Resume Updates: Why Small Resume Changes Make a Big Difference
Update your resume for ATS
Nobody likes to be rejected when searching for a job, especially in a market where great jobs are hard to come by. But don't fret because there are some small tweaks you can make to your resume in order to be noticed by human resource managers.
As a recruiter, I see at least 100 cover letters and resumes a day. Many of those I receive are unacceptable in so many ways. Knowing how to stand out from the crowd is critical when it comes to getting noticed so you can score an interview. It’s statistically proven that you have less than 10 seconds to catch someone’s attention before they discard your resume, and that’s assuming that you even make it past the Applicant Tracking System that sorts and deletes submissions.
As a recruiter, I see at least 100 cover letters and resumes a day. Many of those I receive are unacceptable in so many ways. Knowing how to stand out from the crowd is critical when it comes to getting noticed so you can score an interview. It’s statistically proven that you have less than 10 seconds to catch someone’s attention before they discard your resume, and that’s assuming that you even make it past the Applicant Tracking System that sorts and deletes submissions.
Human resources isn't so “human” anymore
Your first and perhaps biggest obstacle to scoring an interview is getting humans to see your resume. Many job seekers are completely unaware that people don't sort resume submissions, computers do!
Job seekers need to place key words and phrases from the job description into their resume so the software recognizes you as a viable candidate. So, in other words, you will need to customize each resume submission for every single job you apply to. Yes, I know, it's a very big pain in the neck; but it's the world we live in today.
If you don’t do it, then someone else will. If you refuse, then you could become a statistic. There are countless articles online that speak of people sending hundreds of resumes out with no results. The job market is bad, but not that bad. If you have sent out 500 resumes and haven’t scored a job, then you are unaware of what you have working against you. It could be a shoddy resume, inappropriate posts on social media, the way you are dressing for interviews, or a combination of them all.
Job seekers need to place key words and phrases from the job description into their resume so the software recognizes you as a viable candidate. So, in other words, you will need to customize each resume submission for every single job you apply to. Yes, I know, it's a very big pain in the neck; but it's the world we live in today.
If you don’t do it, then someone else will. If you refuse, then you could become a statistic. There are countless articles online that speak of people sending hundreds of resumes out with no results. The job market is bad, but not that bad. If you have sent out 500 resumes and haven’t scored a job, then you are unaware of what you have working against you. It could be a shoddy resume, inappropriate posts on social media, the way you are dressing for interviews, or a combination of them all.
Here are some simple and easy things you can do to improve your resume immediately
Most candidates don't have any life-saving skills on their resume, so having them helps you. Adding CPR to your resume is easy and effective. Check local listings and see which organizations can certify you. Once you do that, just add it to your resume in the "special skills" section. Every little thing matters in a world where recruiters are splitting hairs when trying to decide who to call in for an interview.
In the end, if the job is between two candidates of equal experience, the one with all of the extra bells and whistles on the resume is likely going to get the job offer.
Also, volunteering shows you care about people, and hiring managers look for that. Here are just some ideas for volunteering in you local community:
Volunteering on a resume is "Value-Added" in the eyes of human resources.
Yet another very simple and easy remedy for your job submission woes would be to volunteer in your local community.
Most HR managers and recruiters will take it under consideration. Volunteering shows you care about people, and it says a lot about your character.
Some job seekers really only care about their own well-being, and that manifests itself in interviews because those people usually ask about what the company can do for them (salary, benefits, vacation, etc.).
Take the road less-traveled and show you want to help others first. Employers love that sort of "give back" attitude because those qualities foster a positive work environment, and people who volunteer often become leaders in their workplace.
Over the past 10 years, more and more companies have been investing in “workplace happiness” because it increases productivity and decreases employee turnover. In short, if you are positive and optimistic, it “sells.” As a recruiter, I could cite numerous occasions where less-qualified candidates beat more experienced job seekers because they have a “can-do” attitude. It goes a long way!
In the end, if the job is between two candidates of equal experience, the one with all of the extra bells and whistles on the resume is likely going to get the job offer.
Also, volunteering shows you care about people, and hiring managers look for that. Here are just some ideas for volunteering in you local community:
- Homeless shelter
- Reading to the blind
- Visiting hospitals
- Big brother/sister programs
- Helping war veterans
- Animal shelters
- Helping local schools
- Community centers
- Retirement homes
Volunteering on a resume is "Value-Added" in the eyes of human resources.
Yet another very simple and easy remedy for your job submission woes would be to volunteer in your local community.
Most HR managers and recruiters will take it under consideration. Volunteering shows you care about people, and it says a lot about your character.
Some job seekers really only care about their own well-being, and that manifests itself in interviews because those people usually ask about what the company can do for them (salary, benefits, vacation, etc.).
Take the road less-traveled and show you want to help others first. Employers love that sort of "give back" attitude because those qualities foster a positive work environment, and people who volunteer often become leaders in their workplace.
Over the past 10 years, more and more companies have been investing in “workplace happiness” because it increases productivity and decreases employee turnover. In short, if you are positive and optimistic, it “sells.” As a recruiter, I could cite numerous occasions where less-qualified candidates beat more experienced job seekers because they have a “can-do” attitude. It goes a long way!
The right resume format makes a difference
If you have a sloppy or outdated resume format, then your submission will likely be deleted. If you feel lost from all of the internet's conflicting information about what a resume should and shouldn't have, then you're not alone. But don't worry because there are resume templates that can help you get your work experienced organized.
"The Ultimate Resume Template & Job Search Kit" is one such product because it's written by a recruiter who understands how to make your submission effective.
Wow the HR department with a great looking resume and get some outstanding 32lb paper for your visit to the office. The HR team will undoubtedly ask you for a hard-copy of your resume, so have it printed on gorgeous paper to make yourself stand out.
"The Ultimate Resume Template & Job Search Kit" is one such product because it's written by a recruiter who understands how to make your submission effective.
Wow the HR department with a great looking resume and get some outstanding 32lb paper for your visit to the office. The HR team will undoubtedly ask you for a hard-copy of your resume, so have it printed on gorgeous paper to make yourself stand out.