Gone are the days of the Curriculum Vitae, which ranged anywhere between three and five pages.
Short and sweet is how things work today. Studies say that recruiters spend an average of under ten seconds looking at a candidate’s application. In such a scenario, it is obvious that we need to be clear and concise. Long, drawn out sections will not get us any plus points with the recruiter.
Recruiters also have a knack of knowing what kind of a person one is, merely by glancing at a resume. The basics can be gleaned from our writing style and the way we present our skills and qualifications. So what is it about a resume that really catches the eye of the employer?
1. Too Much Information
In an eagerness to impress, we may end up giving out more information than actually required for the purpose. As we mentioned earlier – clear and concise is the way to go. We don’t want the employer to think that we lack the ability to be selective and prioritize.
2. Be Specific
The resume should be tailor made for every job we apply to. A generic and vague resume does not speak about our specific skill sets; and does not portray the exact reason why we think we’re the best for the job. It isn’t wise to leave the recruiter with the complete set of talents we possess, and that we may do well anywhere. It is all about convincing the company that we are the one they need. Adaptability is the keyword.
3. Language
When the words required are few, all are equally significant. The resume is not where we want to make typos and grammatical errors. It’ll make the recruiter think that we do not pay attention to details, minor as they may be. Use the right word to portray the right meaning, and ensure that no mistakes creep in.
4. False information
This is one something that must not be a part of our resume – at ANY cost. Employers always have a way of finding out what potential candidates have been up to in the past. Even a white lie can label a recruit as dishonest. Trust issues will only make things difficult for us. Remember, first impression is the last impression.
5. A little professionalism, please
No recruiter wants to come across an email address of the likes of “ dancemaniac@email.com”. It is a tell-tale sign of unprofessionalism. The preferred e-mail address for job seeking purposes should consist only of your first name and last name, or a variation of your name if the former is not possible.
6. Strong profile
The highlighting factor in any resume is a strong profile. Get down to the point – state what was the designation and profile at the previous company. All our qualifications will be without any direction if we do not clarify our profile and what exactly we have done and are capable of doing. A killer profile has a direct impact on the employer’s mind and helps creates a positive image.
7. Achievements
A job recruiter will not be interested in dance competitions we have won in the fifth grade. Be specific, talk about the projects you undertook and oversaw at your previous company; or speak about the research and projects you did at college level, if you are a fresher. Talk about specific achievements which demonstrate that we have qualities required for the job.
A good resume focuses on the job profile we are applying to; and not our career objectives as an individual. There is a very fine line between the two, and this fine line makes all the difference between our resume getting shortlisted and getting trashed. Go for the sleek 1 to 2 page version. We have to let the employer know that we are serious about getting the job and they just cannot let go of us!
Source-by:google:http://clifestyleinfo.blogspot.in/2012/05/what-your-resume-says-about-you.html