In the fast-paced world of recruitment, your resume has only a brief moment to make an impact. Some say that the average recruiter spends 1-2 minutes scanning a resume , therefore it’s crucial to make sure it’s informative and captivating. Enhancing your resume and ensuring it captures attention is time well spent.  In order to get past the ‘first glance’ of a recruiter or hiring manager here are five practical tips:

Location: Factors to Consider

Firstly, it’s important to think about location, yes the job might sound great but if you have to spend 3 hours commuting every day long term, how soon will that start to impact on your personal life?. Take a moment to carefully contemplate the logistics and travel you will be facing. Will your commute be smooth sailing, or will it be a battle against time and traffic? If you find yourself at a considerable distance from the job site but know you can make the commute or eventually you will relocate then it is a great idea to include a note about this in your cover letter. Also ensuring that you highlight your ability to travel easily.  It is crucial to anticipate any biases the reader may make associated with the location and let them know you have considered any potential distance-related challenges. Alternatively, you could opt to exclude your location from the resume initially but be prepared to respond to any questions that may come up at the interview.

Personal Overviews/Profiles: Reflect the Real You 

When you’re tackling the overview section of your resume, it’s important to find that sweet spot between being authentic and getting your message across clearly. Ditch those tired clichés and empty buzzwords that say nothing about your real work experience. Instead, choose words that genuinely reflect your unique journey and leave an impact. Try where possible to use the same terminology used in the job description as many recruiters use software to scan for keywords in resumes that match. Don’t be afraid to let your true self shine through by expressing your career goals and demonstrating your genuine passion for the path you want to pursue. By giving the resume reader a genuine glimpse into your work persona and goals, you’ll create an overview that stands out from the crowd and grabs their attention.

Skills: Making an Impact in Your Resume

Don’t overlook the importance of showcasing your skills. Take a moment to identify the key skills that align with your target job or more specifically the job you are applying for. Present them in a concise bullet point format, ideally on the first page of your resume. It’s important that you also include some statistical or relevant data that can show how you implemented those skills for successful outcomes. Focus on the most relevant skills that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Make sure you include any technical or computer-related experience, perhaps even create a special section for the technology that you have mastered. By highlighting your skills in your resume, you’ll create an easy-to-read checklist that will help recruiters quickly identify your capabilities and qualifications.

Employment History: Showcase Your Experience with purpose

In your employment history section, do more than just list roles; dive into the specifics. The idea is to help the recruiter gain a deeper understanding of your real working experience. Clearly outline key responsibilities and highlight achievements, making sure you are concise but have clarity in your descriptions. We suggest giving a brief overview of the company and an overview of your role; short sentences are enough. When it comes to the tasks you performed in the role, aim for 5-7 bullet points per relevant role, prioritising those that align closely with the job you’re applying for. Structure your duties lists with an easy-to-follow format, leading with the task itself and then describing it.. For older or less relevant positions, provide a summary so that the reader remains focused on the most recent roles. By using these techniques, you will not only lead the reader through your work history but also inspire confidence in your skills and expertise. Once again data and demonstrated outcomes will be key here. Consider using visuals and graphs if relevant to capture attention.

Achievements: Showcasing Your Success Stories

Always highlight your accomplishments. Even if you don’t think the achievement is necessarily relevant to the role you are applying for, recruiters and employers not only value technical skills but also your personal qualities and the part you played in achieving success. To make a strong impression, include achievements or projects at the beginning or end of each work experience entry. This demonstrates your ability to deliver concrete results and sets you apart from other applicants.

Whilst it can be time-consuming at first, it is a good idea to customise your resume for each job you apply to. However, one thing to remember is to maintain consistency between your resume and LinkedIn profile. Any inconsistencies can raise concerns for recruiters. Keep your information accurate and up to date

In conclusion, by implementing the resume tips shared in this blog, your resume will become a powerful tool, conveying your unique qualities, demonstrating your ability to contribute and making the reader want to pick up the phone immediately.

So, start  applying some of these suggestions to your resume.. Remember, your CV is your gateway to unlocking new career opportunities, and by following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to securing the job you desire. Best of luck in your resume-writing endeavours!

If you are considering looking for a new opportunity or hiring new talent, make contact with us at Recruitment Central we are here to help both candidate and client. 

www.recruitmentcentral.com.au