Over the past three decades, I've been a witness to a battlefield where Job seekers want to find the perfect job and companies want to find that perfect candidate.? I have seen resumes and Job descriptions of every stripe - the good, the bad, and the "could do better".? Today I will focus on job seekers and share a few insights from my 27+ years of experience in the tech hiring space- strategies that can morph your resume from an overlooked piece of paper into a golden ticket to your dream job.
- Be a Resume Chameleon: If you're using a 'one-size-fits-all' resume for every job application, press the brakes, my friend! The secret lies in customization. Think of your resume as a custom-tailored suit, where every detail matters, and you must dress to impress each employer.
- Less is Always More: We've all heard this one, haven't we? When it comes to resumes, it couldn't be more accurate. Keep it crisp, focus on the most impactful 15 years of your experience, and for new graduates out there, a one-page resume is your winning ticket.
- Present Achievements like a Pro: Achievements can be tricky to articulate. Make sure to present them in a way that resonates with the company's scale. Use percentages over giant dollar amounts – they're not as intimidating but still pack a punch.
- Navigating the Job Titles Maze: Job titles can make or break a resume. Be accurate and mindful of their weight. Overqualified? Provide context. Co-founder? Address potential concerns upfront. Remember, honesty and transparency always win!
- Header & Summary – Your Dynamic Duo: With cover letters taking a back seat, the header and professional summary of your resume are your new superheroes. Make them sharp, impactful, and let them do the talking for you.
- Video Resumes – A Double-Edged Sword: Video resumes can make you stand out, but they're a high-risk, high-reward game. Remember, recruiters are time-starved, and a written resume lets them scan quickly. If you do go the video route, make it snappy and professional.
In a nutshell, your resume is not just a summary of who you are; it's a strategic tool to open doors of opportunities. It's the handshake before the meeting, the aroma before the first sip of coffee. So let's invest time in making it count!
Check out our recently published blog post "Winning Resume Strategies: Expert Briefing” & begin your journey towards crafting a winning resume!
Are you ready to conquer the job market? Go forth and make your mark!
Founder, Kidsbook author, Speaker | DEIB Content and Engagement Consultant Helping K-5 Clients Navigate Hard Conversations and Co-Create Belonging and Equity in ECE Spaces.
1 年This is very useful, Kannan!