Writing your resume is the first step in applying for the job you want. If you can impress potential employers on paper, you’ll win the chance to wow them with you personality at the interview stage. But how can you ensure your resume is as strong as it needs to be?
We all know the feeling. You spend hours typing your qualifications into a Word document, but in the end it just looks a mess.
Maybe you don’t know which elements of your experience you need to emphasize. If only we knew what employers are thinking when they look at a resume!
Believe it or not, we do. Careers are a big business, and plenty of studies have been made to look at the way that employers analyze CVs.
For instance, while a good headshot is essential to a LinkedIn profile, if you include one in your written resume, you’ll be perceived as unprofessional. 88% of applicants who do so face rejection for their efforts.
We’ve gathered 18 insights into our new infographic, and each piece of resume advice is backed up by a survey or report. Be sure to study it carefully before completing your CV, and you will greatly increase your chances of being shortlisted for an interview.
Employers have to see a large number of resumes before making their decisions. Make sure you rise to the top of the pile by polishing up your CV with these wise words of advice.
The Ladders. (2012). Keeping an eye on recruiter behavior. theladders.net
Career Directors International. (2012). Global Hiring Trends 2012. careerdirectors.com
Hu, J. (2016). 8 Things You Need To Know About Applicant Tracking Systems. jobscan.co
Orchard. What do you think when you receive a CV with a profile photo? orchard.co.uk
Pedderseon, J. Survey: Recruiters Answer Burning Resume Questions. challengergray.com
Grasz, J. (2016). Number of Employers Using Social Media to Screen Candidates Has Increased 500 Percent over the Last Decade. careerbuilder.com
Severt, N. (2016). 42 Amazing Resume Tips That You Can Use In 30 Minutes [Examples].uptowork.com
Gallo, A. (2014). How to Write a Resume That Stands Out. hbr.org
Evans, T. (2016). What recruiters are really looking for in your CV: Infographic reveals expert tips on writing a job-winning application. thisismoney.co.uk
Grasz, J. (2016). CareerBuilder Survey Reveals Five Common Job Seeker Pitfalls That Will Hinder Any Career Search. careerbuilder.com
Grasz, J. (2012). CareerBuilder Releases Study of Most Outrageous Resume Mistakes and Creative Techniques that Worked. careerbuilder.com
Vaas, L. 13 ways your resume can say ‘I’m unprofessional’. theladders.com
DeZube, D. (2017). Six High-Paying Human Resources Jobs. monster.com