Six Things Every New Applicant Needs to Have

According to Business Insider, you only have six seconds to grab the attention of a recruiter with your resume. To make matters worse, if the manager already has a strong applicant or a friend they’d like to apply, they’re looking for any reason to toss your resume. This means you need to make sure all your paperwork is absolutely perfect. Below are six things every new applicant needs to have in your profile to get good attention from a hiring manager or recruiter.

1) Contact Information

This one is pretty obvious but can’t be overlooked. As you now know, you have six seconds to impress the recruiter. If they see right away that there’s no easily apparent way to get in contact with you, they’re not going to run around trying to figure it out. Instead, they’ll toss you to the side. Be sure to have contact information in a larger font centered at the top of your resume.

2) Buzz Words from the Job Posting

When responding to a job posting, an applicant should scan the posting for any words that are repeated in the posting or that are industry-specific. By including these words in their paperwork, it shows they have a strong knowledge of the position and will be somewhat experienced with the type of work being done. This can also assure the employer you will contribute to their brand and image in a positive way, and not just fall into the pack.

3) Key Accomplishments

When done correctly, these play off buzz words in a perfect way. A good applicant knows the vocabulary of their industry. A great applicant is able to show they’ve done these things successfully by detailing their previous accomplishments. Include programs you may have experience with, machines you’ve worked on before, or any other experience or accomplishments that seem relevant to the position.

4) Education and Certifications

Applicants should have information about how their education is relevant in their paperwork. A stronger applicant will then have job-specific certifications that show this is their passion. If you are currently undergoing some kind of similar education, be sure to mention it, how far along you are and when completion is expected.

5) Personal Story

This isn’t to say an applicant should literally include their personal story in their paperwork. Instead, keep the recruiter interested in other ways. Your resume and cover letter of the paperwork should be chronological and show clear progression and aspirations. If possible, include a few fun things about yourself or your hobbies.

6) Employment Background Checks

Applicants who are proud of their work will provide references to their previous employers. Applicants who fail to do so may have something to hide. Employers should go on to contact these references and make sure the applicant is honest about their job history. You can even get pre-employment background checks, verifications, and screenings done beforehand to show your willingness to play by the rules.

It’s difficult to get the attention of a recruiter. By following the tips in this post, a new applicant will have their paperwork up-to-par so that employers are eager to hire them.