How To Write A Resume That Will Make It Any HR's Favorite!

6 mins read

Your resume is one of your first chances to make a good impression on potential employers; it is your primary tool for deciding whether or not to hire you. If you want to be considered for an interview, your resume must capture the reader's attention within seconds. So how to write a resume that makes you stand apart?

What the hiring managers really want to see is that you have the skills needed for the position that you have applied for. They're not looking for a jack of all trades, but candidates with key strengths. To find out what these key strengths are, ask yourself about your most significant accomplishments and then identify which ones will be the most relevant to the job of interest. 

According to a study by the search site Ladder, recruitment managers spend about seven seconds reviewing resumes before deciding whether to accept or reject an applicant. So it is your job as a job seeker to make sure they want to read yours. Here are some resume-writing tips on how you can make sure they do!

How to write a resume for a job?

Here are some quick resume-writing tips that will keep the recruiter glued:

1. Make sure your name stands out. This means using different fonts, colors, and sizes. You should also use bullet points instead of paragraphs when listing your experience.
2. Use keywords from the job description. For example, if the job posting says “experience working with Microsoft Office applications” put this phrase into your cover letter.
3. Include contact details. The best way to get noticed is to send a personalized email rather than just sending a generic application form.
4. Don't forget to add any awards or achievements you may have won. These could help demonstrate leadership qualities.
5. Include a section of your CV that covers your skills relevant to the position you are applying for. Without data points such as your current company title, work history, working time in a previous company, and education, your CV is unlikely to be passed on to the next person in charge of hiring decisions. 
6. Be specific about why you would like to work there. What makes them stand out above other companies? Why did you choose them over others? How does this company fit within your career goals?
7. Keep it short and sweet. A few sentences describing your qualifications and interests will suffice. No more than three pages, please.
8. An excellent cover letter complements, supports, and expands a simple CV, and if an HR manager does not feel like reading a version of two different documents, it is, in his view, a great waste of time. 
9. It is recommended you run your resume in reverse chronological order and that it's drafted as concisely as possible. Ensure there are no discrepancies in your accomplishments or work history.
10. Proofread carefully. Pay attention to grammar and spelling - If an applicant has not proofread his CV, it is a good sign that he does not have the level of detail required for a job posting. 
11. Have fun with it. Remember: no matter how much time you spent perfecting your resume, it still needs to reflect your personality.
12. Practice making a strong first impression. Try writing several versions of your resume, including both chronological and functional formats. Then practice reading your own resume aloud. Finally, try speaking with a friend or relative about your resume.

What should you do after applying for your dream job?

Once you have understood how to write a resume and have sent it across to the recruiter, here are some ways that will help you get your dream job. 

1. Take advantage of social media. LinkedIn has become a popular networking platform among professionals. Post links to your professional profile and share articles related to your field.
2. Follow up after applying. Send thank-you notes to those who responded positively to your application. And don't hesitate to follow up again if necessary.
3. Network. Join groups online where you can meet new contacts and learn what kinds of jobs are available in your area.
4. Update your skills regularly. If you're looking for a change, take courses at local community colleges or universities. Or consider enrolling in classes at a nearby technical school.
5. Stay positive. As you wait for a call from the recruiting manager, it's hard to keep away from having negative thoughts cloud your mind. Thus during this time, focus on all the good aspects of yourself and keep reminding yourself of these throughout the day.
6. Know your worth. There are many ways to find out what salary range you fall under. One method is to check Glassdoor.com which provides information. Another option is to ask someone close to you such as a teacher or parent.

Also Read: The difference between a CV and Resume you probably didn’t know!

Let them know you're the perfect fit!

The crux of the recruitment process is to make the hiring manager believe that you are the perfect fit for the role being offered. So keep no stone unturned at any stage of the selection process. For this you need to: 

1. Understand the interview process well. Prepare interview questions ahead of time. Also, make sure you know exactly what they want to see in an applicant. Mock interviews can be really helpful for you to understand your shortcomings and strengths. 
2. Dress appropriately. Wear clothes that show your confidence and professionalism. Avoid wearing casual attire.
3. Smile! Show enthusiasm during interviews.

Nowadays, HR managers want candidates who are distinguished by their unique experience and CV design. A common trap that job seekers fall into is the use of flowery words and jargon that sound too much like their CVs and confuse recruiters. But in this ever-changing job market, clear words on a resume can help you attract the attention of HR managers and conduct an interview. 

Remember, when HR managers scan your resume, they want to make it easy for them to find relevant information and digest it by consolidating and compiling the most important points. Employers often use the same keywords in job advertisements when looking for candidates, and even in CVs. Job seekers should remove weak phrases such as 'responsibilities' and 'including those responsible' from their CVs, says LinkedIn-Centre expert Andrew McCaskill. 

Once you get the details right, your resume needs to look and feel like someone reading it is attracting the attention of human resources managers and recruiters.

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