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3 Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out from the Competition

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3 Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out from the Competition

No matter how much effort you put into your resume, you only have a few seconds to make a great first impression. Hiring managers must make decisions extremely quickly, so follow these simple tips to ensure your resume stands out from the competition. 

Use Keywords and Customization 

While the information on your resume won’t change, you should tweak how it’s presented for each job. Make sure you highlight the knowledge, skills, and experience that are most appropriate for the position. Also, add keywords to make sure your resume gets past a possible automated filter and into the hands of a hiring manager. Be judicious, though, and only use keywords as they naturally fit. 

Pay Attention to the Details 

Choose a modern, professional format that is uncluttered and easy to read. Choose a branding statement instead of an objective, letting employers know who you are and what you can bring to the company. Carefully proofread for typos and grammar mistakes. Use dollar figures, percentages, and other trackable metrics to show your previous successes. Also, be careful not to date yourself, especially if you’re a more experienced worker. Leave off anything that could give away your age, including your college graduation date and any experience that is more than 10 to 15 years old. 

Include a Cover Letter 

Writing a cover letter can be tricky, but it’s a vital component of your application package. Think of your resume as a brief synopsis of your background and experience, and your cover letter as the opportunity to flesh out your story. In about half to three-quarters of a page, briefly, connect the dots on your resume to provide a more complete picture of who you are and why you’re right for the job. 

Your resume is your ticket to an interview, but most hiring professionals will spend only seconds looking at it. Following the tips above can help you stand out from the crowd and vastly increase the chances of your resume being tossed into the Yes pile. 

If you’re ready to take the first steps into your future, contact Pro Resources today.

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