Trends in resume design can change on a dime. Remember when video resumes were all the rage? Or inserting a QR code? Because preferences and trends change quickly, it’s difficult to know how to craft a resume that will get you noticed for the right reasons. So, just what should your resume look like in 2017?
“Accomplishments should be bragged about on every resume; progression via promotions should always be capitalized as you show case yourself! Those motivated by goals and feedback have a laundry list of accomplishments! Think outside of the box and get it on your resume now!” Says Jamie Bannach, Senior Recruiter, Contemporary Staffing Solutions.
Tasteful Design Elements Are Encouraged
Your resume should always be professional-looking and easy to read, but it is ok to insert a bit of understated and tasteful flair to stand out; just make sure it’s not distracting. A clever sidebar with important elements about yourself outlined in a pop of muted color can be a nice touch. Also make sure to choose a clean, easy-to-read, but not necessarily boring, font.
Don’t Bury The Lead
You’ve heard of newspapers “burying the lead” by sticking the most important element of the story in the middle of the piece rather than the first paragraph. Think of the top of your resume as the lead. Hiring managers will scan your resume quickly to see if you meet their requirements. Make it easy by putting the most relevant details at the top, or make by creating a “relevant skills” section.
Rethink Your Objective Statement
Instead of an objective statement that says you want to work for the company you’re applying to (which is obvious), create a summary statement similar to that which you find on LinkedIn. State your qualifications, key achievements and your unique selling proposition that will show the hiring manager that it’s worth their time to keep reading your document.
Showcase Performance, Not Tasks
Hiring managers want to know one thing and one thing only: what can you contribute to their organization? When developing sections on past experience, don’t fall into the trap of listing out basic job tasks. Instead, make sure to highlight your performance and accomplishments. This can be difficult, so go back and look at performance reviews from past jobs or evaluations from internships. What did your bosses say you do better than others? Wherever possible, quantify those achievements with verifiable metrics.
Tailor, Tailor, Tailor
There was a time you could get away with creating one resume and sending it with every application, but those days are long gone. Today, your resume should be tailored to the job you’re applying for. Study each job posting to determine exactly what it is the company is looking for in a candidate and showcase your skills and qualifications that align with their priorities. If you want to position yourself as the ideal candidate, you can only do that by sending tailored resumes.
Tailoring is also important to help your resume pass any automated screening software the company deploys to help weed out unqualified applicants. The keywords you see in the job posting will likely be the criteria by which the computer scores your resume, so you want to make sure you include as many of those skills and requirements as possible.
If you are a professional seeking new opportunities to grow your career, contact the experts at Contemporary Staffing Solutions. We can help you find the right job faster and increase your chances of getting the interview, and the offer.