Why is it that you can’t get a job — even after you’ve forwarded your resume to so many companies you can’t even keep count anymore? Chances are, the issue isn’t that there are no jobs to be had. In most cases, there is an inherent, but solvable, problem with the resume you’re handing employers.
Did you know that, on average, 250 resumes are submitted for every corporate job opening? You don’t want yours to fall to the bottom of each and every pile. How can you get finally start moving forward with your career? Here are three ways to make your resume more appealing to recruiters.
1. Start Concentrating on the Right Things
A new research study by TheLadders found that, while executive recruiters estimated that they spend an average of five minutes looking at resumes, in reality, they spent only a speedy five to seven seconds. What does this mean? Recruiters are drawn to key areas of your resume, including your job titles, where you’ve worked, and your education. Spend more time developing these sections, and less time trying to make yourself sound interesting with your after-work bungee jumping hobby.
2. Start Getting a Second Pair of Eyes
For people submitting resumes, it’s very common to edit it, then send it off to companies, without ever showing it to someone else. Yet a surprisingly large number of resumes contain spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or unprofessional details. You should always have an experienced friend or colleague look over your resume, because, according to Careerbuilder, 61% of executive recruitment firms will dismiss a resume with typos. In addition to being error-free, don’t make the beginner mistake of submitting a resume that’s three pages long.
3. Showcase Yourself as a “Seller,” Not a “Teller”
According to a University of Florida study on the top characteristics of a superior salesperson, there’s a difference between tellers and sellers, and it’s sellers who typically land jobs and keep them in occupations where communications matter. When you need to describe yourself, look for adjectives that relate to problem-solving, rather than information-giving. Sellers risk rejection, translate for clients how features are a benefit, and can listen and talk in equal measures.
Do you think your resume is ready for an executive recruitment firm? Let us know in the comments. Continue reading here.
