How to make your resume stand out while on job hunt

The convenience and availability of online applications makes it possible to apply to almost any company in the world within minutes. This can be a double-edged sword for those on the job hunt.

While it’s simple to send your information, there’s no guarantee you’ll get an interview, even if you’re an excellent candidate for an open position — or that your information will even make it past the software designed to weed out weak resumes. Recruiters can receive hundreds of resumes on a job posting within hours, making it more important than ever for yours to leave a lasting impression.

On Thursday, April 7, the Jacksonville University of Central Florida Alumni Club presented a Networking "Knight" at the Southeast Jacksonville Public Library near the St. Johns Town Center. The resume and interview tips seminar was hosted by SNI Companies Director of Temporary Services Rebecca Green and Staffing Manager Richelle Ranney.

SNI Companies is a nationally recognized employee placement company specializing in administrative, finance, accounting, banking, technology and legal professions.

On Thursday, Green and Ranney shared tips for what makes a great resume, and how those looking for a new position can jump off the page.

Top out at two

Keep your resume no longer than two pages.

According to Green, if you’re fresh out of college or just starting your career, a one-page resume is OK. Otherwise, your resume should be two pages and list only relevant work experience.

Omit the objective

An objective line can get in your way, and it’s not an essential piece of information. Green revealed it can sometimes get your resume thrown out before you even get your foot in the door.

“If your objective line doesn’t pertain to the job, then I’m not going to read any further,” she said.

Don’t apply if you don’t qualify

This may seem like common sense, but Green and Ranney see it all the time.

Only apply for jobs that are looking for someone with your specific type of experience and education. Applying for an executive job right out of college will stifle your chances to be selected as a candidate for other positions.

Beat the bots

Tailoring your resume for every application will help your chances of reaching a recruiting agent. It might seem like a lot of work to modify your resume for every job you apply to, but it’s worth it.

Green said filter programs look for resumes that have the specific words that are listed in the job description. If you don’t have those words, your resume will be automatically thrown out.

Make it personal

Your time is better spent sending three resumes and cover letters customized to the jobs you’re applying for than mass emailing 500 copycat resumes with general cover letters. Ranney said a business wants to be wanted.

Don’t be afraid to tell a potential employer what you admire about the company and why you would be a great fit in your cover letter.

Pick up the phone

Both Green and Ranney agree a phone call is a great way to stand out. A quick Google search will typically yield a phone number or email address of the hiring manager. Green said if an applicant follows up a resume with a phone call, “I’m at least going to take a look at that resume.”

Mind your manners

Don’t underestimate the power of “thank you.” If you do have an opportunity to speak to a recruiter or hiring manager, Green and Ranney urged applicants to send a hand-written thank you note after the call.

Social sweep-up

Make sure your social media is clean and free of anything that might detract from your otherwise stellar qualifications. Ranney said she looks at each person she hires as part of her family.

“I’m really deciding if I want to be around you and make you part of my family,” she said.

The takeaway here is that those in a position to hire will often check social media to learn more about candidates. If your late-night boozing is plastered all over your Facebook page, that may not be the message you want to put out to potential employers.

Source:Techgig