How do you catch the attention of an over-worked human resources resume screener to keep them reading beyond the first few phrases? What will keep your resume from being quickly tossed into the circular file? Dazzle the resume reader and show your personality a bit. Resumes need not be dull.
Information overload is running rampant, and the person reviewing your resume is dog-tired and overworked. He’s tired of scanning resumes and screening applicants and just wants to go home for the weekend. Will the cover letter and resume you presented engage the reviewer to read past the first half of the page? Put yourself in that person’s shoes and think about what might win your attention – words with sizzle and spice, strong initial portrayal of skills, compelling evidence of value. Also, consider what will not draw attention – overused phrases, excessive wordiness, lack of credibility, and boring empty claims. The new challenge for job applicants is balancing creativity with professionalism.
As far as resumes go, traditional executives and others in the business field need to remain conservative, yet dazzling in verbiage and accomplishments. Other industries may be open to more contemporary and innovative resume tactics like infusing timelines, graphs, resume “maps” and other visuals. If you are in an artistic or graphics field, you should check out visual.me, a website that converts your standard resume into an illustrative resume with charts and graphs galore, a nice visual change for hiring managers.
What about engaging readers in cover letters? We all know there are plenty of hiring personnel who don’t bother to read cover letters. However, some will not even consider a candidate who applies without one. To be safe, a cover letter should always be included and specifically tailored for the position and receiving company. Letters are boring though, right? Well, they can be, but with the right wording, a letter can be a powerful, energizing connection to the resume. You don’t want to simply restate everything on that’s on your resume. Use different language and phrases to convey the same energy and professional value and as well as adding enthusiasm.
It’s your job to catch the reader’s eye, compel the reader to digest your resume, and get them fired up to interview you. You’ve got to think like a harried, weary resume screener. Would you choose you? If not, you’ve got some work to do.
How to Choose a Resume Writer
There is no question that there are good and bad résumé writers out there. This person works for you with your money. You must thoroughly weigh your options and investigate aspects of each potential writer’s business before making a decision. This person should have a genuine interest in assisting the public, not just making money.
5 Most Common Interview Questions
There are five questions you are sure to be asked if you interview several times. Here are the stretegies to use when answering as well as how to adequately prepare for every interview.
The Ultimate Guide to Crafting an Effective Cover Letter
A cover letter is more than just an accessory to your resume; it's a personal introduction and a powerful tool to make a compelling case for your employment. While some may question their relevance in the digital age, a well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from the competition. This guide will provide you with the essential information and strategies to create a cover letter that resonates with employers, backed by the latest data and expert insights.
