Looking to get your resume seen by recruiters? You’ve come to the right place! Recruiters sometimes receive over 250 applications (according to Ideal.com) for just one job posting. When applying and submitting your resume to any job, you need to do your part and set yourself up for success. This will pay off in spades when recruiters review your resume and quickly flag it for consideration. Here are the top 5 things you should be doing to get your resume seen by a recruiter.
Include buzz words in your resume
When used correctly, buzz words like “overhauled”, “spearheaded”,”negotiated” (action words) coupled industry related words like “digital display”, “google analytics”, “SEO optimization”, “data analysis with PowerBi” can have a significant impact on your success in your resume getting seen. Steer clear of vague statements like “results oriented worker who develops outside of the box concepts…” Read over your summary and reflect on what it means. Be specific! Due to applicant tracking systems that many companies use, leveraging buzz words correctly in your resume can help you to stand out and rank higher within the applicant pool.
Correct formatting is key
An incorrectly formatted resume can be extrapolated by recruiters to be a sign of sloppiness. Not only that, but applicant tracking systems are built to pick up on formatting errors! Always ensure your name is front and center at the top of your resume, followed by your contact information and personal tagline. Your resume should then be broken up into a few different sections; relevant experience, awards and recognitions, educational history, and skills. Especially when adding your skills to your resume, be sure to look closely at what the specific job is looking for and add relevant skills to show you are a good fit for the role.
Short and sweet
If possible, keep your resume under one page. Anything over one page is superfluous and recruiters don’t have the time to sift through pages of your experience and skills. Choosing what to include on your resume can be tough, but keep it to what is relevant for the job you’re applying for. Remember, you can always speak to other experiences in your interview and your cover letter and add additional attachments inclusive of a long-form resume for additional information.
Avoid fluff
Since your resume needs to be limited to under a page, limit the fluff! Say what you need to say firmly and confidently to get your point across. On the same note, avoid cliche terms and beating around the bush. What is an example of this, you ask? “Lead multi-faceted large stakeholder teams to exponential success by thinking outside the box and navigating uncertain situations.” How large was your team? How did you beat / exceed success? What were the uncertain situations? If you aren’t sure…the point isn’t worthy.
Introduce yourself to the recruiter via email
Introducing yourself to the recruiter is always a great place to start. Remember that these recruiters are human beings just like you and I are. They need to recognize you as the right candidate, with the right personality, and the right overall presentation in a matter of seconds. As stated earlier, they receive hundreds of applications to sift through. Receiving an email from an actual person can help to put a name to a face. When reaching out, it’s good to share why you’re seeking a new job. Usually being honest is the best – for example, if you feel like you’ve outgrown your current role because you feel like you’ve learned all you can… say that! They should know where you’re coming from and how you’re feeling.