13 Simple Ways To Get Your Resume Noticed

Every job application requires that you submit a resume. They provide recruiters with a snapshot of your professional life. Absolutely everyone needs a resume that highlights their education, experience, and achievements. There are no exceptions.

Job search competition is fierce and a killer resume may be the ticket you need to beat out the competition and land your dream job. The challenge is that busy recruiters will sort through hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes to fill just one job. They may spend less than 10 seconds skimming a resume before they make a decision about an applicant. You have to make your resume stand out.

Discover 16 Things You Absolutely Don’t Want On Your Resume

Even if you are the perfect candidate for the job, if your resume is lousy, you don’t stand a chance. Pull up your resume right now and let’s make some changes. Here are some simple ways to get your resume noticed:

1. Use Keywords – Many digital resumes are sorted by complex programs searching for specific keywords. If you don’t have the right keywords, your resume may not even be seen by a recruiter. Pull keywords from the job listing, the industry, and the company website and include them in your resume.
2. De-Clutter – Make your resume visually appealing. Use white space efficiently and try to make the resume catch the recruiter’s eye. Keep it tidy and professional.
3. Use Power Words – Power words help bring your actions to life. Here’s a list of 75 power words that you can use.
4. Use Bullet Points – Bullet points will help break information up into digestible chunks. Don’t let the important details get lost in long lines of boring, yawn-inducing text.
5. Keep It Simple Silly – K.I.S.S. is a great acronym to live by – especially on a resume. It’s almost always best to eliminate confusing lingo, jargon, or acronyms that recruiters may not understand. If you have to use one, define what it means.
6. Use Numbers – Don’t be vague. Use quantifiable details to show your accomplishments. For example, instead of “guided guests,” try “guided 783 smiling guests on raft adventures”
7. Put Things in Order of Importance – Consider the order of your resume. What’s most important to the recruiter needs to come first and what’s least important should come last.
8. Eliminate The Photo – It doesn’t matter what you look like. There’s no need to put any photos on your resume.
9. Add Links – Many resumes are viewed digitally to save paper. Add a link to your web presence so recruiters can see what you’ve been up too with a simple click. If you don’t have a web presence, create a blog now. They are the resumes of the future.
10. Ditch Your Objective – Objective statements are hot topics amongst recruiters. In most cases, it’s best not to have an objective statement because it will either be too vague or too specific and can quickly cost you the chance of an interview.
11. Keep It Professional – A resume is your first impression. Don’t add in unnecessary personal details.
12. Choose The Right Font – Font choice is an often overlooked, yet very important, consideration on a resume. Try Verdana, Helvetica, Garamond, or Courier. They are all simple and easy to read.
13. Customize It – Recruiters want to see that you have a customized resume for the job listing. Save and send it as a PDF (universal file type) with a job listing specific file name. Learn more about resume file formats here.

Follow these simple resume tips and you’ll be one step ahead of the competition. Take the time to craft the perfect resume. It’s time well spent. Best of luck!