Did you know that around 250 candidates apply for every corporate job opening? Of that number, about four to six make the cut and get an interview. With odds like those, you need to ensure your resume is polished and professional. But how does it stack up compared with other job applicants? And what aspects of a resume do hiring managers need to see?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself to make sure you’re submitting a winning resume:
Is it tailored to each opening?
If you’re submitting the same resume to every opening you apply to, you’re doing it wrong. While you don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time, you do need to customize it for each opportunity. That means taking the time to read through the job description. Then, revising your resume to ensure the most relevant experience, skills and accomplishments are on it, front and center.
Am I focusing enough on achievements?
So many job candidates make the mistake of listing out all their daily tasks and responsibilities and calling it a day. But this is a boring read for a hiring manager and can pretty much guarantee you won’t stand out. If, instead, you list one or two big accomplishments most relevant to the job under each job title, you’re going a long way in getting noticed. Also, wherever you can, quantify your achievements with hard numbers.
Did I include a summary of qualifications?
Gone are the days of the resume objective. Instead, today’s hiring managers want to see a summary of qualifications listed on your resume. These should be a bullet list of the skills, abilities, and experiences that make you most qualified for the job. We recommend putting them in a “Core Competencies” section above your experience.
Am I taking up valuable real estate with irrelevant information?
For instance, if you’re stating that “references are available upon request” or you’re including hobbies that have nothing to do with the job you’re applying for, then you’re wasting space. Hiring managers only scan each resume for a few seconds. So make sure whatever you include on yours is important and relevant to the job.
Is my resume properly formatted?
This includes using a professional looking font. Skip the garish or bold ones. It also means making sure the font size is big enough and simple to read. Be sure to also include plenty of white space on your resume and to bullet out information so it’s easy to scan.
Remember, when it comes to your resume, less is more. You don’t need to include every detail and every past job you’ve had since high school. Rather, focus on making the case as to why you’re the best fit for the job. You can do that through customizing your resume, focusing on accomplishments, and ensuring it’s all easy to read.
Need professional help creating a solid resume that stands out from the competition and gets results? Contact the experts at ResumeSpice today at 832.930.7378. Not only do we know what aspects of a resume hiring managers need to see, but also how to polish yours so it shines.
