5 Must-Haves for an Effective Resume

When it comes right down to it—let’s be honest—the real purpose of your resume is to do what? Get you interviews. That’s the primary function of a resume—no more, no less. So how do you create a resume that’s effective at getting you interviews? Here are five tips that will get you started:

RELEVANCE

The most effective resumes are the ones that are targeted to a specific position. Resumes that lack focus produce little in the way of results because the hiring manager fails to see the connection between your skills and qualifications and the job in question. Customize your resume for the position you want, and you’ll see better results.

BRANDING

In addition to relevance, branding is equally important. Effective branding leaves a distinguishable and memorable impression with the employer about the value and benefit you offer them as an employee. You’re essentially marketing your talents, skills, and abilities to the employer so they’ll value you over another candidate.

KEYWORDS

These are short words or phrases that communicate BIG information. A simple keyword can tell an employer whether you possess the skills, abilities, and qualifications they consider necessary for you to adequately perform the job in question. It’s important to include the keywords specific to the position you want or you’ll be passed over for any interviews. Keywords are critical when you apply online because applicant tracking software (ATS) will use them to weed out your resume from the other candidates who are applying and will rank your resume in order of relevance. But they are also important to the human eye. When the ATS search deems your resume worthy and spits it out for review, the entry-level HR representative reading it will want to see those keywords—and he or she is not going to want to go looking for them.

ACTION-DRIVEN

Long gone are the days of passive terms, phrases, and information on resumes. The job search game has become increasingly more competitive, and if you want to stay in the game you’re going to have to step up to the plate. Ditch the ‘responsible for …’, ‘duties included …’, ‘familiar with …’, ‘knowledgeable in …’, ‘worked with …’ junk. It’s a waste of space. Instead, replace them with action-driven phrases that communicate those things you’re capable of and have previously done. Let me give you some GREAT examples of aggressive, action verbs you can use right now on your own resume:

• Accelerated
• Achieved
• Captured
• Conceived
• Designed
• Created
• Imagined
• Reengineered
• Revitalized
• Spearheaded
• Structured
• Negotiated
• Implemented
• Automated
• And the list goes on and on …