Will Your Resume Land You That Dream Job?

Hiring managers are often flooded with applications for a single open position, so creating an engaging resume is important if you want to stand out from the rest of the candidates. When compiling your resume and cover letter, focus your efforts on ways to not only appeal to a hiring manager, but also fly through the applicant tracking system to land your application in the right hands.

Focus on Keywords

An applicant tracking system is designed to flag resumes that possess the designated keywords for each position. Ensure your engaging resume is filtered to the right hiring manager by scouring through the job description to locate job-specific keywords. Spend some time researching similar positions with other companies to identify common industry terms that are used to attract qualified candidates. Then, use these words when describing your experience and skills in your resume to increase your chances of capturing the attention of a potential employer.

Highlight Your Skills

It's not enough to possess the skills required by the position; you also need to accurately and thoroughly communicate these skills to attract the attention of a potential employer. Begin by brainstorming job-related skills, such as proficiency with software and hardware programs or machinery you can operate with ease. Highlight transferable skills, and communicate how these skills can benefit the company. For example, if you have leadership experience in a position that is not necessarily related to the industry, show how you can transfer these skills to the new position. Focus on soft or adaptive skills as well. Provide examples of how you are motivated, deadline-oriented and innovative. Offer specific scenarios or examples that illustrate how you have accomplished goals, improved internal processes or met sales quotas in previous positions when writing an engaging resume.

Use Technology to Beat the System

Most employers utilize databases and technology to scan your application materials. Beat the system by creating an engaging resume that appeals to both hiring managers and automated systems. Scan your resume through a free cloud generator to determine which industry terms you are spotlighting. Search online to compare your resume to professional resumes of your competitors. Reword phrases in your resume that are too general to include language the potential employer uses.

Customize Your Documents

Spend time not only creating an engaging resume, but also tailoring your cover letter for each position. Take the time to locate the name and position of each hiring manager and reference the company culture, accomplishments and noteworthy details to show that you are knowledgeable about the firm. Employers seek applicants who are familiar with or interested in the company's processes, products and services, which is why you should make it known that you are invested in this opportunity.

Even if your resume happens to get past an employer's applicant tracking software, bear in mind that the average hiring manager spends just 6 seconds on a resume before moving to the next one. This makes producing an engaging resume all the more crucial to your success as an applicant. Tailor your job search efforts by utilizing technology to increase your opportunities and make a solid first impression.

Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net