Is Your Dull Resume Killing Your Chances at a Job?

It's essential for your resume to capture a hiring manager's attention within a few seconds. If it doesn't, your resume probably won't make the cut. Here are four tips for transforming a dull resume into a resume that grabs attention and helps you stand out from your competitors.

1. Use the Right Buzzwords

It's always best to customize your resume for each specific position. This means including specific keywords and phrases from the actual job description on your resume. However, it's also important to pay attention to the words that appear in the company's mission statement or company description and find a way to incorporate these words into your document. Select words or phrases such as "passionate," "ongoing commitment" or "change the world," and use them in your resume. The familiar wording will likely grab the hiring manager's attention and piqued his interest, making him believe you share similar beliefs and values as the company's leaders.

2. Associate Yourself With Big Names

Another strategy for transforming a dull resume is to associate yourself with highly successful organizations or big names. If you completed a summer internship at Google or worked for NASA or Microsoft, highlight these experiences on your resume. The name of the organization alone is enough to grab and keep the attention of the hiring manager. It's also a good idea to mention the names of any well-known leaders or company owners you worked with directly, as this is sure to boost your credibility and spark the employer's curiosity.

3. Quantify Your Achievements

One surefire strategy for enhancing a dull resume is to quantify your achievements. Let potential employers know exactly how you made an impact in previous positions. The best way to do this is to use actual numbers. Include information about how your spectacular sales strategy helped boost sales in your department by 25 percent within three months or how your leadership skills helped to reduce the company's turnover rate by 50 percent. Don't hesitate to brag about your accomplishments, as doing so let’s employers know exactly why they should hire you.

4. Use Formatting That Captures Attention

Extra-long sentences, small fonts and large blocks of text are just some of the common issues found in a dull resume. It's essential to ensure your document is easy on the eyes. Choose a standard font that's easy to read, such as Times New Roman or Arial. Make your sentences short and concise and use bullet points to ensure your document is easy to scan. Be strategic with how you use white space. For example, include a space between each bullet to make the information stand out. Also, keep the bullets short, since lengthy bullets are difficult to scan.

Use these four tips to help enhance a dull resume and boost your opportunities in any job market. Do you have any additional tips for improving a dull resume? Please share them below.

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