Introduction
Landing your dream job begins with crafting an irresistible resume. As a premier staffing provider for Fortune 100 companies, Managed Staffing has gleaned a wealth of experience in what makes a resume stand out to prospective employers. In this article, we’re going to share our insider knowledge on how to prepare a resume that shines, and we’ll also reveal crucial dos and don’ts you need to consider.
1. Customize Your Resume for Each Role
Contrary to what many job seekers believe, one-size-fits-all resumes aren’t the best approach. Customizing your resume for each position you’re applying to significantly increases your chances of landing an interview.
Firstly, read the job description meticulously. Identify the key skills, qualifications, and experiences the employer is seeking. Next, tailor your resume to highlight these points specifically. This shows the employer you’re not just applying randomly, but you’re genuinely interested and well-suited for the role.
Finally, use the employer’s language. If the job description mentions specific terminology or phrases, incorporate them into your resume. This is a simple yet effective way to show you’re aligned with the company’s expectations and culture.
2. Balance Between Brevity and Detail
A common resume conundrum is deciding how much information to include. You want to ensure you give a comprehensive overview of your skills and experiences, but you also don’t want to risk overwhelming the employer with too much information.
Start with a concise and compelling summary statement that showcases your key strengths and experiences. Make it easy for employers to see why you’d be a great fit for the role within the first few seconds of glancing at your resume.
When describing your past roles and responsibilities, focus on accomplishments and measurable results instead of a laundry list of duties. Use action verbs and quantifiable metrics to provide a clear picture of your capabilities and achievements.
However, keep in mind that brevity is essential. Aim for a resume length of one to two pages at most. Anything more can make it appear as though you can’t organize information effectively or don’t respect the hiring manager’s time.
3. Dos and Don’ts of Resume Preparation
When preparing your resume, there are some critical dos and don’ts to remember.
Do proofread your resume thoroughly. Spelling and grammar errors can suggest a lack of attention to detail, which can immediately put off employers. Don’t rely solely on spellcheck; consider asking someone else to review your resume as well.
Don’t include irrelevant information. Keep your resume focused on skills and experiences that are pertinent to the job you’re applying to. Including unnecessary details can distract from your key qualifications and strengths.
Do make your contact information easy to find and ensure it’s up-to-date. You don’t want a potential employer struggling to get in touch with you or reaching out to an old email address.
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills. While technical competencies are important, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are highly sought after by employers. Make sure to highlight these in your resume where appropriate.