Three Elements That Get Results

A good resume isn't enough to get hiring managers' attention in today's competitive job market. To truly make an impression during your job search, your resume must convince employers that your qualifications and experience demand their thoughtful consideration. Here are three important resume elements that hiring managers want to see.

Customization

In this competitive job market, a generic resume mass submitted to multiple employers just won't cut it. You need to create a different resume for each and every position. Without one, your resume is likely to end up in the trash pile. To get started on the right foot, study the job description closely. Based on the qualities the company is looking for, emphasize your most relevant skills and accomplishments. Your resume should reflect the parts of your history and qualifications that are of highest interest to the potential employer. "Every aspect of each job should be customized," says Linda Matias, a nationally certified resume writer and founder of CareerStrides. "It may take a bit of brainstorming, but the extra time you put into digging into each position and uncovering the best parts of the job will pay off in the end."

Keywords

Many employers use applicant tracking software to scan and sift through hundreds of resumes at lightning speed, so including relevant keywords in your resume is not only recommended — it's also necessary. Failing to include desired keywords might disqualify your resume before an actual human ever gets to see it. The easiest place to look for the right keywords is in the job description. Compare the qualities the employer is seeking to your own skills and experience, and try to use some of the same language in your resume and cover letter. If the job description isn't detailed enough, search for listings for the same type of job at other companies, and make note of common terms and phrases used in your industry.

Demonstrated Accomplishments

A bulleted listing of your past achievements and responsibilities is nice, but without elaboration, this list doesn't mean much to potential employers. With each accomplishment you mention, include a detailed description or backstory to support your claims. For instance, a candidate who lists "strong salesperson" as one of her qualifications is likely to be passed over for the candidate who states she "implemented a sales strategy that increased sales by 11 percent over a three-month period." Wherever possible, demonstrate how your skills helped your former employers operate better, save money or increase business. This shows employers how valuable you can be.

It is no longer enough to create one generic resume and shop it around to dozens of employers. To really get your foot in the door, you need multiple customized resumes that provide a strong first impression, include the right keywords and list your quantifiable accomplishments. While creating these documents requires more time and energy, ultimately, you'll reap better results, saving you lots of time and stress during your job search.

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