Whether you're fresh out of college or an experienced professional seeking a career change, a well-crafted resume and cover letter are your tickets to land an interview. But with hiring managers spending an average of just seven seconds looking at each resume, how do you make yours stand out from the crowd? Here are five pro tips to help you out.
Tip 1: Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter to the Job Description
Pro Tip: Don't send the same resume and cover letter to every job you apply for. Instead, tailor them to each position to show that you're truly interested and have done your homework.
Start by carefully reading the job description. Identify key words and phrases, then incorporate them into your resume and cover letter. This not only shows you're a good fit for the role but also helps get your documents past applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan for specific terms.
Tip 2: Use Action Verbs and Quantify Achievements
Pro Tip: Action verbs and quantifiable achievements make your resume more impactful.
Avoid passive language and use action verbs like 'achieved', 'delivered', 'improved', or 'managed' to describe your previous job responsibilities. Also, quantify your achievements where possible. Instead of saying 'increased sales', say 'increased sales by 20% over a six month period'.
Tip 3: Keep It Concise and Well-Formatted
Pro Tip: A well-formatted, concise resume is easier to read and makes a good impression.
Limit your resume to one or two pages. Use bullet points for clarity and use a professional font (like Arial or Times New Roman) in a readable size (10-12 pt). Also, keep the formatting consistent throughout the document.
Tip 4: Highlight Your Skills and Accomplishments
Pro Tip: Your skills and accomplishments set you apart from other candidates.
List your skills in a separate section, and make sure they're relevant to the job you're applying for. Highlight your accomplishments in your work history section, focusing on outcomes rather than tasks.
Tip 5: Proofread Thoroughly
Pro Tip: Spelling and grammar errors can make your application look unprofessional.
Proofread your resume and cover letter multiple times, and consider having a trusted friend or mentor review them too. Free online tools like Grammarly can also help catch any mistakes.
Here's a handy table summarizing the pro tips to perfect your resume and cover letter:
Perfecting your resume and cover letter is an ongoing process. But with these pro tips, you'll be well on your way to making a great impression on future employers.
