12 Ways to Ensure That Your Resume Gets Read

Have you ever sent off numerous resumes for different jobs and heard nothing back? According to the employment website, Glassdoor, the average corporate job opening attracts 250 resumes. With that kind of volume, it’s little wonder that most resumes get looked at for 7 seconds or less. So, how do you make yours stand out?

How can you increase the odds that a hiring manager will even get to see your resume and pay attention to your application long enough to appreciate what you have to offer? Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make sure your resume gets read. Study these suggestions before you reply to another job listing.

You can make your resume stand out from the crowd. For starters, review it carefully before you start your job search and update it at least twice a year or after any major achievement.

Top Tips

1. Use keywords. As you probably know, many companies use artificial intelligence to screen applicants. Clear the first hurdle by including keywords those robots are looking for. You can often figure that out by copying the language in the job advertisement.
   
   
2. Strengthen your summary.  Hiring managers are often pressed for time, so your summary may determine whether your resume lands in the reject pile or receives further consideration. Write a brief and compelling description of your background and what makes you an outstanding candidate. Make sure you cover off on any mandatory criteria such as holding the right education requirements or time in the industry.
   
   
3. Quantify your accomplishments. Numbers sound persuasive. Create bullet points that communicate your achievements with percentages and other statistics but make them sound realistic. Overestimating your achievements could work against you.
   
   
4. Simplify formatting. A little structure can make your resume easier to scan but avoid going overboard. Stick to a professional font, adequate white space, and helpful headings.
   
   
5. Ask for feedback. You may be so familiar with your resume that you overlook obvious typos. Ask a friend or family member to look it over and tell you what they think. Read it out loud to see how well it flows.
   
   
6. Deliver it directly. Now that you’ve polished your resume, guide it to someone who wants to see it. Use LinkedIn and other sources to find the name and position of an appropriate contact, if it’s not given in the job listing. Being referred to a position shows that you have done some homework and taken an interest in the company.

Other Tips for Making Sure Your Resume Gets Read

Keep in mind that your resume is just one ingredient in a successful job search. You need to maximize the rest of your strategy too.

Try these techniques:

1. Assess your qualifications. Are you seeking positions that match your background and make sense in the context of your career path? You probably need to provide some explanation if you’re overqualified, underqualified, or trying to change fields. If trying to change fields, state it in your career objective
   
   
2. Customize your cover letter. This is where you can address such concerns and make the case for hiring you. Research the company, so you can discuss their specific needs and how you can help.
   
   
3. Add work samples. Give employers a preview of the impressive qualifications that won’t fit in your resume. Link your application to your personal website or your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your resume at least matches what your LinkedIn profile says. If you have embellished your resume to match the job description, it will be easy to spot if your profile does not line up
   
   
4. Obey instructions. Make a positive first impression by reading the application guidelines and following them. Show them that you’re considerate and easy to work with. Simple things like submitting as a PDF, using double spacing and the correct font if requested. The employer is seeing how well you can follow directions.
   
   
5. Follow up. Unless the job description says no calls, try to discuss the position further. Be prepared with substantive questions if someone has the time to speak with you. Be gracious and express your enthusiasm if they ask you to wait while they complete their process. Another reason for calling is so you can get your name across to the hiring manager. This will create a mental positive bias when they do see your resume. While they may not immediately remember your name, it will subconsciously link and it could get you in the interview pile of resumes
   
   
6. Leverage your network. One of the most effective ways to get an employer’s attention is to find a contact you have in common. Maybe you know someone willing to make a call or send a recommendation. Even go so far as looking at the hiring managers LinkedIn profile if there name is listed. Again, this shows that you are doing your research, and may create a more positive feeling for the recruiter.

Even if you’re a star performer, you may have to work on your resume to be sure it gets read. Making it easier for employers to recognize your value will help you to land more interviews and job offers.

If you want more advice and tips about how to stand out, why not give me a call, I am more than happy to assist.