How To Get Your Resume Noticed

In a corporate environment a company’s business plan is the most important document to help the company achieve their goals, it is their blueprint to success, likewise for job applicants a resume holds the same position of importance so taking the time to improve your resume whenever possible will be to your advantage.

The tips I outline in this post are to ensure your resume gets noticed favorably, if your resume is littered with resume mistakes then your resume will get noticed, but for all the wrong reasons unfortunately.

　

1) Personalize your resume for the role.

It is very important for job applicants to personalize their resume for the exact role they are applying for, this opportunity should not be missed.  While some job seekers may think it a time consuming task it is one that will bring a better chance of getting interviewed as opposed to sending out resumes with a “one size fits all” approach.  If you are applying for a job where sales experience is emphasized in the job description then you should tailor your resume accordingly focusing on your experience in sales.

Demonstrate achievements you reached such as ” top sales consultant 2 out of 3 years“, or “over-achieved on my sales target 3 out of my 4 years” and similar statements, that will catch the hiring manager’s eye.  Of course it is vital that you only include accurate statements in your resume.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2) Perfect the language and tone in your resume and cover letter.

Powerful action statements work well in resumes so rather than using bland statements in your resume have them littered with action verbs to catch the attention of the hiring manager.  If you are applying for a role as a team leader for example you could use a line like, “I addressed the issue of absenteeism by formulating a training program to ensure that staff members were appropriately trained to work with the new technology that was being introduced, since then  absenteeism has improved by 75%.” 

Be vivid in your descriptions, without using in-house jargon, and provide examples to back your statements up.

　

3) Keywords are king.

In modern times computers can sometimes be used to filter through appropriate resumes and inappropriate resumes, so ensure your resume is rich on keywords that are relevant to the job without going overboard with them. 

If keywords are used too often the computer may consider the resume to be spam rather than a genuine application.

　

4) Brevity is best.

Keep your resume to between 1 and 2 pages, you want your resume to catch the attention of the hiring manager so keep your resume brief and avoid gimmicky resumes, resumes on plain white paper with regular font will have a far better chance of being read.

　

5) Ensure your cover letter addresses the hiring manager by name.

Generic “to whom it concerns” applications don’t carry the same weight as a tailored cover letter such as “Dear Mr Jones” or “Dear Dave”, traditionally you would address the hiring manager by last name but it is becoming far more acceptable to address him by first name nowadays, the choice is yours. 

If you are unsure of who the hiring manager is then simply call the company and enquire as to who he/she is, if they ask you why you need this information, be honest and tell them that you are sending a resume in and out of courtesy would like to address him/her by his/her name.

　

Taking the time to do an overview of your resume before sending it to employers will be time well spent, one simple error in your resume may be enough for the hiring manager to ignore your application so keep the tips provided in this post in mind as you prepare your resume for each position, and don’t be surprised if your interview ratio begins to increase.

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

Filed under: cover letter • cover letters • Resume • Resumes

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