THE RIGHT WAYS TO UPDATE A RESUME

The job market can be competitive, as new graduates flood the field each and every year. Many job seekers may benefit from revamping their resumes before beginning their search. It’s not uncommon for recruiters to receive thousands of resumes for each job opening they post, and the sheer volume of applicants can make it difficult for job seekers to have their resumes seen. In such instances, job seekers must take steps to tip the odds in their favor. By following these guidelines, job seekers may have a better chance of getting their resumes into the right hands.

INCLUDE A PROFESSIONAL PURPOSE

Modern standards may suggest that listing a career objective is old-fashioned. However, it is helpful to customize your resume so that it is geared toward the position for which you are applying. A career objective may reflect how you are a strong candidate for each specific job you apply for. Include specific skills or achievements that tie into the particular job or company, and you may catch the hiring manager’s attention in the process.

EMBRACE KEYWORDS

Many employers now use application-tracking software to sift through the scores of resumes that are submitted for each opening they post. Keywords make it easier for employers to sort through thousands of resumes. The right keywords will flag your resume and increase your “relevancy

score” in the main human resource/ recruiting software programs that are available. Adapt your resume for each application you submit, using some of the words listed in the initial job posting and description. In addition, look at similar job postings, and incorporate some keywords listed in those ads so that you have all the bases covered.

TRIM THE FAT

Less is often more regarding resumes. List all of the pertinent information, then go over your resume a few more times, and take out any irrelevant information. Only include information that is relevant to your career goals.

HIGHLIGHT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE

Rather than listing every job responsibility and position in chronological order, use your resume to highlight specific career accomplishments. This is a time to be your own biggest fan and tell the world all the great things you’ve accomplished — but be sure to include evidence to back up your claims. According to a 2015 survey by CareerBuilder, employers say that resumes that include links to a candidate’s portfolio, website or blog garner more attention than resumes without such links, but only include these links if they direct the reader to information that’s relevant and is not noted on your resume.

PUT YOUR OWN VOICE IN THE RESUME

Rather than using standard verbiage on your resume, personalize what you want to say. Hiring managers want to hire a human, not a machine. When speaking about yourself, use strong action words that define your skills even further. Human-resource professionals cite terms such as “managed,” “achieved” and “improved” as examples of positive, assertive words.

Updating a resume with the goal of standing out among a crowded pool of applicants is a great way for job seekers to land a new position.

With the volume of resumes that an employer may receive, it is important for your resume to stand out in the crowd. Submitting a clean, to-the-point, but also eye-catching, resume can help an employer take an interest in your skills.