Resumes are like toe nails: everybody neglects them until they’re in plain site or on display, and then we’re embarrassed. Also, and more literally, a good majority of toenails and resumes alike are just simply ugly.
However, just like regular clipping and anti-fungal cream applications can clear up your toenails, there are ways to clear up your resume so that it will shine in all situations and make you all the more attractive to employers. These resume building tips can be applied any resume, regardless of educational or professional experiences.
1. Don’t Just Write for People, Write For Computers Too
The thought process going through most people’s minds when writing their resume is what it will look like from an HR Manager’s perspective. While this covers most bases, it doesn’t quite cover them all.
Most large corporations use Application Tracking Systems or ATS for short, to process the sheer volume of resumes submitted for various positions. The reason simply being that it would take too long for human eyes to process such large quantities of data. Instead, ATS can crawl thousands of resumes for entered “keywords” in just a matter of minutes, saving companies time and thus money.
For example, a Secretarial or Administrative Assistant position will be seeking keywords including but not limited to “Microsoft Suite” “words per minute” “customer service” “call management systems”. So, if you want the ATS robot eyes to pick out your resume, make sure to include relevant industry keywords within and throughout the text of your resume.
Another tip for making your resume robot-friendly is to include acronyms in both acronym and long version format. For example, if familiar with ATS, also write out Application Tracking System at some point within your resume as well.
Finally, don’t forget to save your resume in a .doc file as well as a PDF file. PDF files are best for emailing to employers, as they will retain your original formatting. Word documents are handy for uploading to company employment software because their text can be easily crawled. Most of the best online resume builder websites out there will allow an export option in both word and PDF formats.
2. Everyone knows Texas is in America
Keeping your resume neat, concise and clutter free is important for reading’s sake and ultimately for getting a job. While one-page resumes are great, there is nothing inherently “wrong” with two page resumes either. Instead what matters most is how the space on the page is utilized.
Firstly, within your contact information at the very top of your one, or two page resume you will undoubtedly include “America” after your address.
While HR Managers are just as patriotic as the rest of us, including nations are not really necessary unless applying for a position outside of the U.S. Simply put, the address section is primarily a piece of reference information for mailing and record keeping. If you write a letter to your friend in Austin, Texas, you probably conclude it with the State and that’s it. Apply that same mentality to your contact information on your resume.
Secondly, and overlapping with the above point, you don’t have to state “United States” after each employment experience (again, unless you were previously employed abroad or are applying to a position overseas). Cutting out information that is blatantly obvious will slim your resume down and make it appear leaner and meaner.
3. Don’t list references available upon request
If an employer wants references from previous employment experiences they will explicitly state so on the job listing/application. If they don’t state they want references then you don’t have to include them. Too many people spend too much time worrying about who to include as a reference. Fact is, if it’s not asked for, it’s not worth worrying about.
There remains the possibility that an employer will ask for references, but this will occur after the interview, so you will have plenty of time to determine whom you would like to use.
The most redundant and obvious thing you could do is state “references available upon request”. Very obviously, if the employer requests references you will provide them if you want the job. Stating the above is simply a waste of space on your resume and provides no positive, constructive content to your resume.
There you have it, three quick resume hacks that will help ensure your resume is attractive to HR Managers and the software they use, is clean and concise, and ultimately doesn’t state frivolous information that detracts value. Hack away and make your resume the best it can be.
via 2013 Expert Resume Hacks for Every Resume | Resume Companion.
2013 Expert Resume Hacks for Every Resume
