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Ask the Career Expert: Spicing Up Your Resume
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CAREEREALISM.com
J.T. O'Donnell | Excelle
Being new to the workforce isn’t easy. Let Excelle help you! We’re delighted to introduce a new weekly column by venerated career expert, J.T. O’Donnell, founder of Careerealism.com.
She’ll be taking member questions each week, on topics ranging from finding your first job, to getting a promotion and managing office politics. Submit your question here.
This week, a community member wants to know how to make her resume stand out from the crowd.
Dear J.T.,
I’m having trouble finding ways to make my resume stand out from the crowd. I’ve read a lot on the hiring process and have stuffed my resume with keywords relevant to the position to give it a better chance of surviving the employer’s online database scour.
However, all this optimization makes it seem bland and “buzzy”.
Is there a way to infuse personality and uniqueness into my resume to help differentiate me from other candidates? Or should that be left for the cover letter?
I want to grab the attention of the hiring manager but want to ensure I make the best use of the precious space.
Thanks,
Marlys
Dear Marlys,
There is so much to consider these days when writing a resume – I know it can feel overwhelming. Especially, if you follow the latest advice on keyword optimization. It’s important to make sure the relevant words are in your resume for hiring managers to find. However, when you are done, the result can be a resume that feels a bit ‘boring.’ But in all honestly, a good resume is clearly written and easy to absorb.
Here are some tips.
To recap, think of it like a food label. The resume isn’t the fancy packaging, it’s the ingredient list! Hiring managers are going to be more apt to contact you if they find your resume uses simple language and confirms you have everything they need. Too long and too complex and you are going to be put right back on the shelf.
Now, at this point you might be thinking, “So then, how do you get a hiring manager’s attention?”
I suggest you focus on creating an introduction letter. Unlike a cover letter, an introduction letter explains to the hiring manager two key things:
A) What specifically impresses you about the company.
B) How you have come to learn that what they do is exceptional.
By sharing your thought process around the connection you have with the organization, you are demonstrating your knowledge and passion – the two things every good hiring manager looks for in a candidate.
Better still, if you really want to ensure the hiring manager pays attention to your resume, then try to get someone to walk it in to them personally. Networking with people at companies where you would like to work is the best way to build relationships that could help you get your foot in the door. Hiring managers pay more attention to referrals because they come from people they trust. In other words, when your resume is given to a hiring manager, it’s more likely they will screen you in for an interview, than screen you out of the running.
Best of luck!
J.T.
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about 1 month ago
786 comments
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Randi_Howell
over 1 year ago
46 comments
Don't get all bent up about the perfect this or that about a resume. You will go broke or blind trying to come up with the "Exact Fit". There is simply no such thing in today's market.
You are who you are and you do what you do. You either are going to fit based on one of 2 things, they like the way you look comming in or going out.
There is just too much talent and we all want the same thing. It is like playing "Musical Chairs", eventually all of the chairs are gone and you are left standing. If there is someone looking specifically for you they will find you, it does not matter what "they say" they are in the business of getting your money. Learn how to build your own chair, if you get what I mean.
We just do not have enough chairs to fit everyones behind. So get off your butt and go look for real hands on work. The market is wide open and you can name your price if you have the right stuff, do quality work and treat people right and they will like you enough to command your worth. You will never be here again crying about "Everybody hates me why don't I go eat worms." Good Luck.
PonderP
over 1 year ago
2 comments
I always try to look on the itnernet for fresh ideas. i always put a modern picture in the top right corner. a posh one, not one off me on the drink or partying lol
56paula
over 1 year ago
4 comments
I too, am stuck - what is it? Is it the resume or are employers being soooo picky. I recently interviewed for a position - same title as my previous position - great company - moving divisions to a "shared sevices" - one location, opening up numerous positions. I was called to interview within a week of sending my resume. Since I was leaving for vacation, I asked if manager woiuld see me that day after work, she obliged and I flew to be there by 5:00p.m. - second person interviewed. Have all requirements excep for "manufacturing background" preferred - I have similar background and fully match position.
I recdeived an e-mail I was not a "match for position" . In the meantime, I am being contacted by recruiters for same company wanted to refer me to company and the company is listing same position with National Association seeking candidates.
I am beating myself up about this as I thought this was a great opportunity, great company, great location, where I could bring my skilss, knowledge, experience and be a contributor to a new "team" consolidating efforts to one group.
What can I do/write/without being a nuisance - I am contracting at another location for less pay, no benefits, long commute in order to maintain my title to bring to a potential employer.
Your thoughts are appreciated