Less than one minute. That’s right. As a leading recruiting agency, Peoplelink knows that’s about all the time you have to make a positive impression on a hiring manager who’s reviewing your resume. And if you fail to do so, that resume you spent hours working on will likely wind up in the trash.
So how can you pack a punch with your resume – and get called for an interview? It’s simpler than you think, if you follow some basic essentials. Here’s a look:
Check for Typos.
This sounds like a no-brainer. And yet, typos are still one of the single biggest mistakes candidates make on their resumes. Even if you’re highly qualified for a position, it doesn’t look good when you write “teh” instead of “the.” So proofread your cover letter and resume, and then get someone else to proofread them for you.
Use a Professional Email Address.
Loves2party@aol.com is not going to make a good impression on anyone, let alone a hiring manager. So create an account with a professional-sounding email address and use it in all of your job search communications.
Focus on What a Hiring Manager Wants to Know.
For instance, if you’re applying for an administrative assistant position, it’s important to highlight which computer programs you’re familiar with. Or, on the other hand, if you’re applying for a position as a bookkeeper, focus on your AR/AP experience.
Make Information Easy to Find.
If your resume is written like a book with no subheads and dense paragraphs, you’re making it difficult for a hiring manager to determine whether you’re a good fit for the position. So make it easy for them to find pertinent information; bold it, bullet it, and include plenty of white space.
Keep Your Resume Short & Simple.
Despite what you might think, it’s ok to go over one page for your resume; it’s better to have a two-page resume that’s clean, clear and easy to read, than a one-pager that’s jammed and cluttered with information. Just don’t submit a resume that’s more than two pages long if you want to keep the attention of the hiring manager.
The job market is highly competitive out there these days and it’s important that you demonstrate your unique skills and background…at a glance. Otherwise, your resume is going to end up in the recycling bin.
Want More Resume Help?
Let us know. As a leading recruiting agency, Peoplelink will work with you to craft an effective resume and match you with potential job opportunities that are a great fit for you. Contact Peoplelink today to learn more.
