When searching for a job, your resume acts as a sort of calling card--it’s your first and best chance to attract potential employers’ attention and make a great impression. A resume printed in a swirly font on bright pink paper will definitely stand out from the crowd--but not in the way you’d want it to. Crafting a resume that stands out for all the right reasons takes a little more subtlety and substance. Including all the right details in a direct and compelling fashion could help get you to the next stage of your job hunt as quickly as possible. Here are 3 Birds Marketing, LLC's tips on making your resume stand out.
Make your format work for you
If you are reasonably familiar with your word processing program, you’ve probably discovered that it provides a number of document templates, including, most likely, a template for resumes. Although these templates can act as useful references, plugging your info into a pre-fabricated format also has potential pitfalls. Formatting is a key resume tool, and your work history should dictate the format, not a template. For example, workers with lots of job experience will benefit from a straightforward, chronological treatment, while recent graduates without a relevant job history should opt instead to highlight relevant coursework or sets of skills gained from athletic or volunteer activities.
Tailor your resume to the job
Always remember that employers are just as eager to find the perfect job candidate as you are to prove that you fit the bill. Help employers see how qualified you are by addressing each of the items described in the employer’s job ad. If the ad calls for candidates with leadership abilities, make sure you showcase yours in your resume by highlighting any relevant experience. Likewise, if the company is calling for “candidates with expertise in networking,” then “expertise in networking” would be an excellent heading for a section in your resume that details the specifics of your skills. You should update and adjust your resume each time you apply for a new job.
Speak in specifics
Though it’s important to address all aspects of an employer’s job ad, nothing will make your resume fade into the masses more quickly than vague phrases like “excellent communication skills.” It’s far more likely that your resume will stand out if you give specific examples of how you used your communication skills, even if those specifics are as seemingly generic as regular email correspondence. Projects you led, documents you wrote, and presentations you gave are all examples of specific, concrete evidence that will tell an employer much more than an ambiguous bullet point with no further explanation.
The most effective way to make your resume stand out is to make sure it is chock-full of specific, highly relevant content. If you can show clearly and concisely exactly why you’re an excellent candidate for a specific job, you’ll stand out from those who sent off a single form resume to multiple businesses. Seal the deal by making sure every last detail is attended to. Print your resume on plain, high quality paper, ensure there are no smudges or wrinkles, and triple-check the spelling and grammar to show that you are a professional that any company would be proud to hire.