It’s a situation that most job seekers have faced at one point or another: you’ve done your best to craft an impressive resume, but then it gets sent in without any feedback. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—it always happens!
The good news is that with some simple tweaks and adjustments, even the most boring resume can become engaging and exciting again. This article will show you how to get shortlisted for your dream job interview with an industry-standard resume.
So, how can you create one?
Adjust Your Resume for Each Job Application
When it comes to applying for jobs, there are a few things that you can do to make sure you get shortlisted.
- Be sure to tailor your resume for each job application: If the job description has a specific skill or experience requirement, then tailor your resume to highlight these skills and achievements as much as possible.
It’s also important not only because it will help increase chances of getting hired but also because if people see something on their resumes that makes them think, “I recognize this!” then they might apply themselves, knowing there is more than just luck involved in getting hired.
- Use keywords from the job description: The best way to ensure this happens is by using keywords from both sides (the employer’s side) and comparing those with yours so there aren’t any discrepancies between what should be said here versus where yours ends up going next time around.
Make sure all parts are consistent throughout each application form – In addition, make sure everything mentioned above is highlighted as well!
Analyze the Job Description
- What is the job description?
- What are the essential skills and experience required for this job?
- How can you demonstrate these vital skills and experience in your resume?
Make it Easy for the ATS to Read Your Resume
The ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is an automated system that scans resumes for keywords, making it easier for recruiters to find the best candidates. It uses a scoring algorithm that gives each resume a score based on word count, formatting, and content.
The first thing you need to do when creating your resume is make sure:
- You use consistent formatting throughout
- Your font choice is clear and easy to read
- Your font type is consistent across all headings, subheadings, and body text
Include Important Sections
You should include a summary of qualifications in your resume. This section is essential because it gives an overview of your education, work experience, and contact information.
You can also include a key skills section containing essential skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. These could be things like budgeting or interpersonal communication skills (like being able to work well with others).
Suppose you have certifications or training programs that might help employers understand how qualified you are for the position. In that case, they should also be mentioned here so they know they’re looking at an exceptional candidate!
This is where we get into the nitty-gritty details about what you’ve learned over time – whether it’s in school or through self-study outside of class hours – so make sure this information is accurate! Include any certificates/licenses and certificates from organizations such as professional societies (e.g., CPA).
Use Consistent Formatting
The first and most important thing to remember about formatting is that it must be consistent. You should use the same font, style, size, and color for each job application you make. If you change these things from one resume to another, it will look like you’re trying too hard to impress employers who can’t read your resume because they have no idea what’s going on!
If possible, try not to use fancy fonts or graphics that might distract from the main message of your document (i.e., what jobs are available). And don’t go overboard with white space—the more area devoted exclusively towards text (as opposed to images), the better!
Conclusion
Building a job-winning resume can be difficult without modern tools and expert guidance. These are just a few steps you can take to make your resume look modern and professional.
- Adjust your resume for each job application by matching keywords to get through the ATS
- Include important sections like key skills, summary, professional experience, etc., along with certifications and training, if any
- Use consistent formatting and font size to have a clean and professional resume