Episode 48 – Resume Secrets & standing out in today's job market - Steph Cartwright
Is your resume struggling to stand out in a sea of applicants? Discover how modern resume strategies can transform your job search success and help you land that dream role.
In today’s competitive job market, a one-page resume with a standard list of duties simply won’t cut it. Employers and hiring managers are inundated with applications, and to make your resume stand out, you need more than just a list of your previous jobs. It’s about strategic presentation, storytelling, and tailoring your resume to meet the diverse needs of different stakeholders, including Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human recruiters.
One of the critical aspects of modern resume writing is understanding that different readers have different needs. The ATS scans your resume for keywords and formatting, while recruiters and hiring managers are looking for context, results, and storytelling. A balanced approach is essential. Here’s how to craft a resume that caters to all:
1. Focus on Strategic Layout:
Your resume should guide the reader’s eye effectively. Use headings, bullet points, and strategic layout elements to highlight your achievements and key skills. The layout should help the reader quickly skim through and find critical information, while also offering a deeper dive into your accomplishments for those who want to read more.
2. Transform Repetitive Phrases:
Avoid the repetitive “managed,” “led,” and “conducted” phrases. Instead, delve into specific stories and achievements. Describe the challenge, your action, and the outcome. For example, rather than stating “managed a team,” say, “Improved team productivity by 30% by implementing new workflow processes, leading to a significant increase in project completion rates.”
3. Tailor Your Content:
Look at job postings to identify desired skills and tailor your resume accordingly. Use specific, quantifiable outcomes in your bullet points to highlight your achievements. If possible, provide metrics and context to showcase the impact of your work.
4. Use a Two-Page Resume:
A two-page resume is often more effective than a one-page version. It allows you to incorporate more keywords and provide additional context and achievements. The first page should grab attention with significant results and outcomes, while the second page can offer more detailed descriptions and additional relevant experience.
Focus on the last 10 years of experience as it holds the most weight. You can summarize earlier roles in a brief section at the end of your resume, highlighting key achievements without dates.
Use a combination of strategic layout, keywords, and storytelling. Start with impactful results and then provide context. Ensure your resume is tailored to the job description and incorporates relevant keywords.
Yes, a two-page resume is often preferable as it allows for more detailed information and better keyword placement. Just ensure that every piece of content is relevant and valuable.
Start with the result of your actions, then describe the actions taken, and finally, provide context or challenges faced. This approach makes your achievements more compelling and easier to grasp.
