It takes about 6 seconds for a recruiter to scan your resume. Make your resume stand out by incorporating the following 10 tips:

Qualify Jobs

Submitting your resume to jobs you don’t qualify for can set the wrong precedent. Your resume could be overlooked for jobs you are eligible. Before you apply, ensure you meet the requirements of the role. It will save you time to make better submissions and improve your chances of getting in.

Keywords

Most organizations use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These systems use keywords from job descriptions to search for candidates. Ensure you use keywords from the job description you are applying for.

Abbreviations

More and more systems and recruiters are starting to use abbreviations while searching resumes, for example, PMP for Project Management Professional. Ensure you include all relevant abbreviations in your resume.

Be Specific

Organizations know what a job title entails. They want to see what you did utilizing those skills rather than general duties performed by someone with that job title. For example, all Business Analysts gather requirements. So, mentioning this as a job duty isn’t sufficient. Specify the initiatives you were involved in - the approach you used, the scope of the work you completed, the end result, your accomplishments/achievements, etc.

Volunteer Experience

Most companies want to make a difference in the community. If you are doing this by volunteering, mention that. It is even more crucial for fresh graduates who do not have any work experience.

Employment Gaps

Address all gaps on the resume with honesty. It is better for hiring managers to know that you were traveling the world or looking for work rather than leaving up to them to interpret the gap.

Work Experience Dates

Include start and end period (month and year) of your experience on your resume in chronological order. Mentioning just years isn’t good enough. It could lead recruiters to assume and calculate your experience from the last month of that year.

Education and Certification

Include all relevant education and certifications along with dates and schools/institutions attended.

Social Media Profiles

It helps to include LinkedIn and/or other professional social media links on your resume. Most recruiters review professional social media profiles of candidates they are interested in. An up-to-date social media profile will help recruiters learn more about you.  

Proofread

Read and reread your resume or have a friend or family member read it for you. A silly mistake can cost you a job.