In many ways, a resume is the first step toward a future career, as it is usually the first thing a hiring manager sees. Unfortunately, most recruiting teams are inundated with applications in a way that they can only care to second-glance at the most captivating resumes of the lot. Therefore, in today’s day and age, it has become imperative to incorporate elements that can help your resume stand out. So, are you wondering how to elevate your resume so that you can kickstart your dream career? If yes, then let us assist you!
WHAT DO THE STATS SAY?
A recent survey illustrates that the resumes most likely to be noticed by recruiters share the following features –
• A clear, crisp, and straightforward resume that co-opts logical layouts
• An objective or summary at the top
• The use of lucid and legible fonts
Likewise, the same survey also established that the poorest-performing resumes that the following characteristics –
• Poor layout
• Keyword stuffing
• A cluttered-looking resume with little white space
Well, what do the following pointers signify? Well, the qualities that make a resume stand out or facilitate its failure are not precisely ‘rocket science that is so tough to master. On the contrary, if you put some research and thorough thinking into your resume, grabbing the recruiter’s attention becomes a lot easier. So, without further waiting, let us analyze the top fiveelements that will make your resume stay ahead of the curve.
TOP FIVE FEATURES THAT CAN HELP YOUR RESUME STAND OUT OF THE CROWD
1. Understand the Requirements of the Recruiter – Before you even begin writing your resume, it is imperative that you meticulously review the job posting and the company’s website. Then, you can carefully consider the path you want to take with your resume. Likewise, examine the company’s culture, and co-opt keywords and other significant phrases you want to include.
2. Customize Your Resume – A study by CareerBuilder reveals that 54 percent of hiring managers reject a resume because of a lack of customization. Therefore, it is pivotal that you avoid this mistake at all costs. One of the best and easiest ways to make your resume stand out to recruiters is by customizing it for the particular position you want. You have to remember that hiring managers write job descriptions with certain skill sets in mind, and no two job descriptions are alike. Therefore, scan through the job description, gauge specific traits and qualities needed for the vacancy, and mirror the language in your resume’s ‘experience’ and ‘skills’ sections.
3. Highlight Your Remote Working Skills –It goes without saying that remote work is all the rage right now, and its significance can only be expected to inflate in the near future. Companies and hiring managers are now on the hunt for people who are comfortable working from an online space or have experience in this domain. In addition, familiarity with remote-working tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, ZocDoc, etc., is prized in the contemporary professional sector. Therefore, do not forget to highlight your WFH experience, as it will provide your resume with the much-needed edge.
4. Declutter Your Resume – An unkempt resume will never make it to the final. Thus, a crisp design coupled with professional creativity is imperative for your resume to get into the race of being recruited. Some of the things you can consider while designing a modern resume are –
Font Style – Opt for professional fonts like Calibri, Georgia, and Times New Roman
Font Size – An appropriately sized font will ensure that your recruiter can conveniently read your resume. Size 12 font should suffice.
Template – Keep your template designs minimal and sophisticated. Ensure that the template’s visual elements do not distract the reader.
Color Choices – Go for an appealing yet professional color scheme with your design. Of course, the classic black-and-white combination, along with hints of blue or green, can never go wrong.
5. Do Not Skip the Summary and the Header – Including a header and a summary can ensure that recruiters notice your resume instantly. It is a simple yet invaluable tip that can either make or break the deal. When adding a header, ensure that your name is at the top of the resume, along with your city or state name, phone number, and email address. Below the header, pen down a crisp summary or objective. Take note that your summary should not be longer than three sentences. It should explain your career goals and what skills you can bring to the company.
So, there we have it, the top five features that can make your resume stand out from the crowd.
WRAPPING IT UP
A resume is the ultimate beacon of career guide, as it serves as an anchor that helps us tread into different job vacancies. Although hiring managers filter the job applications in as less as 24 seconds, by following the tips mentioned above, you can indeed ensure that your resume stands out!
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