus only on the most important details and strongest skills. Don’t go overboard with 10-12 bullet points, just the top 3-5 that are more relevant.
Simplicity is also important when it comes to formatting. Unless you work in a creative field, don’t add graphics and fancy design elements to your resume.
Make the case clear as to why you’re a good fit and stick to basic fundamentals for resume formatting (think bold job titles, bullet point lists, and wide margins). Hiring managers want an easy-to-follow resume, so they can tell fast if you’re a good fit for the position.
Trend #5: Don’t forget about keywords.
Applicant Tracking Systems are here to stay, and companies large and small use them to scree resumes. So you’ll need to format your resume for these as well. The most important aspect is including keywords. Don’t stuff them all over your resume, but do sprinkle them sparingly.
Not sure what keywords to include? Look to the job posting for the most relevant ones for each unique position, so you can optimize your resume for the ATS and get it in front of a hiring manager. You can also use online tools to find out what keywords are best for specific positions.
Trend #6: Mistakes are still bad and could sabotage your search.
Even the savviest resume won’t get your foot in the door if it’s full of errors, like spelling and grammatical mistakes. Other common mistakes that are important to avoid when it comes to your resume include listing an unprofessional email address, including irrelevant personal information, like hobbies and interests, attaching a photo, and using industry jargon and vague, generic language.
Trend #7: Show some personality in your cover letter.
Your resume details your skills, accomplishments and what sets you apart in terms of abilities. However, your cover letter should show some personality.
Tell a story that highlights a key soft skill you have and how this can help you get the job done. Explain why you want to work for the company and how you can add value, whether you love public speaking or are amazingly organized and detail oriented. You’ll stand out to the hiring manager but showcasing both your technical strengths and the soft skills you can bring to the table.
Ready to launch a search with a sharp resume?
Get help from the resume writers at ResumeSpice. Whether you simply need some edits, or are starting from scratch, we’re here to help you strengthen your resume, so you can get the best results from it. Simply call 832.930.7378 or contact us online if you’re ready to find out more.
by ResumeSpice Consultant | Dec 23, 2022 | Candidates
Writing a resume can be challenging enough. However, if you have a mix of full-time and temporary jobs, or mostly temporary jobs, it can be tricky to know how to list them – or if you should include them at all. Here’s a look at the pros and cons, so you can create a resume that works for you.
When to List Temp Jobs & When to Avoid It
In most cases, you should list your temporary work. After all, you don’t want a hiring manager to think you have a big gap in your work history when really you were employed in temporary assignments.
The question is how to list it. For instance, do you list each job separately as its own position, or do you group them together under a “Temporary Jobs” subhead? The decision is up to you, however, it’s one area where a professional resume writer can make the best recommendation.
The only time when listing a temp job can hurt you is if it’s far outside your field. For instance, if you’re applying for a job in accounting, and you took a temp job at a seasonal restaurant to make ends meet, then don’t want highlight it on your resume – unless there’s something relevant to the position you’re applying to.
How to Put Temp Work on Your Resume
If you decide to include your temporary jobs on your resume, you need to approach it properly. Otherwise, your resume might look confusing and messy. Generally, you should list your jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position.
Next, be sure to state the employer’s name, your job title, and label it as temporary. If it lasted for two months and you don’t indicate it was temporary, you’ll look like a job hopper. Avoid this by calling out your jobs as temporary. Also, list your dates of employment, your duties, and highlight any achievements, just like you would with a full-time job.
Here's an example:
XYZ Corp.
Temporary Receptionist, August 2022-November 2022
- Greeted up to 80 clients and visitors and answered 60+ calls each day, connecting callers with the appropriate individual.
- Prepared weekly bank deposits averaging $72,000.
- Proactively responded to email inquiries from prospects within 24 hours.
- Managed travel arrangements for senior leadership team, consisting of six directors, on a regular basis.
Generally, if you’ve had a couple of positions like these, then you can list them each separately. However, if you worked with a staffing agency and your career basically consists of only temporary jobs, then take a different approach to the way you discuss them on your resume.
Instead of listing them individually, group jobs under the name of the staffing company. This will make it easier for hiring managers to scan and understand.
Here's an example:
ABC Staffing Company, 2018 – Present
Temporary Receptionist
Contracted with the staffing company to fill a range of administrative opportunities as a front-end receptionist in industries, such as accounting and finance, as well as marketing and legal. Performed a variety of diverse duties and tasks, ranging from making travel arrangements to answering phones, greeting guests, and managing office supplies.
- 123 Co. (March 2018 – November 2018): List tasks and accomplishments here.
- Smith Mfg. (December 2018 – June 2019): List tasks and accomplishments here.
- Jones Inc. (July 2019 – May 2020): List tasks and accomplishments here.
- Crane Co. (August 2021 – April 2022): List tasks and accomplishments here.
- Smith Mfg. (May 2022 – November 2022): List tasks and accomplishments here.
Whatever way you opt to list your temporary work experience, you want to impress the hiring manager. Besides providing a professional resume that is clear and easy-to-read, also:
Include outcomes.
Don’t simply list what you do in your temporary roles, but the objectives you helped the company achieve. The more you’re able to paint a picture, using specific examples of the value you added, the better your chances of getting a call for an interview.
Stick to the facts.
You don’t have say you’re a “driven performer” or a “hard-working collaborator.” Anyone can claim these generic statements and there’s no way to back them up. Instead, stick to the facts of what you’ve done and the results you’ve achieved. Hiring managers will take you more seriously, as a result.
Be relevant.
Don’t include unnecessary information, like hobbies or personal details. Instead, provide only information that is most relevant to the job. To do that, read through the job description as you’re writing your resume and ask yourself what skills, tasks, duties, and achievements are most important to highlight. This means you’ll be tailoring your resume for each employer, taking more time, but yielding better results.
Need help with temp jobs on your resume?
At ResumeSpice, we work with candidates with many different career backgrounds. Let us help you transform your experience into a clear and compelling resume that helps you land your dream job. Simply call 832.930.7378 or contact us online to get started.
by ResumeSpice Consultant | Dec 16, 2022 | Candidates
Work in marketing and looking for a new job? There are opportunities in a wide range of specialties, all requiring different skill sets and abilities.
However, they do have a few things in common, which you need to cover on your resume to land your dream job. Whether you’re a creative director, graphic designer, senior copywriter, account executive, or analytics expert, here’s a look at three of them:
Creativity.
Marketing is about promoting an idea or product, building relationships with customers, and looking for new ways to grow market share. This all requires creativity. So whatever type of position you’re looking for in marketing, it’s important to highlight your creative abilities.
This is key if your experience is in areas like photography, design, or writing. However, even if your background is more strategic or in sales or project management, you still need to demonstrate your capacity for creative thinking. This is what helps companies to inspire their sales people, explain and promote products and services, capture more attention from customers, and ultimately sharpen their creative edge.
Some examples of ways to cover your creativity on your marketing resume include:
- Developed content for company blog that increased readership by 30% over the course of 1 year.
- Developed social media posts that highlighted new company products with a 22% clickthrough rate.
- Designed infographics for a campaign that promoted a new company service, leading to a 10% increase in sales.
- Designed collateral materials for a tradeshow that led to the company securing its largest account in its history.
Strategic Thinking.
Another skill that is important to have in marketing it strategic thinking. It’s critical whether you’re designing a website or overseeing a major marketing campaign.
When you think strategically, you’re essentially defining an objective, identifying ways to achieve that objective, and creating recommendations for the best option to move forward with. Being a strategic thinker is the opposite of being an instinctual or spontaneous thinker. It means you ask questions, can identify what you want to achieve and the obstacles in the way, know your options for solutions, and can identify the most effective one.
Whether you’re communicating with consumers, vendors and partners, employees, or the general public, you need to think strategically to cut through the clutter and get noticed. Otherwise, you’re simply more noise.
So how do you highlight your strategic thinking skills on your resume? Here are some ways:
- Developed and launched a digital marketing strategy that delivered a 19% profitability gain.
- Created a content marketing plan and strategy that increased number of organic leads by 32%.
- Initiated a post-click marketing platform to improve on-page conversions by 12%.
- Generated 250 new sales leads for company with marketing strategy for national tradeshow.
Communication skills.
Marketing is all about communication, whether it’s written, verbal, or visual and whether you’re communicating in-house or to those outside the company. Strong communication skills are therefore vital to include on your resume, so you can demonstrate your ability to inform and inspire, whatever your marketing role is.
This goes beyond communicating in actual marketing materials, but also with your team and other players within the company. If you’re commonly tasked with giving presentations, for instance, to get buy-in from senior leaders, then your communication skills are essential. You’ll also need to be able to go back and guide your team based on feedback from company leadership to ensure everyone is on the same page and progressing in the right direction.
When it comes to discussing communication on your resume, some ways to focus on it include:
- Managed a team of 12 individuals to launch a new marketing initiative to promote a company product that increased sales by $2.1 million.
- Developed training materials for new company employees to onboard them effectively, leading to a 45% increase in retention after six months of employment.
- Improved close ratios for sales team by 27% with quality print and digital collateral, along with a landing page for customers and prospects to learn more.
- Routinely presented pitches to company leadership at the firm and also presented a marketing trends seminar at three industry association meetings.
When your resume highlights these three skills – creativity, strategic thinking, and communication – you’ll demonstrate to hiring managers that you have what it takes to perform the job.
Keep in mind, just as in marketing when you focus more on the benefits and less on the features, it’s important for you to focus more on your achievements and less on the tasks you performed. This means listing quantified outcomes wherever you can and providing specific examples of how your work benefitted the company.
Want Help With Your Marketing Resume?
If you’d like help writing a winning resume that lands you the job you want, ResumeSpice is ready to get to work. We’re professional resume writers who know what hiring managers want to see on resumes and can help you craft one that leads to the next step: an interview. Simply call 832.930.7378 or contact us online.
by ResumeSpice Consultant | Nov 18, 2022 | Candidates, Organization Tips
Being a hiring manager is no easy task. One poor decision and you can end up with a bad hire that impacts the whole company, from the morale to productivity and other key areas. It’s why you need to be so careful when you are reviewing resumes.
Yet, you also have to be efficient too. When you’re receiving hundreds of resumes for one position, you can’t spend 10 minutes carefully reading through each one. Instead, you need to scan them fast and get to the next one.
So how can you find the candidates you should interview, when you need to move quickly? Here are some tips to help you in the process.
Create a checklist.
Before you look at the first resume that winds up in your inbox, create a checklist of what you’re looking for. This includes essentials that a candidate must have, such as a college degree. This way, if a candidate doesn’t meet this key criteria, you can quickly eliminate them and move on to the next candidate.
Look for red flags.
There are certain red flags that are common on resumes and can help you discern whether a candidate is a potential hiring mistake. These can include:
- Large gaps in employment. A month or two isn’t a big deal. However, if a candidate has large, unexplainable gaps or even several smaller ones, you’ll want to approach them with caution. There could be a reasonable explanation, which they hopefully addressed in their cover letter. If they didn’t, though, it’s time to move onto another candidate.
- A lot of job hopping. Another red flag that you don’t want to miss involves too many jobs. If it’s clear that a candidate only stayed with a number of jobs for a short period of time, it’s an indication they have a hard time committing. Just make sure these weren’t temporary or contract roles before putting the candidate in the “no” pile.
- Typos and mistakes. One typo isn’t cause for cutting a candidate. However, if there are several, along with mistakes with grammar, the names of companies and other areas, this shows a lack of attention to detail. They will bring this weakness with them if they come to work for you.
- Too much information. When a candidate goes into detail about their family, their political or religious affiliation, or other unnecessary personal information, then you can cut them from the list.
- A stagnant career. If a candidate has a lot of good experience, except no upward trajectory, then it could be an indication they lack drive.
Check for specific information.
If a candidate uses words that are vague and generic – such as “familiar with” or “participated in” – or they don’t offer up specific examples of their career history and accomplishments, it could be a sign of poor past performance. Instead, look for resumes that are tailored around your unique position, as well as ones that highlight a candidate’s key strengths. The more relevant a resume is to your position, the more likely you should call that candidate for an interview.
Be wary of jargon and buzzwords.
The candidate who says they’re a “data-driven IT ninja” isn’t a serious one to consider. In general, avoid candidates with resumes filled with industry jargon and buzzwords. They’re often relying on them because they don’t have the skills, experience or track record to back up their claims.
Be flexible.
If a candidate offers a unique background, but doesn’t necessarily meet all the qualifications, you can still be flexible with how you approach decision making. Remember, you’re not hiring based on a resume, you want to get the full picture before you make a decision.
So, if a particular candidate doesn’t follow the traditional career path, but piques your interest, then conduct a phone screen or bring them in for an interview. You might find out they’re a great fit for reasons you didn’t even realize.
Reading through resumes can be a big task. However, when you follow these tips, you can find the resumes that are the start of something great.
Need help with your own resume?
If you’re thinking making a career switch to another company and want help, our team is here for you. We offer resume writing services, along with cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile writing, and so much more. We can even help you with interview prep and career counseling, all so you can polish your professional image, so you put your best foot forward. Simply call 832.930.7378 or contact us online to get started.
by ResumeSpice Consultant | Nov 11, 2022 | Candidates
Resume writing can get complicated, especially if you’re not sure which format to follow. This all depends on a number of factors.
For instance, are you a recent college graduate? Or do you have decades of experience? Also, have you worked in temporary roles in the past and are now looking for a permanent option? Or do you only have full-time positions to list?
The answer to these questions will impact which format is best for your job search. It’s important to know ahead of time because hiring managers only quickly scan resumes. If yours isn’t in the right format, it will get sidelined, fast.
To help ensure that doesn’t happen to you, and that you get a call for an interview, here are a few common types of resumes and the pros and cons of each format.
#1: Reverse Chronological Resume
The reverse chronological resume is the standard for most companies and hiring managers. This is where your list your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position.
After your work history, generally you’ll include education, and then any awards, accolades, and certifications, followed by miscellaneous information, such as volunteer roles or literacy with a certain computer program that’s important for the job.
This is the resume format used in a wide range of industries, from accounting and finance to healthcare and many others. If you have a solid work history and years of experience, then this resume format can help you highlight it.
The only con to this resume format is that it will show any gaps in employment. If you were out of the workforce for a period of time, you should discuss why in your cover letter so it doesn’t count against you. You can also point to any courses or volunteer opportunities you were involved with during that time away from the workforce.
#2: Online Resume
If you’re thinking an online resume is the best fit, one of the common places to post yours is in LinkedIn. This way, hiring managers can not only see your resume, but also learn more about you through your summary, recommendations and any additional information, like links to work samples, you can provide. This, in turn, can paint a vivid picture as to why you’re the best fit for a particular job opportunity.
Even if you submit a traditional resume in a Word document or as a PDF, having a LinkedIn URL is a great way to stand out. Again, you are able to provide more information than what will fit on your resume.
As a result, a hiring manager can find out specific details about your work accomplishments, read testimonials and recommendations from those you’ve worked with in the past, and review any posts you’ve published establishing you as a thought leader in the industry.
#3: Functional Resume
A functional resume leads with your skills and specific experience most relevant to the position. Next, you’d list your education and work history sections.\
This resume format is more flexible and allows you to showcase your strengths without being confusing due to many roles. It’s best used if you’ve had a lot of freelance, contract or temporary jobs in your past.
However, keep in mind that some hiring managers are wary of resumes in functional formats. Many candidates attempt to hide employment gaps using this approach. It’s best, instead, to be upfront about a gap rather than trying to draw attention away from it.
#4: Hybrid Resume
This resume is what it sounds like: a combination of both the reverse chronological and functional resume formats. The first part of it highlights your qualification and skills that are most pertinent to the position through a “Summary of Qualifications” section at the top.
The work history is then listed in the reverse chronological order. This gives the hiring manager a clear view of your background and your strengths, while also taking advantage of highlighting your most relevant skills right at the top.
Hybrid resumes can work well for anyone with experience. If you’re a recent graduate or entry-level worker, for instance, you might want to stick to a more traditional reverse chronological resume. However, if you have a proven track record of success you’d like to highlight, a hybrid resume gives you the opportunity to do that.
Need more help writing your resume?
ResumeSpice has a team of professional resume writers who know what hiring managers want to see on resumes. We can crafts yours from scratch or polish an existing one, ensuring it’s in the best-fit format and communicates why you’re a strong contender for the role. Ready to get started? Simply call 832.930.7378 or contact us online.
by ResumeSpice Consultant | Oct 28, 2022 | Candidates
In today’s day and age, having a digital portfolio is a must for certain positions. It can help you distinguish yourself from other candidates, showcase your track record of successful accomplishments, and land the job. If, however, you’re not familiar with this kind of portfolio, or what types of jobs it’s best suited for, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is a Digital Portfolio?
A digital portfolio is simply a sampling of your best work available in digital format. With this collection, it’s easy for hiring managers to click a link and see actual examples of past projects you’ve completed. This gives them visual evidence that you have what it takes to do the job and thrive at their company.
You don’t want to include all your work in your portfolio, just the most compelling pieces from your work history, or those that are most relevant to your current job search. If you already have a digital portfolio but haven’t updated it recently, then now’s the time to delete old work and add fresh samples so you can make the best impression possible on hiring managers.
Who Uses a Digital Portfolio?
Digital portfolios aren’t expected for every job. Rather, they’re best used in fields, like marketing, PR, web design, photography, videography, and web engineering. They can also be a great way to capture the attention of the hiring manager in fields like journalism and photo journalism, as well as more technical jobs like for architects and developers.
What’s In a Digital Portfolio?
It depends on the field you’re in. It can include anything from samples of your writing work to photographs, drawings, specs, illustrations, videos, blueprints, animation, and even spreadsheets. Whatever you choose to include, just make sure it’s the best way to showcase your professional abilities and creativity.
Beyond actual samples of your work, your portfolio should also include:
- Professional summary. This is essentially a few sentences that introduce the portfolio and explain who you are and what you do. If you have any specialized skills or unique expertise, you can list it here. Alternately, you can create an “About Me” section if you’d prefer to write something longer.
- Relevant skills. List the skills you have that are most relevant to your job search and that are important to highlight.
- Whether it’s a project completed or an award or recognition you earned, listing it on your portfolio will further set you apart.
- Be sure to include your actual resume or a link to download a PDF of it, so employers and recruiters can easily access it.
- Contact information. Include your name, phone and email.
Why Is It Good to Have a Digital Portfolio?
Having a digital portfolio can help set you apart from other candidates. Despite the worker shortage, employers still want the best-fit talent for their openings. If other candidates don’t send in a digital portfolio, or their portfolios are weak or messy, then you’ll go a long way in persuading the hiring manager you’re the best fit for the role.
Where Should It Be Linked to On a Resume?
When it comes to your digital portfolio, it’s important to link to it in the right way. If you include a long URL web address, for instance, your resume will look sloppy. Instead, create a text hyperlink in your resume that connects the hiring manager to your portfolio. This looks cleaner and more professional.
When you take this approach, you can even personalize the link to something such as: “Mike Smith’s Portfolio” or “Samples of Emma Jacob’s Work.” This way, it’s clear what you’re linking to and it’s also more inviting for a hiring manager to click on.
As for where to list this hyperlink, you can place it right in your header where your name and contact information are listed. This way, it’s front and center and difficult for the hiring manager to miss. You can also opt to place it below or beside your header. Just make sure it stands out and doesn’t get lost in your resume text.
Before you send along your resume with a digital portfolio link to a hiring manager, send it to a friend or family member. Make sure they can click on the link and that it takes them to your portfolio. If there’s a problem, you can troubleshoot it before sending it to employers.
Need More Help Standing Apart In Your Job Search?
Turn to ResumeSpice for our resume writing service. We’re professionals in the field and know how to make the case that you’re a great fit for the job through a customized resume, cover letter, professional bio and more. You’ll put your best foot forward with help from our team. Simply call 832.930.7378 or contact us online to get started.
by ResumeSpice Consultant | Oct 21, 2022 | Candidates
You could be the best-fit candidate for the job. However, if your resume isn’t solid, then getting a call for an interview is a long shot. The good news? There are a few common resume mistakes job seekers make and some simple ways to avoid them.
Here’s a look at three common resume mistakes:
Mistake #1: Sending in a generic resume.
When it comes to your resume, cookie-cutter doesn’t cut it. If you go online and copy and paste a generic resume, simply changing out your details, hiring managers will notice. They want to know why you stand apart from other candidates and what specific skills and abilities will help you perform well and meet expectations. These are going to be unique to you.
If you send in a generic resume without these details, then it’s not going to make a favorable impression. Instead, those candidates with customized resumes will get the call for the interview.
What to do: Avoiding this mistake is simple. Use online resumes as idea generators and inspiration. However, when it comes time to put pen to paper, write a customized resume.
This involves reviewing the job description and identifying where your background is most relevant for the position and the employer. Then offer specific examples as to why you’re a good fit and can hit the ground running in your resume and on cover letter. Make sure you’re also using keywords from the job listing to best tailor your resume for both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring managers.
Mistake #2: Oversharing.
Honesty is the best policy when it comes to a job search. Yet, that doesn’t mean you should overshare. Hiring managers don’t need to know about the job you had in high school at the mall. Nor do they need to know about your personal interests and hobbies. Skip these details on your resume. If you do include them, you’ll not only come off as unprofessional, but take up valuable space with irrelevant information.
What to do: In the era of social media and oversharing, the lines can get blurred between what’s personal and what’s professional. Keep in mind, though, that hiring managers don’t want to know about your personal life and hobbies. They simply want to know what you can do for them if they hire you.
The only time there’s an exception is if a hobby or personal accomplishment is relevant to the job or company. For instance, if you’re applying for a job at fitness equipment manufacturer and you’re an avid athlete and use their brand, then this information might be useful to touch on in your resume and your cover letter.
In any other case, though, leave out personal information and stick to focusing on your professionals abilities and accolades. This means avoiding religion, politics, financial status, side hustles or gig jobs you have (unless relevant to the job or employer), or if you’re married or have kids. None of this is pertinent to the employer or the job.
Mistake #3: Poorly formatted resume.
Writing a resume can be tricky when you have limited space and a lot of information to include. Yet, for every job opening, hiring managers receive dozens or even hundreds of resumes. There isn’t enough time in their day to read them all word for word. It’s why a concise resume with proper, clear formatting is key. If yours isn’t easy to scan through because it’s too long or overly verbose, it might not get read at all.
What to do: Once you’ve written your resume, read through it and try to edit out any words or paragraphs that are too lengthy. Be as concise as possible with your language.
Also make sure your resume is formatted properly. This includes with boldface fonts for your job titles or employer names, along with bullet points. Format it so the font size is at least 10 or ideally 12 points and there are wide margins. This will make it easier for the hiring manager to read through quickly.
Another key step? At the top of your resume, include a professional summary or summary of qualifications. This should be 3-5 skills or accomplishments that are most important for a particular position. The hiring manager will review these first and if you make your case well, you should get a call for interview. It can change each time you apply for a job, so you’re tailoring the details to a particular employer’s needs.
Your resume is your ticket into the job interview process and a key part of getting hired. If any of these mistakes sound familiar on your resume, fix them now to can increase your odds of getting an interview – and hopefully the job.
Need more help writing your resume?
ResumeSpice offers a team of professional resume writers who know what employers want to see on a resume. We can help polish yours, or write it from scratch. Whatever kind of help you need, you’ll get a resume that’s more compelling and gives you a leading edge over other candidates. Simply call 832.930.7378 or contact us online to get started.
by The ResumeSpice Team | Aug 19, 2022 | Candidates
Writing your resume can be a challenge for a range of reasons – one involves length. If you’ve only been on the job for a short period, this might not be a big deal.
However, if you have years of experience, how are you supposed to boil all that down to a one-page resume? You can’t use a seven point font, unless you want your resume to land in the trash. Instead, follow these tips to trim your resume and still make a positive impact:
Shorten the Text Wherever You Can
Now’s the time to go through your resume with a fine-tooth comb and remove any extra words, phrases, or sentences. Read through every bullet under your “Work History” section and all the other sections to ensure there isn’t any extraneous text.
If you have any bullet points that are three lines, aim to cut them down to two. If you have one word alone on a line, then do whatever you can to cut or edit the sentence and get rid of the dangling word.
Combine Bullets & Sections
If you’ve removed every word possible and still have a resume that’s too long, your next step should be to combine content. For instance, if you have two bullet points under one of your job titles that are similar, look for a way to combine them.
If you have multiple sections for miscellaneous information, like “Industry Credentials” and “Honors and Awards,” combine them into one section, such as “Additional Information.” This will remove one large subhead, freeing up more space on your resume.
Combine Lines
If you’re stacking all the information on your resume, like job title, employer name, location, and dates of employment, this takes up four lines. Instead, combine them to one or two lines, depending on the length. For instance:
Marketing Manager, ABC Communications, Houston, TX – July 2018- Present
Other areas where you can get rid of stacked text include under your “Education” section. See if there’s a way to get your college name, degree and dates earned onto one line, such as:
Augusta University, Bachelor of Science in Business, Graduated: May 2015
This way, you’re not using up multiple lines. Another area to check is your contact information at the top of your resume, like phone, email, and any other details you list. Make sure they’re not all on separate lines and instead combine them into one line that is below and across your name.
Narrow the Margins
When you’re trying to get your resume down to one page and you’re almost there, the next place to look is at your margins. Keep in mind, white space is key and important to the look and feel of your resume. You don’t want to send in a resume with a tiny font point size and even tinier margins.
However, you can play with your margins a little and narrow them down to see if this helps you remove the final few lines that are running to the next page. If, for instance, you have one-inch margins all the way around your resume, see what happens when you trim them down to .75 or even .5 inch margins. Whatever you do, make sure it still looks reader-friendly.
Adjust the Line Spacing & Font Size
If you’re still in need of a little bit of space, this should be your final step. If you have your line spacing set to the default, then it might be too much. You can adjust it so it’s a little tighter. That said, don’t make the line spacing so tight that it becomes hard to read your resume.
Also, if your font size is set at 12 for all the text, adjust it to 11 to see if it works to shrink your resume. Just make sure you don’t go any smaller than 10 and keep your section headers and your name larger, such as 14.
If you’ve done all of the above and your resume now fits, congratulations! Make sure you proofread it and also ask a trusted friend or family member to proofread it as well. The last thing you want is a typo to sabotage all your hard work.
If, however, it’s still not fitting – and not even close – then it might be time for a re-write. Take a look at the job listing and read through your resume. Is everything there truly relevant to the role? If not, remove it. Also, keep in mind, you can discuss certain skills or accomplishments in your cover letter in greater detail and then just list a short bullet point on your resume.
Need More Help Writing the Right-Length Resume?
Turn to the pros at ResumeSpice. We’re experts when it comes to writing resumes and knowing what hiring managers want to see. We can help you trim yours down or start from scratch, so you put your best foot forward. Ready for help? Simply call 832.930.7378 or contact us online to get started.
by The ResumeSpice Team | Jul 27, 2022 | Candidates
After an interview, you can’t sit back and breathe easy. There’s still more work to do. Once the interview is over, it’s time to write a post-interview thank you note – and increase your odds of getting the job or at least another interview.
In fact, consider these statistics from a recent CareerBuilder study:
- 22% of employers say they’re less likely to hire a candidate who doesn’t send a thank you note
- 56% said not sending a thank you note showed the candidate was not serious about the position
- And 86% of hiring managers said not sending a thank you note demonstrated a lack of follow-through
If that’s not enough, there’s yet another reason to write a note. It can be a deciding factor for the hiring manager. If you’re neck-in-neck with another candidate and they write a great thank you letter, guess who will likely get the offer? It’s not worth risking job offer rejection.
Not sure where to begin? Here’s a template to follow and examples to inspire you.
Thank you letter email template:
Dear [Name of Hiring Manager],
Thank you so much for meeting with me today. It was a pleasure speaking with you and I am truly excited about the possibility of working for [Company Name].
I’d love to be a part of your team and help you to [increase sales, retain more customers, create new products, or expand service offerings]. My [skill, such as customer service, graphic design, leadership, etc.] experience and [another skill] expertise would help me to thrive in this position while making valuable contributions.
I look forward to hearing about next steps from you. If you need additional information, please reach out.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample thank you email letter #1:
Dear Jennifer,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for meeting with me today. After discussing the accounting manager position, I’m excited about the chance to work for such a dynamic company. My experience as a CPA and specifically in business tax planning will help to ensure ABC Company can reduce exposure and minimize liabilities, as I’ve done with my current employer.
I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps. If, in the meantime, you have any further questions, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Mike Smith
Sample thank you email letter #2:
Dear Mr. Frey,
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the administrative assistant position. Our conversation gave me more insight into the job and I believe I’m an excellent fit for it, as a result, especially with 10 years of experience and strong interpersonal skills. I’m also already proficient in the software you use, as we discussed, and can hit the ground running with your team faster.
Please let me know about next steps when you get the chance. If you have additional questions in the meantime, call or email me. Again, thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.
All the best,
Lisa Morgan
Sample thank you email letter #3:
Hello Ms. Michaels,
I wanted to thank you for inviting me in today. It was great to hear more about the position and your company. It seems like an amazing place to work, one I’d feel lucky to be a part of. You mentioned so many unique aspects to your business – it’s all so impressive!
Anyway, please let me know if any other questions came up or if you need additional information. In the meantime, I look forward to hearing from you.
Have a great day,
Carrie Ross
Sample thank you email letter #4:
Dear Ben,
It was great meeting with today. Thank you for explaining more about the company and role. It’s such an incredible opportunity.
I’m very interested in the job and believe my experience as a project manager will be valuable to your company. You mentioned that you’re in the process of building a new product to increase customer retention. I already have a few ideas I’d love to discuss. For instance, [include idea here].
Please contact me if you have any additional questions. I’m also including a link to my LinkedIn profile, where you can view additional information about my background. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Sam Smith
Need more help writing your thank you note?
At ResumeSpice, we can help you craft a well-written thank you letter that will give you a leg up over other candidates, so you get the job you want. Our service includes a phone consultation, a personalized draft within two business days, and one round of revisions, followed by your final letter.
Ready to get started? Simply reach out at 832.930.7378 or contact us online.
by The ResumeSpice Team | Jul 13, 2022 | Candidates
Whether you’re just entering the workforce or are a seasoned professional, writing a resume can be a challenge. It’s difficult to know what’s important to hiring managers and which areas in your background to focus on and promote.
However, since hiring managers only spend a few seconds screening each resume, yours needs to stand out – quickly. One way to do that is with the skills you include. These can differentiate you from other candidates, so you get a call for an interview. It can also impact the offer you get, including salary and benefits. With so much on the line, where do you even begin, though?
Here’s a look at what to include on your resume, so you get the results you want.
Hard Skills
Hiring managers will be scanning your resume for the right technical abilities. This means if you work in accounting, experience such as with accounting principles and knowledge of software like MS Excel are important. For working in marketing, experience with content management systems and data analytics are key. For graphic design, listing your Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) certification is important.
If you’re struggling with which hard skills to include on your resume, look back to the job listing. What are the qualifications and requirements included there? These are the areas you should be focusing on when showcasing your skill set. Make sure you also list any degrees or credentials that are relevant to the job.
When you’re looking at the job listing, another important step is to identify pertinent keywords. Since most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to sort and screen resumes first, a resume optimized with keywords is more likely to get into the hands of a hiring manager.
Soft Skills
Besides hard skills, hiring managers want to know about your soft skills and if you’ll be a fit for the role and the company culture. These reflect your personality and other personal attributes, like your ability to collaborate, cope with stress, and communicate clearly.
These can be harder to promote since they’re not easy to measure. However, look once again to the job listing for an idea of what soft skills are most important to the employer.
When you’re writing your resume, don’t just say you’re a “team player,” which is vague and generic. Instead, give specific examples of accomplishments or results you achieved through collaborating with others.
Keep in mind, soft skills can often be a deciding factor for a position. In many cases, two candidates have equally strong backgrounds when it comes to technical abilities, so an employer will use the soft skills to tip the scales one way or the other.
Examples
Whether you’re writing about soft skills or hard skills, don’t simply state the ones you have. Offer an example of what you achieved. This is the best way for you to stand out with your resume.
For instance, rather than saying you have experience in “project management,” say you “led a team of 10 to successfully complete multiple mission-critical projects, on time and on budget.”
If you want to promote your communication skills, don’t simply state that you have “strong written and verbal communication skills.” Instead, discuss how you “wrote and published weekly company emails, reaching an audience of 2,500 clients and increasing traffic to the corporate website by 18%.”
If leadership skills are important to the job, don’t just say you were on a company board. Instead, state that you: “Chaired a company volunteer board that organized the annual corporate fundraising event, raising 12% more than the previous year.”
What Not To Include:
Now that you know what to include on your resume in terms of skills, what should you avoid? Here’s a look.
- Don’t ever lie or exaggerate your skills. During the reference checking process, the hiring manager might discover the truth. Even if you do get the job and can’t perform, you’ll be miserable and your boss will be unimpressed. It’s best to be honest about your skills and abilities, even if it means you don’t get the job. False claims aren’t worth it.
- Too much information. Since hiring managers only scan resumes for a few seconds each, it’s important to avoid dense paragraphs and lengthy text. Instead, make sure your resume is written in a clear and concise way without flowery language, like “outside the box” or “taking a deeper dive.”
- Mistakes and typos. When you’re done writing your resume, give it to someone you trust to proofread it. You might be missing a glaring error, simply because you’ve been looking at it for too long. A fresh eye can quickly spot with formatting, grammar, typos and inconsistencies.
Need help writing your resume?
It’s easy with the professional resume writers at ResumeSpice. We can craft an honest, authentic and impactful resume that helps you stand apart from other candidates. You’ll get more calls for interviews and find the job you want sooner. Simply call 832.930.7378 or contact us online to get started.
