5 Tips to Improve Your Resume and Land Your Dream Job

Are you a millennial struggling to find job satisfaction? According to recent studies, 70% of millennials dislike their jobs, and they typically stay in the same job for only 2.5 years on average. If you’re part of this statistic, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate your resume to address the underlying issue. With the help of these five tips, you can transform your resume into an eye-catching document that will catch recruiters’ attention and, ultimately, land your dream job.

1. Pitch Yourself Effectively

Recruiters spend no more than 6 seconds scanning each resume, so you must make a good first impression and do it quickly. The first part of your resume should act as an elevator pitch that highlights your key strengths and sells yourself. By grabbing the recruiter’s attention early on, they are more likely to continue reading the rest of your resume. Be sure to tailor this pitch to match the job description of the position you are applying for to show your potential suitability.

2. Choose the Right Font

The font you use on your resume can make all the difference in the world. When selecting a font, choose one that is easily scanned and legible, such as Arial, Helvetica, or Verdana. Avoid fonts like Courier and Comic Sans that may be difficult to scan. Another tip is to avoid Times New Roman, as it fails to give your resume a unique and standout look. Additionally, consider alignment, bolding, capitalization, bullet points, and italics to make your resume more readable and skimmable.

3. Use a Resume Builder Tool

Tools like Uptowork’s resume builder or CVmkr can save you a lot of time and frustration when creating a professional-looking resume. These tools guide you through the process step-by-step and allow for easy and intuitive editing of your resume. Letting technology assist you in creating your resume will leave you with more time to tailor your application and hunt for ideal job listings.

4. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letters

As more and more hiring managers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to simplify the recruiting process, matching the job description using relevant keywords is essential. To make your resume more visible on this type of application software, ensure that your resume is tailored to match the job description. Using the same resume for every job vacancy is a mistake, so take your time to craft a specific resume that will effectively emphasize your skills and achievements.

5. Keep Your Social Profiles Consistent

Your resume tells a story about yourself, and these stories must be reflected in your online presence. Recruiters inevitably will “Google” your name and commonly come across your social media profiles. Ensure consistency across every social platform and your website, if applicable. Pay particular attention to your LinkedIn profile, as it should contain the same information as your resume. Consistency in all online communications and presence, paired with a strong resume, reinforces who you are as an employee and an individual.

In Conclusion

It’s essential to keep in mind that the difference between an average resume and an outstanding one is small. Applying the above five tips will guarantee your resume stands out from the crowd, catches the recruiter’s eye, and brings more interview opportunities to the table. Spending just five minutes putting these tips into practice can make a considerable difference in the number of positive responses received from potential employers. Remember, the importance of having a well-manicured resume cannot be overstated as this document can be the difference between you landing your dream job or not.

Featured photo credit: Reynermedia on Flickr via flickr.com