12 Resume Tips to Help Your Job Search

TSP • @myTSPnet

Competition for jobs is fierce. About 118 people apply to the average job posting, and only about 25 even get an interview. A good resume can help you stand out among the crowd. Online job applications have become the norm; however, many employers still want to see your resume. These tips will help you ensure your resume stands out for all the right reasons.

1. CUSTOMIZE YOUR RESUME FOR EACH JOB
If you are sending out many applications, you may be tempted to try to save time by using the same resume for every application. However, this isn't a good idea.

Many companies use applicant tracking systems that scan for specific keywords. If your generic resume lacks the keywords the system is scanning for, a human may never even see your resume. Tailoring your resume for each job increases the chance that it will have the keywords the software is looking for.

Make sure your resume title exactly matches the job posting. Incorporate as many keywords and key phrases as possible from the job posting. Use industry-specific terminology where applicable.

2. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
Effectively utilizing these resume tips depends on knowing what job you want. Before you start your job search, do some research and self-reflection to determine a specific job or jobs you want to pursue. In addition to the job responsibilities, consider factors such as the company culture, the length of the commute, and the industry.

3. INCLUDE RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Review your accomplishments in the past year and feature them on your resume. Good things to include are leadership roles, awards, and tangible results, such as increasing sales or lowering costs.

Incorporate data-driven statements, such as "increased revenue by 20%" or "reduced spending by $200,000 per quarter." Demonstrate exactly what kind of value you can bring to the position.

4. KEEP IT SIMPLE
Resume trends, such as infographics and functional resumes, have come and gone over the years. However, the simple, classic, chronological resume is always in style. This easy-to-read format doesn't require images, tables, graphs, crazy fonts, or complicated layouts.

5. INCLUDE A LITTLE PERSONALITY
While many of these resume tips focus on showcasing your experience and skills, employers factor in more than just these essentials when considering applicants for jobs. Employers hire people they like and believe will be a good fit for the company culture.

Use language that gives the reader a glimpse of your personality, interests, and values. This will help get the reader interested in learning more about you.

6. MAKE YOUR RESUME SHORT AND SKIMMABLE
Hiring managers spend just over seven seconds looking at the average resume. Writing an over-long resume that will never get read is a waste of everyone's time. Instead, keep your resume short and make it easy to scan. Most resumes should fit on a single page and include basic information:

• Contact details
• Education
• Work experience
• Relevant skills 

Use bullet points to make it easy to quickly skim through the information on your resume.

7. LIMIT YOUR WORK HISTORY
You don't need to include every job you have ever had on your resume. Limit your work history to the past 10 to 15 years and highlight your best and most recent achievements.

8. UPDATE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA
Apply these resume tips to your social media profiles to ensure they match the information and image portrayed on your resume. Be sure to update your LinkedIn profile, but also make sure your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other accounts reflect the person you want potential employers to see.

9. EMPHASIZE TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Whether you are applying for a similar job to your previous jobs or something completely different, chances are the job description won't be exactly the same. Emphasize the skills you have that apply to the position you want.

For example, if you have five years of experience managing a restaurant and you are applying for a job managing a retail store, emphasize the aspects of the two jobs that are similar, such as scheduling employees, dealing with conflicts, and leading a team. Common soft skills that employers look for include:

• Customer service
• Project management
• Communication
• Flexibility
• Time management

Additionally, employers often look for people who can work independently, think analytically, and collaborate with others.

10. OPEN STRONG
A boring career objective at the top of your resume won't cut it today. Instead, start with a summary or brand statement that clearly outlines how your skills and experience match up with the job requirements.

11. HIGHLIGHT THE WORK YOU WANT TO DO
These resume tips will help you get a job that not only matches your experience and skillset but is a good fit for the type of work you most want to do. Think about all of the tasks you have had in your current and previous jobs. Which ones did you enjoy the most? Highlight those activities on your resume.

12. POINT OUT REMOTE WORK EXPERIENCE
Even if the position you are applying for is not remote, there's a good chance you may need to work with remote employees at some point. Employers need employees who are comfortable working with technology and overcoming the challenges that come with working with a remote team. Highlight any relevant skills and experience you have that demonstrate your ability to work remotely or work with co-workers, managers, or clients in a remote environment.

GETTING AN IT JOB WITH THESE RESUME TIPS
The team at TSP hopes these resume tips have helped you create a standout resume, and if you are looking for a job in the IT services industry, we would love to see it. Visit us online to see our current job openings.