Building a resume that gets you hired

When you start looking for a job, everyone knows that the number one tool you’ll need is a resume.

Simple right?

Well, it might not be quite as simple as you think. In the current market you’re going to have to get clever with your resume format and content - but once you do, your resume is a vital resource and essential piece of your job-hunt kit that will open many career doors for you.

So, let’s start by re-visiting what a resume is and why we need one.

A resume highlights relevant qualifications and experience to potential employers. A well-written resume can help you stand out from the competition and give you the edge in the hiring process. It demonstrates that you’re a well-rounded individual who’s capable of performing what’s required for a particular role.

In addition to emphasizing your skills and experience, it’s a snapshot of your professional history and gives employers an idea of your work ethic, commitment, and dedication to your profession. It can also share an insight into your career goals and values and help them determine if you would be a good fit for their organisation.

So, is that just a list of education, qualifications, and career history?

Not quite! This might be how we used to do them, but in the current market, if you want to get noticed by a potential employer, you will need to use your resume to sell your skills, match your experience to the job and give them quantifiable evidence that shows that you can do the job.

Oof – that sounds like hard work!

Well, it can be if you don’t know what you’re doing, but thankfully you’re here and we’re a group of recruitment experts who can’t wait to share the nitty gritty with you and make it a lot easier than it sounds!

So, what type of things are we talking about here?

Here are a few key areas you can work on to make a big impact on the quality of your resume straight away.

1. Does your resume format get through an ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?

Most modern job application systems are automated, meaning that your resume will need to “parse” through a system to get through to the next stage of the selection process. Unfortunately, not all formats will survive an ATS, so it’s important that you check this with the relevant software prior to submitting your resume (see details below on our new Hub platform).

2. Match your resume to the job role

One fixed resume for all job applications simply won’t work in the current market. You will need to personalise the resume to fit the job role, so that the Hiring Manager can see you have the exact skills, experience, character traits and quantifiable results to do the job. Most likely that might mean having several “versions” of your resume and keeping a master copy that has all the key information.

3. Use keywords from the job description in your resume

Both the organisation’s automated screening software and Hiring Managers are going to look for a match of key terms between the job description and your resume. You will need to ensure you have included as many of their keywords as possible in your resume.

4. Quantify your results on your resume

Your potential employer is going to look for proof that you can do the job in the information you share on your resume.

Where can you show what impact, you’ve had?

You might look at:

• Money generated or saved
• Key projects you’ve managed
• People management wins
• Awards you’ve won
• Problems solved

You will need to make it clear, quantifiable and evidence focused.

We hope this is super useful to get you started, but the really great news is we go into much more detail  and really spell it out for you on our all-new Hub platform, launching soon!

Not only that, but the Hub will also include some key tools that will make all the work with your resume and job hunt, much, much easier, including:

• Applicant Tracking System (ATS) checking tool
• Keyword tool
• ATS friendly resume templates
• AI writing tool
• Resume writing guides
• Live chat with recruitment professionals

….and much more!

You no longer have to go through this isolating and confusing process on your own, but have access to professional tools and a range of industry experts who can help.

If you’re ready to hear more, you can sign up here to be one of the first to hear about our Founder Members launch and have the opportunity join first at an exclusive low rate.