Recruiters today are faced with more applicants per job opening than ever before, making it difficult to filter down to the most qualified candidate. So, when your resume arrives in the hands of a recruiter, how do you captivate their attention and ensure it doesn’t go into the trash pile? Make your resume pop with the right word choices.
Recruiters typically spend a mere couple of seconds to review a resume and determine if it belongs to the “follow up” pile. Yes, it’s nowhere near the amount of time you took to prepare the resume, but if you have taken the time to carefully word your resume, it can make the difference between getting an interview and possibly a job offer or spending more time researching and sending out resume after resume with no result.
Producing a noticeable resume happens as a result of a combination of factors, which may include format, layout and appearance, but specifically, what you say on a resume will be critical in helping a recruiter determine if you are qualified (at least on paper).
Keep in the mind the tips below to help ensure your resume is worded with perfection and expresses the true skills and experience you have to offer.
• Use an active voice.
An active voice means more than verbs alone – it’s about using “active” verbs. Think of active verbs that can cut right to the chase, such as “designed,” “restored,” and “restructured.” Start each line with an active verb to give your resume movement and energy.
• Cut out unnecessary words.
Be direct. The shorter the phrasing, the greater the impact. For instance, rather than stating, “Responsible for managing company’s top three budgeted clients…,” try, “Managed company’s top three budgeted clients...”
• Select words specific to the position and field.
Look out for buzzwords used from the job posting or that are of value to the field, specifically as it may relate to technical skills. Apply them to your resume appropriately to illustrate what you have to offer and to demonstrate to a recruiter that you speak their language. Some employers may have an automated process to help filter resumes containing specific keywords that match their requirements. But add it reasonably; overdoing it is not going to make it more effective.
• Don’t use words that say nothing.
Words such as “effectively, expertly, skillfully” are meaningless to a recruiter and are viewed as overused. Instead, demonstrate what actual results you achieved – don’t tell your skills, show it. What did you effectively do? Why are you an expert? How are you skillful?
• Avoid listing soft-skills or traits.
Anyone can write on their resume that they are an “excellent communicator,” “team player,” and “goal-oriented.” If you want the recruiter to believe it, demonstrate it by describing specific actions or results garnered in previous positions. Words such as “energetic” and “professional” should also be left out and saved for you to show the recruiter during a face to face interview.
• Quantify.
Specify the quantity in your resume when appropriate. Words such as “many,” “few,” and “several” have less impact and meaning than actual numbers. Numbers and symbols are also attention grabbers on a resume.
• Maintain a third-person point of view.
Avoid writing in the first-person point of view such as using “I restructured…,” “I managed…” or “I lead….” Write your resume from the third-person point of view for a more professional tone and for greater impact. It goes straight to the point. For instance, “Restructured the company’s…,” “Managed a team of 20 workers….” and “Lead the company’s yearly…”
A resume has an important role in the job hunting process. It one of the first tools you will need to help get your foot in the door, so spending extra time on it to perfect it is worth it. A few simple adjustments to wording can make the difference between a resume falling into the “trash” pile and making itself into the “follow up” pile.
Remember anyone can write a resume. Your resume needs to stand out by making the recruiter feel you are charged and ready to take on new missions. You will achieve this by showing an active voice that illustrates how your experience and skills have helped accomplish and achieve success for other companies and can do the same for them. It’s all about selecting the right words.
By: Don Goodman
Don Goodman President of About Jobs is a nationally recognized Resume Writer and Career Expert, featured on 3 of the Top 5 career portals, and quoted hundreds of times in print, TV and radio. A graduate of the Wharton School of Business and Stanford University's Executive Program, Don has helped thousands of people secure their next job and can be reached at 800-909-0109 or dgoodman@GotTheJob.com
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