How to ensure your resume stands out

EMPLOYERS receive tons of job applications every day. Among the applications received, how many resumes actually stand out and are noticed?

How do you make sure the resume you send in will be noticed and not be buried under a pile of application letters?

This week we will look at some tips that might help you in this area. Simple and precise Make sure that your resume is simple and precise. Do not be too wordy. Avoid long sentences and stick to writing in point form.

A long and wordy resume tends to confuse the reader and will be unable to highlight the necessary important points.

Do not put in any complicated diagrams or confusing words that could mislead the reader.

Your resume must be straight to the point and allow the reader to understand the important message you are trying to convey. Use of keywords Read through the placement advertisement of the company and list down the keywords and requirements stated by them.

Try to put in those keywords and requirements in your resume. Relate your work experience and strengths to those requirements.

In this way, your resume will attract the attention of the Human Resources team. You will stand a higher chance of being called for an interview.

Ask others to vet your resume

No matter how many times you have read through and checked your resume, you could still overlook some mistakes. Hence, get someone to vet and go through your resume.

Besides pointing out possible spelling or grammatical errors, the person will be able to offer suggestions to further improve your resume. For instance, you may need to improve on the presentation of your resume or add in some important or relevant points. Enlist the help of contacts If someone you know is working for the company where you intend to apply for a job, it would be good if you could get the person to personally hand in your resume.

Most of the time, the resume that is handed in personally by an insider would more likely get a better reception. It is especially so if the person handing in the resume is in a high position or is well-liked in the company.

And if the person who hands in the resume is able to put in a few good words for you, it would definitely increase the chance of your resume being given attention.

Understand the procedure of talent sourcing

Try to fi nd out the procedure of the company in sourcing for candidates. When you are able to know the procedures clearly, then you would be able to prepare a resume that meets their needs. Follow up After you have sent in your resume, do not sit and wait for the interviewer to call you.

Take the initiative to call up the Human Resources Department to make sure your resume has been received. At the same time, ask about the possibility of being called for an interview.

By doing so, you will ensure the personnel know that you are interested and enthusiastic about the job.

Priscilla Hiu is a career guidance consultant of Gracia Management and a certified behavioural consultant of DISC Personality Profiling System, Institution of Motivation Living, USA and Extended DISC Personality Profiling System, Extended DISC Northgate.