Constantly checking your email every 0.587 seconds. No messages yet? No calls either, huh? You submitted that resume weeks ago. And yet, you have not heard anything. Sounds familiar? But the question that frustrates you the most is - why?
You’ve probably asked yourself this question a million times. But perhaps, what you did not do is ask the hiring manager. Instead, you kept uploading that same resume into various employer portals, hoping to get a call back. But all you were left with was a phone that refused to ring on your behalf. Now, some may consider this taboo. But why not ask the people that decided that you were not the “right fit.” I've done it before. The feedback I received was invaluable. I am going to be honest with you, it was a humbling experience, but it made me a better applicant.
So, why not ask the question.
For those of you who are terrified by the thought of this or for those of you who simply refuse to ask the question. This 3-step guide will teach you how not to make the same mistakes twice. Remember, you have a total of SIX SECONDS to make an impression before the employer turns his or her attention to the next resume - so, how do you do it?
You simply - focus.
Step 1: The Formatter
Before an employer reads anything, they look at the format. This is not to suggest that there is a “model” format that all employers seek - because there is not. In that brief encounter, the format of your resume tells the employer several things about you, but the most important of these is your character - Did you half-haphazardly just throw some things together to create your resume? Or did you take your time to carefully assemble your resume together? After all, this may be the only impression they ever have of you - this is you on paper. So, how do you look?
Step 2: The Language Violator
In our previous blog, we talked about the importance of language. Yet, this is one of the most common mistakes. In crafting the language of your resume, you want to make sure that you DO NOT describe your duties, but that you describe your role. In addition, make sure you use those action words and/or those buzz words found within the Job Announcement. If you follow this example below, you will be sure to land your dream job in no time.
- Original Description: Performed clerical duties
- Revised Description: Utilized my organizational management skill set to transform office essentials through the establishment of a new tracking system to maximize efficiencyNow, let's analyze both of these. The difference between the two is simply language. One suggests that I merely did the job; whereas, the other suggests that I added value to my position. An employer wants an employee who takes the initiative - not someone who just performs the duties expected. For, almost anyone can do that. So, make sure you use language to add value to your work.
Step 3: The Grammar Police
So what, if you are not a great speller? Thousands of people aren't. But we live in the 21st century where spell check and grammar software is everywhere - so, why not use it? Nothing turns an employer off more than a host of grammatical errors or wording/language mistakes on a resume. It simply sends the message - "I didn't care enough to proofread." I know you did because you sacrificed time to fill out the application, but the employer does not see it like this - they only see misspelled words. So, make sure you proofread your resume, and even get others to do the same to avoid an unnecessary rejection.
The bad thing about an "oops" is that for the most part, it is preventable. So, do not dwell in your "oops" - be empowered to get it right time & time again. In the hiring world, there are little to no second changes - only lasting impressions.
When you are no longer able to defend your resume,
will your resume be able to stand on its own?