RESUME BASICS
Are you in need of a resume refresh? Recruiters review hundreds of resumes per day, so let us share insight into the resume basics you need in order to move to the interview stage.
If you’re feeling the fatigue of job hunting, or ARen’t moving past the application stage, chances are your resume is MISSING SOMETHING.
Our basic list of resume must haves:
Image Credit: The LOFFT
1. Be Concise: Ideally two pages long. A two page resume gives enough space to focus on the right volume of relevant and impactful information whilst also encouraging you to avoid unnecessary details. For extremely senior candidates, you might use one additional page, however we find a 2-page resume hits the sweet spot.
2. Location, Location, Location: Make sure to at least list your state and suburb on the first page of your resume. It seems so simple, yet we see so many resumes without location (especially post COVID!). A full residential address isn’t necessary, however most roles are not remote and so your travel time and distance from the location is relevant. If you’re relocating, be sure to list this too.
3. Call me Maybe? Your contact details are your prime real estate and should be the first thing we see. Make sure to provide your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. List this at the very top and ensure it’s correct without any typos (yes! we see many incorrect emails and phone numbers come through our application system!)
4. Include Your Objective: Begin with a concise summary or objective statement that highlights your key qualifications and your next career goal. This section should grab our attention and make us want to learn more about you. If you’re looking to transition into a higher role, relocate, or move into a new department or industry, this statement is particularly important for you.
5. Keep it up to date: Regularly update your resume to include your most recent experiences, skills, and achievements. It's a good practice to update it at least every 6 months, even if you're not actively job hunting. Keep your resume application ready when achievements are fresh in your mind.
6.The numbers don’t lie: List quantifiable results, such as percentages or numbers, to showcase the impact you made. Numbers help recruiters skim and scan your resume and are much more impactful than simply listing your job responsibilities. For example, "Increased sales by 20% in the first quarter" or "Led a team of 10 employees to deliver on all set KPIs seasonally over 18 months in the business.”
7. Include relevant keywords: Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords. Review the job description and incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume to increase your chances of passing the initial screening process. Using the right key words is particularly important where you are looking to showcase a transferrable skill (aka moving from another industry or into a higher role).
8. Proofread and edit: Check your resume for any grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies. It's helpful to have someone else review it as well to catch any mistakes you might have missed, as sometimes, even Grammarly and spell check fails us.
9. Design: If you’re in a creative role such as Design or Marketing, create your resume to match the visual aesthetics of the brand you’re applying for as if you already work there, think brand colours, logos and tone of voice. Ensure you’re also adding links to your portfolio to showcase you’re creative ability!
There you have it! The simplest list of basics to update your most important piece of paper in your job hunt. If you’re still feeling the stress of finding your dream role, your Relier gals are only a LinkedIn message away.
With Love,
Team Relier x