A needle in a haystack
We all say when we are looking for something that we know will be hard to find that “it will be like looking for a needle in a haystack”.
We hope to one-day find it however we know our chances may be slim and somewhat challenging?
Could this be what is happening in the information in your resume? Are you making the reviewer feel that trying to find core capabilities it will be like looking for a needle in the haystack? Are you making it simply too hard? Presenting relevant and accurate information within your resume is integral to obtaining the result you so desire from your application.
The challenge is in understanding how to most effectively present this information without knowing 1) who the reviewer will be and 2) what their preferences are.
Understanding all of this, key tips on how to most effectively present your information are:
1. Use the first page of your document as the marketing page
Put everything on the first page that is going to be most relevant for your application. Provide a list of your key skills that match the requirements of the position you are targeting, a list of your qualifications, certifications and industry licences, a key summary of positions held and professional memberships if they are relevant. This key information becomes part of your marketing pitch and ensures that the most important information is immediately accessible.
2. Use bullet points in your position responsibilities and achievements
Long statements and paragraphs are too difficult to extract information from in the time available to the reviewer. Use bullet points and short statements to immediately get across your key focus areas and relevant position achievements; once again aligning this to the requirements of the position and industry.
3. Talk the relevant language
Never use abbreviations or slang within your resume. If there is a need for the reviewer to look further for information to define what you may actually be meaning will only lose their interest. Never use language that has to be interpreted or terminology that is not globally recognised or succinct. When in technical based positions, common phrases and abbreviations that are globally recognised within your industry may be accepted but only if you are aware that the reviewer will understand exactly what you are meaning?
4. Never include links expecting the recruiter to look elsewhere
Some individuals have provided links to online profiles instead of outlining the information required on their resume document. It is imperative that the document you provide as part of your application includes all of the relevant information for the reviewer without them having to go elsewhere to get this. Including these links in support of your application is an effective networking opportunity, however to have this in place of providing the information will only break rapport with the reviewer.
Remember to be effective in your content presentation and to never make it appear that you are wanting to become the needle in the haystack!