Recruiters spend, what, six seconds scanning your resume? Maybe seven if they’ve had their coffee. Your resume isn’t the place for your life story, every single task you’ve ever performed, or that time you won the third-grade spelling bee. It’s a marketing document, designed to get you an interview. That’s it.
So, how do you make those six seconds count?
- Tailor, Tailor, Tailor: Stop sending the same generic resume everywhere. Read the job description. Highlight the skills and experiences they care about. Use their keywords (but don’t just stuff them in nonsensically).
- Quantify Everything: Don’t just say you “improved efficiency.” Say you “Implemented a new workflow that reduced project completion time by 15%.” Numbers grab attention and demonstrate impact. “Managed a team” is weak. “Managed a team of 5 engineers, delivering the project 2 weeks ahead of schedule” is strong.
- Action Verbs are Your Friend: Start bullet points with strong verbs like “Led,” “Developed,” “Managed,” “Created,” “Implemented,” “Increased,” “Reduced.” Avoid passive language like “Responsible for…”
- Cut the Fluff: Nobody cares about “References available upon request” (it’s assumed). Ditch the objective statement unless you’re changing careers. Keep descriptions concise and focused on achievements, not just duties.
Think of it like a movie trailer – show the highlights, create intrigue, and leave them wanting more.