You spent hours fine-tuning your resume and submitting it to jobs you think are a good fit for you. Three weeks later, you haven’t heard back from a single one. Is there anything you can do to make sure your resume gets noticed?
As one of Dade County’s top employment agencies, Future Force can tell you the answer is “yes”! Here are 6 tips to help you:
#1: Use keywords.
Today, many companies use applicant tracking systems to filter out weak candidates. If you’re not using any keywords or buzz phrases from the job posting, your resume could wind up in the pile that’s rejected. That said, don’t copy and paste the job posting into your resume or cover letter. Even if the tracking system doesn’t catch it, the hiring manager certainly will.
#2: Avoid flashy graphics.
One way to get booted out of the running is to put graphics or logos on your resume. Many applicant tracking systems cannot read graphics or images, or even scan italic or underlined words. So keep your resume as clean and simple as possible. Save the formatting for when you hand out hard copies of your resume.
#3: Learn about the hiring process.
Many larger companies have entire websites dedicated to careers at their organizations and with information detailing the hiring process. Take advantage of the intel offered through them.
If you are applying to a smaller company that doesn’t publicize their hiring process, then reach out to your network to see if anyone within it can give you tips or information about getting hired at the company.
#4: Have someone proofread your resume.
When you’ve been looking at your resume for hours, it can be hard to catch every mistake. But the smallest error can undermine your efforts of getting hired. Make sure you have someone you trust proofread your resume before submitting it.
#5: Get personal.
Once you’ve applied for a position through a company’s online application process, find out who the hiring manager is for the position. Then send them a personalized note or email with information about why you’d be a good fit for the position.
#6: Network your way to an interview.
Even with the strongest resume, you still may not get hired. Managers like to hire those they know or those who have been referred to them by a trusted colleague. So if you know someone at the company, reach out to them and ask for them to submit your resume to the hiring manager.
It’s easy to feel discouraged when your resume is being ignored. But by following the tips above, you can enhance your resume and help to ensure it rises to the top.
Need more help making sure your resume gets noticed? Contact Future Force. As one of Dade County’s top employment agencies, we can give you the inside scoop on getting hired at some of the area’s leading companies. Contact us today if you’re ready to get started.