1. You lack a job-hunting strategy
2. Your resume is too generic
We discussed the importance of targeting your resume for every job and changing the summary statement, but what about the rest of your resume? It’s time to find ways to put a spotlight on the things that will interest your potential employer the most.
For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, play up your marketing experience. Then, cut out other aspects of your experience that are less relevant.
It’s also OK to let a little personality shine through. In fact, we love finding little gems like this. It makes our day! Phil was invited for an interview, by the way.
3. You're wasting prime resume real estate
Busy hiring managers stop reading a resume when they think they’ve gathered enough info to decline or accept your resume. Don’t make them search for the good stuff. Put all of the most important info “above the fold,” on the top third of your resume.
Is a license required? Put that in the top third. Did you hold this exact job but it was three jobs ago? Put that job first under “Relevant Experience,” and list the rest of your jobs underneath. Make your summary statement POP. if you do nothing else, make the top 3rd of your resume count.
4. Your resume is long and boring
Reading resumes is boring. Don’t make things harder for your future employer by making it unnecessarily long and filled with irrelevant details. When you edit your resume for the job you’re applying to, it will be easier to delete fluff that isn’t relevant.
Most people can get their resume on one page – two max. If it’s two pages, it better have plenty of white space.
5. You don't explain it in numbers
Don’t expect a busy hiring manager with 100 resumes in their inbox to draw the right conclusion when you describe your previous work experience. Spell it out in short, punchy sentences and use numbers whenever possible.
Change this: “In my last job, I managed a sales team of 5.”
To this: “Pioneered a new strategy to increase sales. The result was a 62% increase in leads and a 27% increase in profit, which increased quarterly revenue by $27,000.”
You’ve done a lot of cool things in your previous jobs. What should you keep and what should you toss?
Go back to the job ad and look for tasks you’ve done in the past that are listed on the job ad. Include those that clearly demonstrate why you are a good fit for that particular position. Simplicity is key.
6. Your LinkedIn profile doesn't match your resume
Your LinkedIn profile matters. It should match the generic version of your resume and should include all of your work experience. Make sure that the dates on LinkedIn match the dates listed on your resume. When dates of employment don’t line up, hiring managers suspect that you are lying on your resume.
Kick it up a notch and use the LinkedIn “About” section to tell your story. Oh – and don’t forget to post a current and professional photo of yourself!
7. Your social media isn't doing you any favors
Audit all of your social media handles. Are there any public photos of you in a bathing suit? Dancing on a table at a club? Chugging a beer? Do you have any tweets or other posts that are political or controversial in any way? If you’ve posted anything that could be perceived as offensive, including badmouthing former employers, then you need to delete these posts as soon as possible. At the very least, make these posts private to your very close group of friends.
Believe it or not, 93% of hiring managers research a candidate online before offering him or her a job. Not only that, but 55% of them have changed their minds after getting a negative impression from social media. Your online reputation matters.
There you go! 7 simple things you can do when your resume isn’t being noticed to make it stand out from the crowd. Once you get an interview, do you know how to answer the most common interview questions? Check out these two videos and upgrade your interview skills.
VANESSA ROSENBLUM
Pro R.E.A. Staffing & Hire LAB Founder
Continue the conversation with her here.
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