Pro Tips From Experts: 5 Quick Fixes To Make Your Resume Stand Out

Resumes are a two-edged sword; On the one hand, you are holding the keys to better financial security, perhaps a more suitable work schedule… I wrote for you a few years ago.

Let me tell you, you’re not doing yourself a favor if your resume is more than 6 months old! Today’s resumes have a harder time getting to the employer. Updates and formatting to the current standard are a MUST!

Automated systems now scan your resume for relevant keywords, so if you were wondering why you haven’t received an interview call, now you know.

So let’s fix this right now.

1. One-page resumes are no more.

Sure, 20 years ago you could fit what you need on a sheet, but in today’s job market professionals are complex and recruiters know it. One page resumes will really hurt your interview opportunity.

Now, this doesn’t mean that you can now ramble off and create a war and peace novel out of your resume; Your resume should be laser-focused, something I’ll discuss in the next solution.

2. Resumes with damn laser beams on them.

A focused resume is necessary because long gone are the days of sending the same resume to 100 different jobs worked. Most companies use an ATS system that scans resumes for keywords. I’ll let that settle. Your ‘standard box fits all resume’ is being scrutinized by a machine in the first place. Now you see why you need to have your resume laser-focused? Whichever position you choose, your resume should be tailored to that position – that automated system is looking for exactly what the recruiter is looking for.

3. Market that email.

Use your email as an opportunity to make it memorable and I don’t mean [email protected]. Your email can work for you as it appears at the top of your resume (did I mention it HAS to be clickable?)

Consider receiving an email for your particular field.

My point here is to get an email to market your particular skills and show an employer how serious you are in your field.

4. Professional Experience.

Look at what the job you’re applying for is asking for in a candidate, then be sure to tailor your professional experience section to use those same keywords.

5. Target acquired.

Your resume should have a target job title. This will appear at the top of your resume and I highly recommend tailoring that job title objective to whatever job you are applying for. This will give automated resume scanners a great opportunity to choose your resume over others.

If there is a resume issue you would like me to write about, please let me know by contacting me on my website.