1) Previous Work Experience in the Field
While this may seem obvious, hiring managers want to see if you have experience in the field. You should make sure previous experience is very apparent and obvious on your resume. Don't make the hiring manager search for it! Include it within both the Executive Summary and Work Experience sections.
Is the experience from years ago? If so, it may end up on the 2nd page of your resume...but you don't want it buried! Consider calling out the relevant field experience in your cover letter. And, if the experience won't be on the first page under "Work Experience," it is especially important to call it out on the Executive Summary or even your Personal Headline.
Make it apparent that you have have the skills and experience required. Don't let the hiring manager cast your resume on the discard pile before they have noticed your relevant experience!
2) A Cover Letter
A hiring manager we spoke with at a recent job fair indicated he only gets cover letters about 20% of the time. He would love to receive them with every job application.
While not everyone in HR values cover letters, you might be submitting to someone that is seeking this document. Since you don't know who your reader will be, it is best to create and submit a cover letter with each job application.
A great strategy is to create a base document that has a bulleted list of your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments. Once you identify the job criteria that matches your skills, pull 3 or 4 of them from your base document to add to your cover letter for that role. Add some specifics about why you would be a good match for the company, and you will have a solid letter to introduce yourself!
3) A 1-2 Page Document that is Easy to Read
Although job seekers are looking to stand out, you don't want to stand out for the wrong reasons. We consistently hear from hiring managers that say they want to review resumes that are 1 or 2 pages in length and are easy to skim and read.
Yet, we also consistently meet job seekers with 3+ page resumes that are jam-packed with little or no white space. In some cases, they barely have any margins.
Everyone seems to think they are the exception to the rule. Yet, we advise you follow these fairly simple guidelines to help achieve success in your job search. Keep the hiring manager happy by doing what they are asking!
Need help? Revision Resume is here and ready to assist you. We offer resume critiques and resume creations, aiding clients in development of a high-quality resume that hiring managers seek out.
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