Are you having trouble getting noticed by recruiters? You’re sending out plenty of resumes but aren’t getting any responses. Your skill matches the job requirements, so why aren’t you receiving any replies?
Well, chances are, the problem is actually your resume. So, how do you create the perfect resume? Here are a few tips to help ensure your resume is getting noticed.
Use the Right Resume Template
If you’re not using a resume template, this can be a reason your application is going unnoticed. A resume template ensures you’re inserting the right information in the appropriate fields. Yes, there’s a right and wrong way to list your information. There’s even a right template to use.
So, which resume template should you use? There are three commonly accepted resume formats, and each one has its best uses.
- A chronological resume is often the best option if you have a consistent work history, meaning that there aren’t any gaps in your employment record. You list your employment in chronological order, starting with your most recent position. So if you’re applying for a position in the same industry, this may be the best template to use.
- If you have some gaps in your employment history, a functional resume is often the best choice. This type of resume highlights your skills. You can prioritize your qualifications for the position and sometimes, this is all it takes to get noticed by recruiters and HR departments.
- Sometimes you want to highlight both your work history and skills, a combination resume template makes it easy. The only potential downside to using this template is space. After going through work experience and skills, there may not be enough room to include additional information about your education, volunteer work, etc.
When it comes to choosing a resume template, consider your work history and the position you’re applying for.
Don’t Get Creative with the Font
You may be tempted to use an intricate font but this can be a mistake. The font may make your resume look elegant but this isn’t the way you want to stand out from other applicants.
Most companies use applicant tracking systems to sort through the incoming resumes. The software scans each resume looking for things like easy readability, and a more intricate font can cause the tracking software to flag your resume.
Instead of using a serif font, you know the ones with tails, go with a sans serif style. A few easily accepted font styles include Avenir, Calibri, and Cambria. You also want to stick with the same font style throughout your resume; The headers and body should have the same font to ensure ATS doesn’t mark your resume as containing errors.
Font size is something else to pay attention to. In the body, keep your font size at either 10 or 12 points. The font size will be larger for the headers. You may also want to underline and bold the headers to ensure the tracking system can easily recognize the different sections.
Use a Concise Writing Style
Your resume isn’t a blog or a letter to a friend, which means you may need to alter your writing style. You want to keep everything concise without any fillers. Some examples of filler words include overusing terms like and, with, or like.
You may also need to narrow down your list of job functions. You don’t want to include a page-long list. Stick to the key functions that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. This may even include your skill set. For example, you may be an exceptional gardener but it’s irrelevant if you’re applying for a team manager position.
Get Feedback Before Sending Your Resume Off
You may think you’ve written the perfect resume but it’s still a good idea to get some feedback before sending it off. Asking a friend or co-worker to review your resume is a great way to catch any errors.
Have your proofreader check for any spelling and grammar mistakes since, yes, ATS will flag most spelling and grammatical errors—also, make sure to ask for feedback on formatting. Your margins should be even and spaces should be applied between each section. Finally, find out if your resume is easy to read and consistent. Catching any mistakes now helps ensure your resume is one recruiters look at.
Using an online resume builder can make it easier to create the perfect resume. Just make sure you choose the right template that highlights your experience and skills and don’t forget to get a second opinion before sending your resume in.