What Makes a Good Resume?
Your resume can open doors or get overlooked in seconds. Knowing what makes a good resume helps you stand out and secure more interviews. Here are five signs of a great resume.
1. A Simple and Professional Layout
Hiring managers appreciate people who make their jobs easier. Use bullet points, leave white space, and choose a simple layout so recruiters can easily skim your resume and find the information they need to schedule an interview. Avoid using colorful text, pictures, or complicated layouts that can make your resume difficult to read. These things are considered unprofessional and can leave a bad impression with hiring managers.
2. Tailor to the Job You’re Applying for
One of the most important aspects of a resume is how relevant it is to the job you’re applying for. Your resume should be fine-tuned to match each job description, as this shows the hiring manager that you are an amazing fit.
Before tailoring your resume, research the company and position so you have a better understanding of what the hiring manager is looking for. Take note of specific qualities or qualifications listed and find a way to add them to your resume. Don’t be afraid to add new bullet points for things you have some experience with that you may see mentioned in the job description. You can also rearrange existing bullet points to display the most important information at the top and remove things that seem repetitive or irrelevant to the role.
Need help deciding whether something should be deleted? Ask yourself if the hiring manager will be confused as to why you included that specific information on your resume. While it may seem like a lot of work, tailoring your resume for each position leaves a lasting impact and leads to more scheduled interviews.
3. Include Data and Metrics
Include numbers in your resume to demonstrate the accomplishments you achieved within previous roles. Quantifying your job responsibilities is a simple way to highlight these successes. Include metrics such as money, time, and the amount of work completed. Numbers are also more eye-catching than text, meaning that a resume with metrics is more likely to get a closer look than one without numbers.
4. Optimize for the Right Keywords
A hiring manager or recruiter will ultimately make the decision about which applicants to interview. However, it’s not uncommon for companies to use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to eliminate unfit candidates. In fact, 99% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS to streamline their hiring process.
What does this mean for job seekers? Their resumes must include all the right keywords to be looked over by a real person. These keywords are often job requirements, but they can also be specific programs or software. Double-check that you used the same wording as the job description before submitting your resume. For example, if you list proficiency in Microsoft Office, but the job description asks for Microsoft Excel, then you’ll want to update this information to match. Most keywords can be placed in the introduction, work history, or skills sections.
5. Focus on Results, Not Responsibilities
Many job seekers tend to use language such as “responsible for” or “managed” on their resume when they should be using verbiage such as “facilitated,” “implemented,” or “optimized.” These power words pack more punch and are a better way of showcasing the impact you had within previous roles.
We hope these tips help you transform your resume. If you’re in the market for a new job, HNM Systems can help you find your dream role in the Utility, Telecommunications, and IT sectors. Please submit your resume here and our team will be in touch!
