Powerful Resume Tips
Whether you’re looking for a job or not, rethinking what’s on your resume (including on LinkedIn) is a strategic way to help you stand out from the competition. But did you know, according to a recent survey, 24% of hiring managers generally spend less than 30 seconds looking at each resume. Yikes! With such little time dedicated to your hours of work, every word counts.
Our CEO and Founder, Jessica Chen, recently hosted a Soulcast Media | LIVE event on LinkedIn. She interviewed Job Search Strategist and Author, Jenny Foss.
They shared tips and personal stories on how you can create a powerful resume. Here are things you’ll need to know.
1. The Basics
Writing resumes can often feel like a daunting task. We find ourselves tangled up in questions about what to include and how to present it effectively. The key lies in this: ensuring our resumes establishes a clear link between the company’s requirements and our ability to fulfill them. During the Soulcast Media | LIVE, Jenny shared tips that can make a real difference.
Consider the following:
- Summary Section – When crafting your resumes, it’s crucial to include a summary section that represents who you are and highlights your areas of expertise. This section serves as a powerful introduction and allows you to convey your career aspirations. For instance, you can say, “I’m a Senior Video Editor with a decade of experience. I possess a strong blend of creative thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling me to bring captivating visions to life. During my tenure at Cutlabs, I played a key role in co-creating the framework for the highly successful Orkin commercials. Now, I’m thrilled to bring my passion for storytelling to XYZ company!” Including a brief summary with key words not only provides a snapshot of your qualifications but also helps hiring managers evaluate whether you are an ideal fit for the role.
- Skills Section – Having a concise ‘skills section’ in your resumes is vital. This section should align with the skills mentioned in the job description, demonstrating you possess the capabilities the employer is seeking. In addition, with AI resume filtering software used to identify candidates, these keywords will signal you are a good fit.
- Length – During the Soulcast Media | LIVE, an audience member raised a question about the acceptability of having a two-page resume. Jenny reassured them it’s perfectly fine, particularly if we have a lengthy career with abundant experience to showcase. However, she emphasized the significance of making every word on the page count. It’s crucial to ensure that all the information we include is directly relevant to the job we’re aiming for.
- Style – When it comes to creating your resumes, it’s tempting to jazz it up with eye-catching graphics and fancy fonts. However, it’s important to consider the context in which our resumes will be viewed. The majority of our applications are submitted online and go through computer scans or applicant tracking systems. Eliminate graphics or pictures and focus on powerful words.
When crafting your resumes, your main goal should be to make it incredibly easy for the hiring manager to see you are the perfect fit for the job.
2. Resumes That Stand Out
In today’s highly competitive job market, crafting a standout resume can make all the difference between being called in for an interview or getting lost in the pile. It’s essential to create a resume that immediately grabs the attention of the hiring manager and leaves a lasting impression. During the Soulcast Media | LIVE, Jessica and Jenny shared some tips on how to create a powerful resume that truly stands out from the crowd. Consider the following:
- Word Choice – Using action words in your resume can have a significant impact on how your experience and contributions are perceived. For instance, if you played a key role in developing an app, instead of simply stating that I “assisted” in its development, you can use a more impactful phrase like “co-developed.” By opting for stronger action words like co-developed, you’re convey a greater level of involvement and ownership in the project.
- Impact – It’s crucial to not only highlight your skills but to also emphasize the impact. For example, when mentioning you co-developed a product, it’s important to go a step further and clearly state the significance of that accomplishment. By illustrating the impact, you can showcase the value you bring to the table.
- Achievements – As you progress in your career, you accumulate a wealth of experiences, skills, and accolades. It’s essential to select and highlight these achievements and talk about them. For example, metrics serve as a powerful tool for showcasing your impact. By incorporating specific numbers and quantifiable achievements, you are providing concrete evidence of the value you bring to the table.
By crafting a compelling resume that showcases your skills, expertise, and accomplishments, you make it obvious to the hiring manager why you deserve serious consideration.
Writing a resume can indeed feel like a daunting and time-consuming task. The pressure to create a powerful and attention-grabbing document can be intimidating. However, with the right approach and mindset, you can navigate this process with confidence and craft a resume that truly stands out from the rest.
Check out Jessica’s Youtube Channel if you want to see the full version of this Soulcast Media | LIVE conversation.
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