You’re over your job search!

You’re applying to several jobs daily, submitting resume after resume, and getting little or no response!

You need an effective resume that’s going to get you in the door for interviews.

How To Write An Effective Resume

I’m sure you have thought of numerous reasons why you’re not getting interviews. 

I understand your frustration. Job searching is hard. Especially when you feel helpless as though you can’t do anything to get an interview.

Your resume is one of the primary tools to help you secure interviews. Six 6 seconds is the average time it takes employers to read resumes.  How do you write a resume that will show employers your value in six seconds?

Below are tips that will help you write an effective resume that will get employers to read your resume.

What Is An Effective Resume?

• A resume that gets you in the door for interviews and helps you secure jobs.
• A resume that shows employers that you have the VALUE they’re seeking.
• An effective resume will get employers to contact you for an interview as soon as possible.

Related article: Resume writing tips to get you an interview.

Begin With Your “End Goal” In Mind

The reason you’re submitting a resume is to secure a job, right? Getting that new job is your end goal!

• Before you start working on your resume take time to really understand the job you’re applying for.
• Review three to five job descriptions for the position/role you’re applying.
• Print several of those job descriptions and use a highlighter and mark the responsibilities and qualifications.
  

  Benefits of Reviewing Several Job Description

• As you review the job descriptions you will see reoccurring keywords. Include these keywords in your resume should you have the qualification.
• Job descriptions guide you to the skills, education, experience, and accomplishments to include on your resume.
• We often forget all the wonderful accomplishments we have had in our jobs. Reading job descriptions will help trigger your memory about those accomplishments.

It’s important that your resume is written well in order to get you job interviews. Job Interviews are employers’ primary evaluation tool in selecting new employees.

In the article, Resume Writing Tips To Get You An Interview, I shared that:

As a job seeker, the secret to securing an interview is to write your resume with employers in mind. 

The job description gives you a list of the qualifications that the employer needs from their ideal candidate. Do keep in mind that the job description encompasses the “wish list” of all the qualifications that the ideal candidate would have.

Yes, a wish list.  Try not to worry about the skills or experience you do not have. Instead, focus on all that you have to offer employers.

 Begin With Your End Goal In Mind  – When Writing Your Resume

1. What’s the position you’re trying to secure?
2. Can you describe the role?
3. What are the qualifications that you need to secure the position?
4. What qualifications do you have that match what employers are asking for?
5. Are all your qualifications on your resume?

Related Article: 5 Musts For Moms Before Starting A Job Search

The Meat OF Your Resume | Resume Content

CONTACT INFORMATION

It doesn’t matter how great your resume is if employers can’t reach you to schedule an interview. Make it easy for employers to contact you.

Contact Information To Include On Your Resume

• Your Name, Best Phone Number, Professional Email Address, Address, LinkedIn, Portfolio, or Website Link.
• Your contact information needs to be visible and at the top of your resume.
• Make it easy for employers to contact you.

Tip: Think about how you’re using your resume before including your full mailing address. Be cautious including your full address on your resume when posting it to public job boards. I suggest sharing your city, state, and zip code for the resumes you’re publicly sharing.

You want to ensure your safety along with ensuring employers can find you. Employers search for candidates using the city, state, or zip code.m m

RESUME HOOK

It’s VERY important that what you share next on your resume grabs the attention of the reader (Resume Screener, Hiring Manager, or Recruiter). This section of your resume needs to hook the reader and make them want to read and learn more about you and what you can do for them.

Tip: Employers DO NOT Care About What You Want. Employers Want to Know What You Can Do For Them, Hence, Don’t use an “objective” on Your Resume!

• Include the job title/profile you’re targeting,
• a summary of your best qualifications that will grab employers’ attention by showcasing that you have the qualifications for the role you’re targeting.
• Use numbers and show how many years of experience you have,
• and your skills and accomplishments that will help you succeed in the position.
• Include any additional “x-factor” that will positively impact the role should you be selected.

If your resume is not showing employers the value you have to offer they are going to move on to the next candidate. Be sure to grab and hook the attention of employers with the first set of information you put on your resume.

Tip: Always update this information for each position you apply. This information needs to be tailored exactly for the position you’re seeking.

STRONGEST QUALIFICATION

After writing your contact information and giving a summary of your qualifications you now need to include your strongest qualification.

Think about the role you’re applying to. Is your education or experience stronger at marketing you to employers? What’s your strongest qualification? Is it your experience or your education?

Tip: There is no rule about which resume section you should include next. Your level of professional work experience should be the deciding factor. Include your education first if you have little or no experience and a strong education qualification.

Labeling Experience On Your Resume

Experience | Professional Experience | Work Experience | Employment History

• The name you chose to label your experience is dependent on your level of experience and how you want to present yourself to employers.

Your resume tells employers your story, your journey throughout your education/training, and work experience. Put yourself in the employer’s shoes. Employers will read your resume and try to figure out the type of employee you are and how you could potentially impact the role they’re hiring for.

 

YOUR EMPLOYMENT STORY

Tell employers your employment story starting with your current or most recent position. This is called the reverse chronological resume format.

Keep in mind that you’re NOT listing your work responsibilities, you’re highlighting your accomplishments and the actions you took to achieve them. Use action verbs to describe each achievement.

Tip: CONSISTENCY IS KEY in how you list and label each job you include on your resume. Let employers know your job title, company name, the city, and state you worked and the time frame using month and year.

• Give a summary of each position.
• Use bullet points to lists your most relevant accomplishments.
• List past position in past tense and present in the present tense.
• Always start with your strongest achievement first!
• Be sure to use numbers and quantify your accomplishments.
• Show potential employers what you did in your former roles that helped your company. Highlight how you saved money and time, increased productivity, and reduced cost and time.
• Include systems and processes you created or updated that was beneficial.
• Only include your last 10 years of work experience.

BE STRATEGIC AND USE COMMON SENCE

Be strategic when applying to each position. These tips are guidelines to help you write an effective resume.

If the highering manager is an alumnus of your college, you could then chose to move your education above experience. Capitalizing on the commonality you share with your potential boss.

Similarly, it’s recommended that you do not include more than 10 years of experience in your resume. However, you may have worked with a direct competitor or even the same company more than 10 years ago. Including that experience could make your candidacy stronger and give you an advantage in being selected.

EDUCATION | TRAINING | CERTIFICATIONS

Be strategic when deciding whether to put your education or experience first.

Include the name of your degree, name of your college, and the city and state.

Include the dates completed if completed within the last 10 years.

 

DO NOT INCLUDE THESE ON YOUR RESUME

1. Fluff – Unnecissry information that doesn’t showcase your relevant qualifications.
2. Personal Information – Only include your relevant professional qualifications.
3. Picture – Your resume is about the skills, education, experience, and value you bring to the table.
   Pictures can distract employers from your qualifications.
4. References – Do not include references or references available upon request on your resume. It’s implied that should you receive a job offer you will provide references.

Writing and updating your resume should not prevent you from improving your career. I hope these tips will help you with writing an effective resume.

Please comment below and let me know if you have questions or would like to include additional tips. You are always welcome to email me directly on Yamiek@TallawahHuman.com.

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