You’ve likely heard of the six second test when it comes to writing a professional resume. If not, it simply means you have an average of six seconds to impress a recruiter with your resume. If you don’t pass the six second test, it will get put to the side and never looked at again. Passing this test seems difficult on the surface to some executives, but when you break it down you’ll see it’s not as impossible as you think.
Incorporate White Space
The best executive resume writing service will tell you to incorporate just the right amount of white space to create the most effective resume. White space serves as a pause for the reader, and it makes your resume look less cluttered overall. Plus, it will make your most important accomplishments stand out since they are easier to identify on the document.
Use Keywords Early
Use keywords straight from the job description and list of qualifications early and often in your resume. If you’re lucky enough to get through the applicant tracking system with your resume, and into the hands of an actual human, they will scan the resume quickly for keywords. And if the recruiter can’t find any keywords within a couple of seconds, your chances of them continuing to read the resume drop significantly.
Numbers Stand Out
Numbers will stand out when writing a professional resume. A recruiter will identify numbers and read those sections first, since they usually provide information on how effective you were at previous jobs.
Demonstrate Leadership
One thing the best executive resume writing service will look for is whether your resume demonstrates leadership. Companies today don’t just want to fill an open position. They want to find a leader who is capable of growing the company and leading by example. When you demonstrate leadership qualities on your resume, you’ll impress the reader enough for them to consider you.
Have Social Media Links
By having social media links on your executive resume, you’re giving the recruiter easy access to more information about yourself. When the recruiter knows they can easily go to your LinkedIn page, they may set your resume at the top of the list of candidates to filter through.
Professional Resume Services has the answers to the question of, “How do I create the most effective executive resume?” The main secret is passing the six second test. When you do so, you’ll give yourself much greater odds of getting noticed. Feel free to reach out to us for a resume evaluation to help you determine whether your executive resume passes the six second test.
* By Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, BS/HR, a Certified Professional & Executive Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, Inc. She has achieved international recognition following nominations and wins of the prestigious T.O.R.I. (Toast of the Resume Industry) Award. Find Erin at http://exclusive-executive-resumes.com.