How to: Update Your Resume
Your resume is one of the first things an employer looks at when viewing your job application- and you know our thoughts on first impressions. Think your resume could use a little updating, but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered.
1: Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for.
While it might seem easier and more efficient to have one resume that you send out for multiple jobs, it often makes more sense to edit your resume for each role. By simply tweaking your resume to more closely match the descriptions of the jobs you are applying to, you have a better chance of catching the recruiter’s eye. (Want more tips for perfecting your job application? Click here.)
2: Lose the “fluff.”
Employers don’t have hours on end to read through resumes. They will often skim through to look for key points specific to that role. That means you need to keep your bullet points concise. Using descriptive words such as “creative, passionate, and skilled” just take up space on your resume where you could be differentiating yourself. Instead, list your achievements and highlights throughout your time at the company. As we like to say, show us, don’t tell us- which brings us to our next tip.
3: Use tangible values and evidence (instead of listing the job description).
This shows the employer the direct impact that you have made throughout your time at the company. Instead of saying that you “created content for social media,” add a tangible result, such as you “increased the company’s engagement on social by 35%.” These data points are more likely to impress the employer rather than just stating the tasks you completed in that role. Not sure how to quantify your resume? Check out The Muse’s “How to Quantify Your Resume Bullets (When You Don’t Work With Numbers).
4: Make sure the resume flows.
You don’t want to confuse the person reading your resume. There are a few different ways to format it. The ways we see most often are chronological, functional, or a combination of them. Each type has specific uses, and it is your decision which one makes the most sense for your resume. Not sure which one to use? Check out Indeed’s “Resume Format Guide: Tips and Example of the Best Formats.”
5: Double check spelling and grammar.
This may sound like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at how many resumes come across our desks that have basic grammar and spelling errors. This is the easiest way to get have your job application get tossed aside. We recommend having someone else read it over for you. It always helps to have a second set of eyes check it over. What makes sense to you might not make sense to others.
Looking for more advice, or for someone to read over your resume? Connect with one of our recruiters.