For those updating their resumes, and to follow up on our previous article, here are 4 more tips to help you make your resume stand out and get you one step closer to getting your next job.
Following our latest article, we have gathered a few extra tips to keep in mind when writing, editing or updating your resume.
1. Use Active Verbs
Try to avoid the passive voice as much as possible, try using verbs like “directed”, “lead”, and “conducted” instead of saying you were “responsible for” a certain project or task. Remember your resume is not a list of past job descriptions, so word it so it displays your accomplishments.
2. Give Contextual Background to Facts
While providing hiring managers with numerical data, simply stating percentage growth doesn’t paint the full picture. Add what the base number was, who you had to work or negotiate with to get there, and how long it took – provide enough information so that interview questions will focus on your skills and future potential, instead of clarifying specific points from your resume.
3. Include Any Successful Projects Completed Before Deadlines
Specific timeframes are not always necessary, but if you’ve beaten deadlines, or accomplished something extraordinary in a short time frame, make sure you brag about it on your resume.
4. Re-think your Accomplishments.
Sometimes, something you wouldn’t consider an accomplishment can actually be seen as something impressive – for example, if you survived big cost and job cuts at a company, or if you’ve been through a merger or acquisition – especially if you were involved in the reorganization of a company, make sure to add that to your resume. It shows hiring managers how valuable you are as a professional, and might give you an edge over other candidates.
Remember to tweak and tailor your resume to each job application, so you increase your chances of getting called for an interview. Also remember how important presentation is, and make sure you always present the best version of yourself – through a resume, in person and through a cover letter.