For a job hunter, the resume serves as his key to getting hired. It is, therefore, unfortunate that many seem to ignore the importance of this tool. It is surprising indeed that even among professionals looking for 6-figure incomes, they are no better than the new job-hunters when it comes to writing resumes. Little do they realize that the resume could cost them a shot at a good job.
Here are some useful tips on how you can make your resume deserve considering by HR personnel:
Be critical of
your spelling.
Although the automatic spell-checkers in your computer may help, do not rely on it completely. For example, they usually not able to correct proper names of people and places, and of foreign or technical terms. What would the employer think of an applicant who misspells his own name?
Their grammatical corrections are not dependable, too. They cannot discern nuances in the voice or mood and often suggest inappropriate alternatives. Be aware of their automatic alterations which you may not catch in time. Read and re-read your resume before sending it to employers.
Update your resume regularly.
- Pay special attention to your contact numbers. Do not expect to receive any reply to a number you do not use anymore.
- Do not mislead your reader of your age. It may be an innocent over-look on your part but the employer may think it is deliberate, especially if age is a vital factor for the available vacancy.
- Attach your latest profile photo. The one taken when you graduated may make you lose the opportunity if they are looking for a more matured, professional-looking person for the position. Project a pleasant image by smiling in your photo. A sour-looking picture may not take you far.
- Update your work experience. Do not include those that are not relevant to the position you are presently applying for so as not to clutter your resume unnecessarily. You can mention your other work experiences during the actual interview if the employers deem them necessary.
- Update your educational attainment. Mention the seminars and training you took recently that have something to do with the position available. For example, your cooking certificate will not add to your assets for an IT job.
- Update the list of your referrals. Delete those who have migrated or passed away. Add the names of those whom you met recently who can provide you with impressive testimonials and references.
Advertise yourself.
See to it that the reader will immediately know who you are and what can you contribute to the company. You can do this by including your title description after your name in the title. For instance, when applying as a Sales Manager, you may write:”Marketing Manager with Online Marketing Experience”, instead of the generic title “Marketing Manager”.
Define your objective clearly.
Right below the title of your resume, state your aim in sending your resume. Many often use the vague objective of: “To work in your company in a position that will fit my skill and experiences”, or “To contribute to the success of your company with my skill and experience”, or, “To seek a better compensation commensurate to my skill and experience”, etc.
If you are not clear of your objective, do not expect the company to look for a special slot to fit you in. It just gives them the impression that you lack the focus to do the job you are applying for.
Review the job advertisement.
Read and re-read the job posting before sending your application letter. Often, applicants send resume supposedly based on the job advertisement posted. However, the job and educational experiences they mention have no relevance to the position advertised. If the company is considerate or kind enough, it may reply that your letter would just be kept for their later reference — which is, NEVER. Others may simply file your irrelevant letter to the dustbin.
Maximize the benefit of a covering letter.
Every resume should be attached to a professional-looking covering letter. This is a very vital part of any application letter. It can make or break your chances of being considered to undergo further the hiring process and capture the employer’s interest for possible acceptance to the company.
The covering letter is the chance to sell yourself and explain the relevance of your experiences to the position you are applying for. The resume is just a mechanical detailed enumeration of your skills and experiences minus the necessary explanations that will help for thorough assessment of your qualifications.
With the present global economic situation, job-hunting on any level has become more competitive. Make sure your resume stands out among the rest. Following the above tips will help you make your resume, not just a dull, run-of-the-mill hiring tool, but a resume that rocks to attract employers.