It's Time for an Outstanding Resume, Every Second Counts

Research shows hiring managers spend, on average, only six- or seven-seconds reviewing resumes

Let that sink in for a moment. If you think about it, the top third of your resume is prime real estate. You need to catch a manager’s eye right away. Every second counts.

You might ask, “So what will catch their eye?”

Branding. Brand yourself. Your name should always be the largest element on your resume. Use a font size larger than 20 points. Before you get to talk to an employer, your resume speaks for you. Tell the best story possible. Write a branding statement at the top that briefly explains your unique values as well as your skills and qualifications. Showcase your skills with a mix of hard and soft skills to show a good balance. Include appropriate social media profiles. Many managers screen candidates on social networks as it saves them time.

“How can I let them know I’m qualified and the best fit for this role?”

Rather than a laundry list of your qualifications, your resume should reflect your accomplishments and enthusiasm for your career. Customize your resume to the job opening. Look at the job description closely and show them you are aligned with this role by selecting their key words and placing them in your resume where they best describe you. Show success and sound confident using active, power words such as achieved, earned and accomplished. Include numbers to show your level of impact. For example, because of my project plan, employee engagement increased by 38%. It helps managers better understand the value you can bring to their organization.

“Which information should I include, or not include, to keep a manager’s interest?”

Be short and concise. Keep your resume to one page, if possible. Include the most relevant information about yourself that could be transferrable to this position. Don’t include information from 10 years and beyond if it is not relevant. Select the top three or four most important achievements to share from each role you’ve held. Validate them with numbers that measure your success. Show them how your contribution benefitted the organization or project.

“What if I’m a new grad, or am about to graduate, and I haven’t had a job yet?”

If you are just graduating from high school or college and haven’t held a professional position, don’t leave your work history blank. Instead, replace that section with relevant courses, academic achievements and other experiences like internships or extracurricular projects.

“Any last tips before I hit send?”

It’s very important to go through several rounds of proofreading to ensure there are no spelling or grammar errors. Ask trusted friends or colleagues to review your resume. You want to show this employer you are polished, and your resume is your first impression.

One question that I have for you … “Do you want to know a great place to showcase your resume?” Send it to Knute Nelson! We have many career opportunities that span our entire continuum, and many positions that provide flexibility in your life’s schedule. Give yourself a chance to stand out… at Knute Nelson. We are ready for you to join our team. Apply at knutenelson.org/careers.