Top 10 Hacks That Will Super Charge Your Resume

Top 10 Hacks That Will Super Charge Your ResumeGoGirl Finances Elana Konstant has some vital tips for your resume in the era of online applications. True, the first set of eyes on your resume will probably be a digital reader looking for industry buzzwords, but that doesnt mean therbeie arent crucial steps of preparing your resume. Pay close attention, and get ready to improve your hiring odds. Here are some of the best resume tips in 2016 thatll help land your next job interview. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) 1. Know your targetGet really friendly with save as while updating your resume. With every job you apply for, parse the job posting closely to find out what responsibilities and experiences theyre seeking in an ideal candidate. Highlight the most relevant features wherever you can, and craft a specifically tailored version of your resume to submit. Make sure you set up a naming system for your files so you dont get them confused (I suggested Your Last Name _ Company Name _ Date.doc).2. Prioritize your achievementsWhen summarizing each job description, put the most relevant achievements first and list the rest in descending bestellung of relevance. Consider having a brief summary section at the top of your resume to grab the reader right away. Once youve acquired a significant employment history, you can also move your education to the end of your resume instead of leading with it.3. Deliver your value in your cover letterYour cover letter should always seek to answer the questions Why this company? Why you? and Why right now?, overtly or subtly. In Konstants words, be forceful in selling your experience, skills, and drive. Always put yourself in the perspective of the employer and be sure your resume responds to the listed job requirements.4. Use industry key termsUsing precise industry terms shows that youre knowledgable about the position, the company, and the field as a whole. Harvest keywords from the j ob description, industry research and sites like LinkedIn or Glassdoor, ask prospective colleagues for informational interviews over coffee, and use the words as early in your materials as possible.5. Be specific about what you achieved in your previous jobsWhen describing your previous employment history, be as particular as you can about defining the scale and scope of your responsibilities. Did you secure impressive grant amounts? Publish an imposing number of papers? Can you point to individual successes that can be quantified and measured?6. Gain more experienceYou may be seeking jobs you arent yet experienced enough to earnfigure out what outside certifications or internship experiences you can pursue to boost your bona fides. Consulting can offer hands-on experience without even requiring you to leave your current job, if you have one. Dont wait to be hired to become proficient in your field.7. Name dropA writer friend of mine precedes every pitch to a magazine or online jour nal by asking her Facebook network, Who do I know at X? Most of the time it yields her an editorial contact or a tip for how to frame her proposal, which makes bypassing gatekeepers that much easier. Whenever possible, find out the name of the hiring person (something as simple as calling the switchboard can get it done) and direct your cover letter to them specifically. If you were referred by a colleague, mention them in your first sentence.8. Maximize real estateFind the sweet spot between an overloaded, cluttered page and a bare listing of your accomplishments. For each piece of experience, have a topic sentence with action verbs, and a list of specific responsibilities and accomplishments. Aim for a one page document unless theyve asked for a CV.9. Be consistentThis is a chance to show off your attention to detailmake sure youre formatting places, dates, and company names the same way, every time. Even an errant space can make your layout look sloppy. Use a fresh, but non-novel ty, font, bold your job titles, and fixate on commas and periods until youve achieved a uniform, polished look.10. ProofreadGet an extra set of eyes on your materials. Inaccuracies are bad, but typos and careless errors can be even worse. Miscommunications can be explained but, leid having taken the time to eradicate errors can be a fatal mistake.