8 Ways to Make Your Resume Stand Out!
One of the questions recruiters get asked repeatedly is, “How can I make my resume stand out?” Below are 8 ways to make your resume stand out. Start with these tips and you will be well on your way to separating yourself from the other candidates.
- Perfect it. Proofreading is your best friend. No matter how intelligent, skilled, or experienced you are, if your resume is filled with errors it doesn’t speak well of you.
- Format consistently. Choose a single format (there are a ton of examples online) and stick to it. The simplest way is to use a template, and fill it in with your information.
- Make it match. Your resume should match your career timeline on social media. If your LinkedIn or Monster profile has inaccurate dates, correct them before uploading or sending your resume. Recruiters and HR often check your information online, and it looks like a lie or a big mistake if your facts don’t match.
- Make contact. Be sure your contact information is clearly displayed on your resume and cover letter.
- Customize it. Make sure you customize your resume and cover letter to each opportunity. Ensure that your objective, experience, skills list emphasizes the requirements on the job description, and education match the requirements of the desired position.
- Save it. After you’ve customized your document for the current opportunity, save that resume and cover letter under the name of the recruiter, company, or contact name, so you can have your exact words available for phone calls and interviews.
- Tell the truth. Don’t put anything on your resume that isn’t verifiable truth. It’s easier in the long run to explain an employment gap, a series of career changes, or the lack of a degree than it is to explain lying about them. The points you accrue for looking perfect will evaporate upon discovering that you aren’t honest.
- Alert your references. Always use references you know to be positive, and alert them that you’re searching for a job and that they may be contacted. That gives them time to prepare positive things to say about you, and they don’t feel ambushed!
