How to Make Your Resume Stand Out And Get An Interview
As a recruiter, I can tell you firsthand how surprised I am that most job seekers don’t go the extra mile when they make resume submissions. In this very difficult job market, it’s incredibly important for candidates to make themselves stand out in from the avalanche of submissions.
Most applicants will send the exact same resume to every job, and that will actually decrease your chances of getting called for an interview.
Ask any HR manager or headhunter about this topic, and they will likely roll their eyes and gasp because they see it all too often. If job seekers want to impress the employers, then customizing the submissions to highlight their past experience is essential.
While many job seekers think they don’t need a cover letter, that myth persists and it’s simply not true. Employers want cover letters. They serve two important purposes: Firstly, they showcase the job seeker’s writing capabilities, and companies want employees that can write well because the candidates are reflections of the companies they represent. Secondly, the cover letter is a chance for the applicant to prove that they actually want the job. In short, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate that the job seeker did research on the company and understands it’s missions and values.
So how does one customize the submission? For starters, scouring the job description and pulling key words that describe the role are important. Those important descriptors need to be on the resume so that the ATS: Applicant Tracking System with sort your submission into the “maybe” pile for human eyes to gaze upon it. Without that important step, the applicant’s resume will never see the light of day.
The next step would be for the job seeker to get rid of the Objective Statement and replace it with a Summary of Qualifications. That “prime real estate” right on top of the resume is important. Since it’s statistically proven HR managers and recruiters only glance at resumes for a few seconds before deciding to trash it or not, the summary provides the screener with instant access to understanding if you possess the skills needed for the job. If so, you will go into the pile of resumes for consideration.
Job applicants need to hit a serious of home runs just to sore the interview: reviewing the job description for key words, customizing the resume, doing research for a stand-out cover letter, and then following the submission instructions. Since most job seekers won’t go the extra mile, candidates who do show the discipline and dedication will likely put themselves in the top 5 percent of submissions — assuming they are qualified for the position they are apply for.
About the author
Brian Daniel is a former personal assistant to American aristocracy, celebrities, billionaires and royal families. He is the founder and directory of The Celebrity Personal Assistant Network, a retained-search staffing consultancy for UHNW families. He has been featured in dozens of worldwide media outlets and is a certified career coach.
