Most recruiters spend just six seconds on a resume. That gives you very little chance to make a good impression, so you need to do everything you can to stand out.
Call attention to keywords. Use words that describe the candidate that the company is looking for and put those near the top.
Don’t call too much attention to your section headings. You don’t want to waste space on these, when other things are more important for the recruiter to see.
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When you’re trying to find a job, it’s more important for you to show, rather than to tell. And the best way to do that is with a killer portfolio.
First, figure out what you want to showcase. Make sure you choose to include the type of work you want to get hired to do.
Think outside the box. Just because your desired position is non-visual doesn’t mean there aren’t visual ways to represent it. Include reports, bulletins, etc. to explain some of your processes.
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There’s more to being a social media manager than just knowing how to use Facebook and Twitter. The best people for the job know how to track, measure and analyze social media efforts, and offer a number of special skills.
Social media managers need to be good communicators. They are the voice for the brand, and they know exactly how to adapt their communication based on the platform.
Creativity is also a must. And it’s not just about writing either. You need to have good visual skills as well. There’s lots of competition on social media, so you need to know how to stand out in a crowd.
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The summary of your resume is the best place to showcase your best attributes and accomplishments. But there are a few overused phrases that you should avoid saying to ensure recruiters are impressed by you.
Don’t say you’re an “out-of-the-box thinker.” Too many people use this phrase without giving examples to back it up. Use the space for actual accomplishments that showcase your skills rather than giving an abstract idea.
Don’t call yourself a leader. You can’t exactly claim leadership skills without proving them. Instead point out instances or times where you’ve led others.
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When you’re applying for a job, it’s important to customize your resume for the specific position. But it can be tricky to know how to show that you are the one they’re looking for.
If they’re looking for a team player, be sure to highlight instances where you exhibited team work. Some words to use include “collaborate,” “participate” and “partner.”
For positions requiring leadership skills, demonstrate your ability to motivate and inspire. Key words include “supervise,” “manage” and “teach.”
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Coffee meetings aren’t always the best way to network. With so many applicants, it may be hard for your connections to find the time to meet.
Try sharing your work via Twitter. Shooting someone a tweet is a lot easier and quicker than meeting for coffee. And who knows? After tweeting for awhile, you might get a meeting out of it.
Another option is to share your resume through LinkedIn. Make sure you send a personal message to show your interest.
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It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with your cover letter. Instead of creating a form letter that looks like everyone else’s, write something that will stand out.
Stop starting your letter with “I am applying for…” If you’re applying through an online system, the company already know what position you’re applying for.
Avoid cliches like “I’m a fast learner” and “I think outside the box.” Show your creativity by writing something more interesting.
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Resumes are an extremely important part of the job search process. It’s your first impression to the employer so you want to make sure it’s the best it can possibly be.
Don’t risk getting put in the “no” pile. Take these words out of your resume to increase your chances of getting hired:
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Deciding what to include and what not to include can be a difficult choice when you’re putting together your resume. First of all, you don’t want to list everything you’ve ever done. Highlight the accomplishments and skills relevant to the job you want.
Be sure to keep all your other information on file, though. Just cause you won’t include it now doesn’t mean you won’t include it later.
When typing everything out, make sure you have your important information above the fold. You want the good stuff to be seen first.
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Even if you have a great resume, cover letter and references, chances are others do too. So what sets you apart? Make sure you prove your worth so that the employer will remember you and offer you the job.
In your cover letter, discuss the challenges the company is facing and how you can contribute to solving them. You’ll show that you know a lot about the company already and have strong problem-solving skills.
Don’t rely solely on the recruiter to handle your application. Reach out to someone influential within the company and see if they could vouch for you.
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