Making Sure Your Resume is in the Read Pile

As you continue to apply for and look for the job of your dreams, you should understand what hiring managers and recruiters are looking for when it comes to your resume. What you may not know is that hiring managers typically spend less than 20 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to put in a “read” pile or a “not interested” pile. Here are a few ways you can make sure your resume is in the read pile:

When you use short sentences or phrases on your resume, you stand a chance of getting more read by the hiring manager. Short blocks of information are much easier to read and grasp in a short period of time, so keep it short and to the point.
Those reviewing your resume are looking for specific skill sets to fill their position. Using a “blanket” resume for every job will not get you the results you seek. Instead, create your resume to target the specific skill set requested in the position you are applying for. Yes, this means you will need to create a different resume for every position you apply, but you will have better results.
LinkedIn has become very popular to hiring managers. They use this social media platform to learn more about candidates they are interested in. To save them valuable time (which they will appreciate), include your LinkedIn URL on your resume. Make sure that your profile is accurate, up-to-date, and includes everything you put on your resume.
Showcasing your performance profile is a great way to show a hiring manager what you would provide to them. Many candidates overlook this aspect of their resume. Make sure you include your accomplishments, but show how your performance will benefit the company.

While it is important to make sure that all aspects of your resume are accurate and complete, these tips will help get your resume in the “read” pile more often, which typically will lead to more interviews and job offers.