Do You Think That Your Resume is Perfect?

Once you enter the workforce, it's important to update your resume every few months, even if you don't have any plans to leave your current employer. If you make regular resume improvements, you don't have to worry about forgetting some of your achievements when it's time to apply for a new job. Try some of these resume improvements to see if they help you get more interviews.

1. Objective Statement

If your resume has a professional summary, replace it with an objective statement customized for each potential employer. Some career counselors advise against using an objective, but that's because objective statements have a bad reputation. If the statement is worded properly, it can help you attract more interest from hiring managers.

2. Bullet Points

One of the easiest resume improvements to make is the addition of bullet points. Hiring managers don't have a lot of time to screen resumes, so they tend to skim each resume and make note of the most important information. Bullet points draw attention to your achievements, giving the hiring manager the information she needs to make a split-second decision about your candidacy.

3. Endorsements

Look at past performance reviews and reference letters to see if there are any quotes you can include in your updated resume. It's one thing to say you have a particular skill; it's even better if you can back it up with a quote from one of your past managers.

4. Numbers

Quantifying your achievements makes it easier for hiring managers to determine if they want to know more about you. If you are working on resume improvements, be sure to add as many numbers as possible. Including dollar amounts and percentages is an effective way to communicate your value to potential employers.

5. Volunteer Activities

Making resume improvements is about positioning yourself as the ideal candidate for a job in your industry. If you are short on professional experience, adding your volunteer activities to your resume is a great way to show employers you are committed to learning more about your career. For example, a copywriter without a lot of paid experience might want to list his stint as the newsletter writer for a nonprofit organization. An accountant who mentors small-business owners could also include this activity on her resume.

6. Professional Development

When you write an updated resume, it's a good idea to include professional-development activities somewhere in the document, especially if you have any employment gaps. Be sure to list any internships, job-shadowing experiences or career-related coursework.

An effective resume tells the hiring manager a lot about you in just a few paragraphs. If you want to impress hiring managers, set aside time to make regular resume improvements. The right updates can help you show hiring managers you are committed to advancement in your field.

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