Landing an interview with a recruiter can feel like mission impossible for job hunters. In order to capture the attention of hiring managers, some job seekers turn to resume templates. These templates guide job seekers through the process of creating a picture perfect job application. While it may be tempting to rely on one of these documents, resume and cover letter templates often have a myriad of downsides for job hunters.
Many recruiters receive hundreds of applications for each new job posting they publish. For applicants, it is essential to develop a professional resume that stands out from the crowd. Adding a touch of creative flair is one simple way to make a resume stand out. With resume templates, however, job seekers utilize standard documents that mirror those submitted by all other applicants. This strategy rarely spells success for those seeking employment.
Not only do resume templates limit an applicant's approach to landing a new job, but they send a mixed message to recruiters. Modern workers need to be flexible and capable of working with a wide assortment of different technological platforms. Workers who submit documents created with resume and cover letter templates rarely make a strong first impression. Worse yet, if the recruiter recognizes the use of a template, he may reject the applicant for poor technological skills.
Applicants who utilize resume templates often do so thinking that a professional template contains the right structure and keys necessary to land an interview. In many cases, however, templates are created by anonymous online contributors who do not possess the professional qualifications necessary to instruct others in resume building. Instead of accepting guidance from a faceless expert online, job seekers should work with their networking contacts to find a mentor who can provide valuable, hands-on instruction.
While resume templates are not the best option in most cases, some job seekers find these documents useful for inspiration purposes. If the applicant does decide to use a template, it is important to add a personal touch to the finished document. Varied fonts, different borders and breaks in the page can all attribute to a unique overall feel. Once the document is complete, applicants should ask a friend or trusted colleague to review it for potential mistakes or errors. This vital feedback helps ensure applicants submit a polished application to recruiters.
By crafting a professional resume and cover letter, applicants demonstrate their efficiency and professionalism to recruiters. While it may be tempting to rely on resume templates to gain an advantage over the competition, this strategy rarely produces the desired results. Instead, job seekers must focus on building a resume that reflects their own professional experiences and personal attributes. With a bit of luck, this approach should generate the interest of recruiters.
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