Resume Improvement Tips That Help Catch the Attention of Hiring Managers
Most people will attest to the fact that looking for a new job can be an arduous and time-consuming process. In addition to the efforts invested in searching for job ads/postings, identifying positions of interest, researching those roles and their associated employers, and considering the feasibility of potential relocation, job seekers then need to prepare and submit their resumes and cover letters – and then wait for replies too.
Small wonder that the overall process can take a fair bit of time; just the steps relating to the resumes and cover letters can be laborious in its own right. Nevertheless, this is the only part of this process in which the job seeker communicates directly with the potential employer; it is also the point where that job seeker gets to make their first impression with a hiring manager. Therefore, preparing the resume/cover letter is the pivotal step in influencing whether anything further comes from all the time invested in the pre-work.
Under such circumstances, it becomes imperative that a resume not only receives its due attention from the candidate’s perspective, but that it also catches the attention of the hiring managers over those submitted by other individuals who also interested in these same jobs. Here then, are a few tips, in no particular order, to help job seekers modify, refine, and improve their resumes as a means of achieving that desired response/result from hiring managers:
- Remove statement/section describing career objectives
- Employers are well aware that the candidate is seeking that specific job
- Statement emphasizes what candidate wants, not what employer needs
- Use industry-relevant and job-relevant keywords
- Hiring managers often scan resumes electronically for such wording/terms
- Include specific terminology that was used in the job posting or description
- Be succinct
- Use descriptive statements instead of complete sentences or paragraphs
- Plenty of opportunity to expand on these points during the job interview
- Use action words
- Begin each descriptive statement with verbs that reflect a specific action
- Such words provide powerful images of accomplishments, responsibilities
- Highlight and quantify accomplishment and results
- Include a separate section that summarizes best/most marketable skills
- Draws hiring manager’s focus to what candidate will bring to the company
- Adapt length and format
- This is a summary of skills, abilities, and achievements, not a complete story
- Minimum length would be one page, maximum two (do not adjust font to fit)
- Proofread, proofread, then proofread again
- All content must be correct – spelling, grammar, tenses, dates, titles, names
- Ask a professional to review, proofread, edit, triple-check the entire resume
- Update often
- Every resume that goes out should contain the most recent/current information
- Every resume that goes out should be tailored to the specific job and employer
Although this might seem like an extensive and labour-intensive list of resume tips, it is important to keep in mind the fundamental significance of such a summary document in making a first impression with hiring managers. As seen with most of life’s endeavours, the level of success attained is directly proportional to the amount of time/effort invested in its planning.
An Employment Agency Can Offer Tips to Improve Your Resume and Job Search
While job seekers can certainly implement all resume improvement suggestions and tips on their own, there may be substantial benefit from coordinating such an effort with the resources of an established employment agency such as Winters Technical Staffing. The recruitment specialists from Winters Technical Staffing can offer the professional advice and guidance that job seekers may require to make their resumes ‘stand out’ to hiring managers, particularly in relation to:
- Length
- Content
- Accuracy
- Formatting
- Proofreading
- Tailoring/Targeting
Further to their support with resume development, placement consultants from Winters Technical Staffing can provide tips and suggestions in relation to the following aspects of the employment search process:
- Interview coaching
- Networking approaches
- Proper use of social media
- Training/accreditation needs
Indeed, an employment agency like Winters Technical Staffing can play a significant role in supporting the efforts of individuals who are seeking new job opportunities.
Contact Winters Today
Capitalize on the valuable resources of a proven employment agency to support your job search. Call the professionals at Winters Technical Staffing today at 1-866-932-5248 for tips on improving your resume and advice on your efforts to find new employment.
