1. Pay Attention to Key Words and Phrases
When responding to an ad for a job, look it over carefully. Check for specific word and phrases—buzz words if you will. These are words which have been explicitly chosen over others to be put in the add. These constitute exactly what the employer is looking for. When you create your resume and list your knowledge, skills, and abilities include these buzz words when ever possible. Highlight exactly how you exemplify the words and phrases that they have put in there add. That way there will be no question as to whether or not you are qualified for the position. Make it easy for them to see that you are the right candidate.
2. Be Concise and to the Point
In this job market there are more applicants for a single job than ever before. Remember this. Remember that whoever is looking through the application has lots and lots of reading to do and simply does not have the time to cipher through long, complicated language and syntax. Be clear and to the point, so your application will be read in it’s entirety and not glossed over like those which appear too word and too long to actually get through. Often, employers just skim through all applications at first to remove any of those that even at first glance clearly do not have what they are looking for. Make sure that even on first glance, with a simple skim that your resume will look great and will make it to the next round of application sorting.
3. Be quantities whenever possible
Often times we try and be modest and unspecific when highlighting our accomplishments and we use adjectives to describe our tasks. Instead of being vague in stating your accomplishments and skills be specific, right down to the number. Show them the quantity as well as the quality of your past accomplishments. This will eliminate any questions as to what a vague noun or adjective was intended to mean. For example, instead of saying that you were a frequent participant in charity basketball games, say that you participate in monthly charity basketball games for a period of five years.
4. Formatting Matters
Your resume should look like the professional that you are and that you want to be. Make sure that the formatting of your resume follows a specific guide and that you follow this guide to even the most extraneous detail. This should not look like a simple grocery list that your husband or wife gives you when you go to the store. It should be a reflection of the polished professional that you are.
5. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread
Proofread frequently. Not only at the end of your resume right before you send it out. Take the time to proofread your resume as you create it, so that you do not become too overwhelmed and that you have the time to look at details separately. Remember, everything about this Resume speaks to your qualifications. A typo or misused word may make you come off as careless.
