12 Ways to Ensure That Your Resume Gets Read

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Resume Writing Ideas September 29, 2021

12 Ways To Ensure That Your Resume Gets Read

12 Ways to Ensure That Your Resume Gets Read

​The average corporate job opening attracts 250 resumes, according to the employment website Glassdoor. With that kind of volume, it’s little wonder that most resumes get looked at for seven (7) seconds or less.
 
If you think it's time to change your job, be sure to learn to increase the odds that a hiring manager will pay attention to your resume long enough to appreciate what you have to offer.
 
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make sure your resume gets read. Study these suggestions before you reply to another job listing.

Tips for Editing Your Resume

You can make your resume stand out from the crowd. Review it carefully before you start your job search and update it at least twice a year or after any major achievement.
 
Use these strategies: 

1. Use keywords. As you probably know, many companies use artificial intelligence (better known as Applicant Tracking Systems or ATS) to screen applicants. Clear the first hurdle by including keywords those robots are looking for. You can often figure that out by copying the language in the job advertisement.
   
   
2. Strengthen your summary.  Hiring managers are often pressed for time, so your summary may determine whether your resume lands in the reject pile or receives further consideration. Write a brief and compelling description of your background and what sets you apart from others.  Here are a few examples of professional summary on resume.
   
   
3. Quantify your accomplishments. Knowing how to quantify your accomplishments on your resume is an art in and of itself. Numbers make this process easier and the communication more persuasive. Create bullet points that communicate your achievements with percentages and other statistics. Quantifying your accomplishments doesn't always have to be about monetary values. For example, you can say that at any given time, you maintain 12 active accounts while you often work on reviving a total of 50 inactive accounts. 
   
   
4. Simplify formatting. A little structure can make your resume easier to scan but avoid going overboard. Stick to a professional font, adequate white space, and helpful headings. Please do not get overly creative. As an experienced recruiter, I can't begin to tell you how manipulative that may sometimes feel. 
   
   
5. Proofread, proofread, proofread. You may be so familiar with your resume that you overlook obvious typos. Ask a friend or family member to proofread for typos. Read it out loud to see how well it flows.
   
   
6. Deliver it directly. Now that you’ve polished your resume, guide it to someone who wants to see it. Use LinkedIn and other sources to find the name and position of an appropriate contact, if it’s not given in the job listing. If you do a little research, you are only expressing your interest. It gets noticed.

Tips for Making Sure Your Resume Gets Read

Keep in mind that your resume is just one ingredient in a successful job search. You need to maximize the rest of your strategy too.
 
Try these techniques: 

1. Assess your qualifications. Are you seeking positions that match your background and make sense in the context of your career path? You probably need to provide some explanation if you’re overqualified, underqualified, or trying to change fields.
   
   
2. Customize your cover letter. This is where you can address such concerns and make the case for hiring you. Research the company, so you can discuss their specific needs and how you can help.  Use a  resume and cover letter checklist to help you do that.
   
   
3. Add work samples. Give employers a preview of the impressive qualifications that won’t fit in your resume. Link your application to your website or your LinkedIn profile.
   
   
4. Obey instructions. Make a positive first impression by reading the application guidelines and following them. Show them that you’re considerate and easy to work with.
   
   
5. Follow up. Unless the ad says no calls, try to discuss the position further. Be prepared with substantive questions if someone has the time to speak with you. Be gracious and express your enthusiasm if they ask you to wait while they complete their process. You can find sample pitches for a resume follow up call and use them.
   
   
6. Leverage your network. One of the most effective ways to get an employer’s attention is to find a contact you have in common. Maybe you know someone willing to make a call or send a recommendation. In any case, it is always a good idea to revive a cold network and leverage it as a valuable resource.

Even if you're a star performer, you will need to know how to make your resume stand out. Learning about what employers want to see in a resume and making it easier for them to recognize your value will help you to land more interviews and job offers. 

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Mandy Fard

About the Author

Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.

Join Mandy Fard on LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyfard/
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