Resumes have definitely evolved from the days when a manila folder and a couple of sheets of paper were enough to land a job.
Now, to stand out from the crowd, your resume needs to be as detailed as possible while still being succinct. It needs to tell your career story to the employer in a way that is interesting and informative.
“You have about ten seconds to draw in a potential employer with your resume, so make sure that you don't waste a second of it,” says Karey Castro, Resource & Information at TRACKS Employment Services in Collingwood, Ontario.
“Once you’ve captured their attention, you need to keep it. If you have a laundry list of skills and responsibilities that is too long for them to read, they’re going to move on to the next resume.”
Keeping your resume short while customizing it to each job you apply for is the key to getting your resume noticed.
“Traditionally, we leave previous job experience and education at the bottom of our resume, but this increases the chances it won’t be read,” says Karey Castro. “Instead, make sure these sections are highlighted in the top third of your resume and include a short, bullet-form summary of your skills and experience that directly relate to the job. If the job description uses keywords or job duties, pinpoint your abilities to match those.”
Sometimes, too, adding creativity to your resume can help you stand out. “If you have a hobby that you’re passionate about, add it in. If you have an award that you’ve won, list it. This is particularly important for people who are changing careers, are newcomers, or just don’t have a lot of experience to draw from,” says Castro. “And never underestimate the power of a good cover letter.”
TRACKS Employment Services is fully funded by the provincial government to provide employment services to people living in the Collingwood area. We provide job-search and career development services, employment programs, and job placement assistance.
Our employment counsellors will work with you to create a tailored plan to help you find a job that matches your interests and skills, including assisting with your resume and cover letter. Contact us today!