If you are one of the millions of job seekers having trouble getting interviews from hiring companies, maybe it’s time for your resume to have a make-over. I’m referring to a restructuring of your resume so that it appeals to employers and their applicant tracking system.
One of the best approaches you can take to increase employers interest in hiring you in 2013, is to customize your resume to the job that your are seeking. You should have a customized resume for almost every job that you apply for. This often will require you to slightly modify your resume each time you apply for a position so that it fits well with the experience and skills of the position that you are applying.
This does not mean to lie on your resume, but to incorporate in your resume some of the words of the job description that applies to you. For example, if the job is looking for an analyst, make sure you indicate in your resume what you analyzed in your current or previous positions. Also make sure that the most relevant and key information is near the top third portion of your resume so that it’s easy and quickly identified.
Also, include other strengths that relate to the job near the top third of the page. For example, include keywords and job functions that directly relates to the skills and experience applicable to the job.
Accomplishments are also very important to include in your resume. Each job listed on your resume should have some focus of your accomplishments. It should illustrate how you made a difference at your company and, if appropriate, how you contributed to the bottom line of the organization. For example, you may want to list a company project that you completed far ahead of deadline and as a result, saved the organization more than $100,000 in budget costs.
There are also other ways you can customize your resume. For example, you may want to expand on each job description on your resume, particularly those relevant job functions similar to the job you are seeking. You can also use each position to highlight a different skill.
As a method of style, use active verbs in each sentence on your resume. For example, if your profession is in management, use such active verbs as: developed, analyzed, produced, transitioned, created and managed.
Whatever industry you are in learn the key words, skills and jargon of that industry and utilize them in both your resume, cover letter and during job interviews.
Make your resume internet-friendly
Today more than ever, most employers post their jobs on the Internet and encourage job seekers to apply for positions via the Internet. For this reason, it is important to make your resume Internet-friendly.
The applicant tracking system often use by employers, especially large and mid-size companies, has revolutionized how employers recruit and job seekers apply for employment. Companies use keywords where they scan resumes electronically via the applicant tracking system. Therefore, you want to load your resume with appropriate keywords.
Companies job description are the best way to identify what keywords to use that would help you get recognized by the applicant tracking system. So, before you apply to a position highlight or mark down keywords from the job description and incorporate those words in your resume and cover letter. For example, if you are applying for a mechanic position, you may want to use keywords such as: constructed, monitored, maintained, repaired and scheduled. If it is a technology position, consider using specific software titles and list software programs you know or used on your resume.
Finally, you may also want to place near the top of your resume a lead statement or summary that brands you in the employer’s mind. For example, if you are an accountant include: Accountant professional with more than 18 years experience in managing complex accounts. Using a summary statement is especially beneficial to you if you are a making a career change. Anything in your background that relates to the new field should be placed in your resume.
Remember that resumes alone do not get you hired. You still must be able to win over the hiring manager during an interview by selling and convincing the employer that you are the right fit for the position. However, none of that happens unless your resume gets a high ranking number from the applicant tracking system and captures the interest of the recruiter and hiring manager.
So, start this 2013 by giving your resume a make-over. Customize it so that you are among the chosen few that get called in for a job interview that could lead you to winning the position you want!
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