There IS a right way to write a resume that gets the interview, and here are 7 tips to help you make that happen.
Use Reverse Chronological Format
If you’re a job seeker with a gap in your employment history (or no employment history as a new graduate) then you may be tempted to submit a skills-based, functional resume. No matter how much you want to, don’t. Functional resumes drive hiring managers crazy because (among other things) it looks like you’re trying to hide something. Instead, use reverse chronological format and address work gaps and other things in your cover letter.
Write a Strong Header Statement
Tell the reader right at the top of your page what you are (in terms of a job role), what makes you special (in terms of special skills/achievements), and what you want (what position you’re going for). This is not a traditional and tired objective statement that says you want to increase your skills with a growing company. This is a marketing statement that gives the reader context and makes them want to keep reading.
(See more on how to write a strong objective header statement here.)
Eliminate Paragraphs and Add Bullet Points
Take a look at your resume right now. Does it have paragraphs to describe what you did in each job you’ve had? If so, take them out. Use bullet points to highlight what you did in each job in a clear, succinct way. Bullet points are easier to read, which means that the hiring manager can more easily take in your information. The white space around them makes your accomplishments stand out. Bullet points help your resume market you.
Describe Your Accomplishments with Quantification
When you list out your accomplishments in each job, take every opportunity to add numbers, dollars, and percentages to your description. Numbers speak to hiring managers. Put yourself in their shoes. If you were a hiring manager, who would you be more interested in? Someone who said, “Completed yearly accounting for company’s biggest clients,” or someone who said, “Completed yearly accounting for company’s top 10 clients worth $27M?” Numbers grab attention. (See How to Write a Resume That Pops!)
Use Key Words
Words matter. Certain words (key words) will help your resume get pulled in database searches. Find out what key words you should include by looking at job descriptions. If you’re switching careers, using the jargon of your new field will help you fit in. If you’re applying for a specific job, using the words they use to describe what they want will help you grab their attention.
Keep Your Resume Short
Unless you have a lot of publications, you’re a C-level executive, or you’re Superman, your resume should be no more than 2 pages. If you’ve been working for more than 20 years or had a complicated job, this can be hard to do. The good news is that smart editing will give you a much stronger resume than your competition.
Proofread, Proofread, and Proofread Again
Even if you’re a perfect fit for the job, your resume can get tossed out if it has typos. This may seem basic, but it’s critically important. Errors make it seem that you don’t pay attention to details. Running a spell check is not enough. After you write your resume, put it down for a while and then go over it again with fresh eyes. And then have other people look at it for you,
The Easiest Way to Write a Resume That Gets the Interview
There’s a whole lot that goes into writing a resume that gets the interview. To make it easier, I’ve created a step-by-step kit with a perfect resume template: the Extreme Resume Makeover Kit. Job seekers have gone from zero interviews to 4 interviews in a week with this kit. And, it comes with a personal review by me! Get your Resume writing kit today.