A resume is often the first impression a hiring manager has of a job seeker, making it a critical component of the job application process. A well-crafted resume can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing an interview. However, with so many different opinions about what makes a great resume, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Considering that 99% of Fortune 500 companies and an estimated 90% of all large organizations use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, it’s especially important to get your resume just right to make sure it gets seen by hiring managers.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best tips and practices for creating an effective resume that beats the ATS and increases your chances of getting hired.
1. Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for
As of January 2023, 5.3 million Americans are looking for work. They won’t all be applying for the same jobs, of course, but this is to say that just about every job opening is competitive. When you only have one shot to get a hiring manager’s attention, you need to customize your resume to match the specific requirements and qualifications listed in the job description.
By customizing your resume in this way, it will give you a better chance of hitting the right keywords to beat the ATS and get past the initial screening stage. Once your resume has made it that far, the customizations you’ve made will demonstrate to the hiring manager that you understand the role and have the skills and experience required to perform it effectively. Not only that, but a tailored resume can help you stand out from the field while showcasing your most relevant experience for the job.
2. Keep it concise and visually appealing
A well-organized, easy-to-read resume is crucial. You should aim to keep your resume to a single page, but if you have enough relevant experience and accomplishments to share, you can go for a maximum of two pages. Just make sure to use bullet points and clear headings to make it easy to scan.
There are a number of reasons to do this. First, hiring managers often have to review a large number of resumes, so you want to make sure yours stands out for being professional and well-presented. Second, a visually appealing resume demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism, which can be important factors in the hiring decision.
Finally, it helps you draw attention to important information, such as your experience and achievements. This makes it easier for the hiring manager to see why you’re a good fit for the job.
3. Highlight your relevant experience
This might sound a little obvious. But if your resume is more generic, take some time to emphasize the experience that directly relates to the job you’re applying for. Be sure to include specific examples of your achievements. Your relevant experience is often the first thing a hiring manager looks at when evaluating your resume, and by highlighting your relevant experience, you demonstrate your qualifications for the job and show why you’re the best candidate for the role.
It might be exhausting (not to mention a filing nightmare) to do this for every job you apply for, but it’s an important step to take for jobs you’re really interested in and feel you’re right for.
4. Use keywords
We touched on this point when discussing tailoring your resume, but it deserves its own bullet because ATS systems are so prevalent these days. Identifying the right keywords is one of your best bets to make it past the initial screening process.
Of course, that’s easier said than done — no HR manager is listing the ATS keywords on a particular job posting. That said, you can use context clues to take educated guesses. Look at the experience and skills outlined in the posts’ job requirements, any repeated phrases in the job’s responsibilities, and specific tools or expertise mentioned. If the job posting uses bullets, try to echo some of the key bullet points in your resume.
5. Showcase your achievements
Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, include quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact and value. Highlighting your achievements showcases what you have accomplished in your past roles and shows what you could potentially do in this role.
With so many applicants applying for the same job, highlighting your achievements can help you stand out from the crowd and show what sets you apart from other candidates.
6. Be truthful
Don’t exaggerate your skills or experience, or include false information on your resume. Lying on a resume is unethical and can lead to serious consequences if discovered, such as losing your job or damaging your reputation. Being truthful on your resume helps build trust with the hiring manager, which is crucial for establishing a positive working relationship.
Besides the obvious ethical considerations, hiring managers often have a keen eye for detecting dishonesty and can easily spot inconsistencies or false information on a resume. If you make it through the ATS to have human eyes on your resume, overstating or outright lying about your experience or accomplishments could come back to severely hurt your career.
Lying on a resume can be discovered at any time in your career, even if you think an HR manager never saw your application for a specific job. People talk — especially within industries — and you don’t want to gain a reputation as dishonest.
7. Proofread
Your resume is a first, and often only, impression. Check for spelling and grammar errors, as well as inconsistencies in your information. You may have overstated something in the past, phrased something in a way you don’t love, or made a typo or two. It might sound silly, but in a competitive job market, little mistakes can make the difference between an interview and getting passed up.
Take the time to proofread a few times and have someone else review your resume before submitting it.
8. Keep your resume up to date
You might think you don’t need to update your resume when you’re gainfully employed, but that’s a mistake. Updating your resume regularly ensures that it reflects your current skills and experience, making it easier for you to apply for new job opportunities when you see them.
Not only do you want to present the most current information to potential employers, but having an outdated resume can be a red flag for hiring managers. An updated resume also demonstrates your commitment to your career and your willingness to stay current in your field.
There are a couple of underrated benefits of keeping your resume updated, too. First, it helps you keep track of your professional growth and accomplishments. Once you’ve earned a new achievement, like a promotion, award, or certificate, adding it to your resume immediately helps you stay better organized and more prepared for opportunities in the future. Second, should you lose your job or get bored of it for any reason, having an up-to-date resume prepared and ready to go can help you make a smooth transition if necessary.
9. Create a compelling cover letter
Despite the fact that most workers feel cover letters are unnecessary, many companies still require them from job applicants. Regardless of how you feel about them, cover letters are a good way to introduce yourself and speak more about why you’re a good fit for the job. Yes, it may be time-consuming, but crafting a good cover letter template that you can tailor for specific applications will save you time when it comes to applying for jobs you’re very interested in.
The most important thing a cover letter does is show how much you want a specific job. It lets you show your interest in the company and the specific role you’re applying for, making you a more appealing candidate for hiring managers who want to find someone who is excited to be there. Of course, it’s also an opportunity to highlight your relevant skills and qualifications and demonstrate how they align with the requirements of the role.
If necessary, cover letters can also explain any gaps in your work history, highlight specific reasons why you should stand out ahead of other candidates, and share your professional goals and how they align with this specific position. It’s a glimpse into your communication skills, including your writing style and attention to detail. This can be an essential factor in the hiring manager’s decision-making process, as strong communication skills are valued in many roles.
A cover letter can be an essential factor in the hiring manager’s decision-making process
Whether you’re looking to make some changes in your career or you need to find a job, your resume is the first chance you get to make a positive impression on hiring managers. With these tips, you’ll be able to beat the ATS and give yourself a leg up on the competition when it comes to getting your dream job.
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