Did you know that a staggering 98% of job seekers are eliminated at the initial resume screening stage? That means your resume has to be compelling enough to make an impression in just a few seconds. In today’s fiercely competitive job market, a well-crafted resume can make all the difference in landing your dream job.” In this blog post, we’ll share the top 5 tips for writing a resume to help you on your journey of optimizing your resume for your dream job!
I found myself like over 120,000 others in the past few months having gone through the challenging transition of being laid off in the tech industry. Like many others, I didn’t see it coming and wasn’t properly prepared to enter the job market. It had been over a decade and a half for me since I had to apply to a new company and so much has advanced since that time. I found myself in desperate need of help so I went on a journey to learn the best guidance I could find on how to make sure I was prepared for the next phase of my journey. After meeting with several career coaches, attending resume writing workshops, and revising my own resume over 10 times in the past month, it dawned on me that I should share what I’ve learned in efforts to help the many other like me going through the same process. Through all the guidance I received, these 5 core elements were consistently recommend from every source.
The 5 C’s of Resume Writing
- Customized: Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. Take the time to read the job description thoroughly and tailor your resume to highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position.
- Compelling: Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments. Use action verbs to describe your experiences and quantify your accomplishments with numbers or percentages to make them more impactful.
- 2a. Pro tip: Add measurable results that highlight your accomplishments. Use 5 or more metrics and follow this format – “Accomplished x, as measured by y, by doing z.”
- Concise: Keep it relatively short and easy to read. Aim to keep your resume to one or two pages and use clear, easy-to-read fonts and formatting.
- Clear: Include relevant keywords that clearly demonstrate your fit for the role. Use keywords from the job description in your resume to ensure it passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catches the attention of human recruiters.
- 4a. Pro tip: Use a word cloud generator and copy and paste the job description to see which words show up the most.
- Correct: Proofread and edit your resume. Before submitting your resume, proofread it thoroughly and have someone else review it as well to catch any errors or typos.
- Pro tip: Remove buzzwords and cliches as they take away from a resume’s value. Common examples include “detail-oriented,” “team player,” “creative mindset,” “motivated,” and “passionate.” Google “resume cliches and buzzwords” and remove all of them to make your resume stand out.
By following these tips and guidelines for resume writing, you can transform your resume into a powerful tool that will help you land your dream job. Remember to tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for, use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments, keep it clear and concise, and proofread it thoroughly before submitting it. With a strong resume in hand, you’ll be well on your way to impressing potential employers and landing your next job.
Remember, your resume is your ticket to your dream job. By following these expert tips and putting in the smart work, you can transform your resume and showcase your skills and achievements in the best light.
However, if you feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to implement these strategies, don’t be afraid to seek help. Consider working with a coach who can guide you and help you embody these tips to give you the best chance for success. So, go out there and create a resume that truly represents your unique value proposition and sets you apart from the competition. Your dream job is waiting for you!
Looking for more tips? Check out my other blog related to career advice:
Laid Off? Don’t Panic! These Proven Strategies Will Help You Land Your Next Job
