Too many people maintain their CV by adding their latest experience to the next, layer on layer. Take some distance and review your CV asking : Does this really reflect my accomplishments from my current job? Is this the message I want to portray for this position? Does this really relay my true value?
The truth is you only have a few seconds to impress employers. Hiring managers only care about the value you have to offer as a candidate. Here are four things employers will notice immediately when they read your resume:
1. Keyword research
First and foremost, employers want to know if you are qualified for the job. Hiring managers spend most of their time skimming through resumes to identify keywords that match the job description.
Each time you apply for a job, carefully dissect the job posting. Create a list of skills, knowledge, and experience required for the position that match your experience. After you have created a list, identify the strongest matches. These will be the keywords you will use throughout your resume.
2. Embellished skills
As you write your resume, be careful not to include keywords, skills, or experience that do not genuinely reflect your abilities as a professional. To avoid this mistake, include supporting achievements with each position.
3. Overall career story/progression
Give the hiring managers a career story to read. This story helps them understand your motivation quickly and identify your fit.
Make sure your resume outlines the key responsibilities you have held in each position and highlight your progression/promotion. While job titles are often played down, they do give the employer an idea of the type of experience you have had over time.
4. Personal brand and online presence
Hiring managers want to see your personal web presence because it gives them the opportunity to learn more about your network and person. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is also up-to-date and your Tweets professional.
While this might seem like a lot, many hiring managers will digest this information in 30 seconds or less. By following these tips, you will create a stand-out resume that will get you noticed by employers in a positive way.
