Here are a few suggestions to help improve your resume and get to the interview. For the complete list click here:
The modern job search poses many roadblocks for your resume. It must make it through the applicant tracking system (ATS), then pass by a human who will only allow it seconds to catch their attention and remain in the “consider” pile for further review. Many job seekers have not conducted a search campaign in years, and their resume reflects outdated practices that can get them eliminated from the competition.
After seeing thousands of resumes that have come across my desk, several common problems appear repeatedly. Keep in mind there are exceptions to every guideline I give below, and as a professional resume writer I often strategically break the rules; but make sure you understand the consequences before you do. Think twice before doing the following:
1. Starting your resume with an objective. The first part of your resume should indicate the type of position you are seeking, and promote what you have to offer the company. Hiring managers hate the classic “seeking a challenging position with a progressive company” type of objective.
2. Going too far back in your career history. Not only will you date yourself, you will waste valuable resume space with irrelevant information not applicable to the current job. Ten to fifteen years or so is a good range to start with, depending on how many positions you have had.
3. Having a resume longer than 2 pages. There must be a compelling reason for anything longer. If significant achievements need do be addressed further, think of doing a portfolio or project addendum as a value-add to your resume.
4. Writing in the first person. Resumes are written with an “implied I,” without pronouns. You would say, “Directed multiple projects to successful completion,” not “I directed multiple projects to their successful completion.”
5. Using your local address for an out-of-state job search. Make sure you have an address on your resume that is in your target area. ATSs often filter by city or zip code.
For the complete list, click here:
AUGUST COHEN, CARW*NCRW*CPRW
AUGUST COHEN
