Did you know? Recruitment technology scans resumés to narrow down candidates before sending top choices to recruiters for a deeper read. To help your resumé make the short list, make sure it’s an obvious match. Our recruiters at BMO don’t want to miss out on someone who’s a great fit, so they’ve offered these six tips on how to catch their attention.
1. Tailor your resumé
Rather than submitting the same version of your resumé for every job, why not keep a master copy that you can adjust each time you apply? Carefully read the job description, looking for key words and skills. Consider which of your experiences is most relevant and then tailor your resumé accordingly. For a better shot at landing an interview, adjust your summary and play up your skills and experiences that line up with the job description.
2. Keep things simple and consistent
Make sure your resumé is easy for recruiters to digest quickly so they won’t miss out on important information about your skills and experience. Use a simple, consistent format and a decent amount of white space. The “Experience” section of your resumé gets the most attention, so put your job titles in bold font to make them easy to spot. Then begin each bullet with a verb and decide whether to use punctuation throughout.
3. Highlight your accomplishments
Rather than simply listing out tasks and responsibilities under each of your jobs, lead with your notable achievements and impactful projects as the top bullet under each role.
4. Quantify your impact
Whenever possible, use numbers and data to support your story. This helps you paint a picture that proves your impact and protects you from resorting to generic, clichéd phrases.
Example: Increased conversions by 60% in first three months > Responsible for converting leads
5. Add key words wisely
Show that you’re a match by including key words from the job description. These can include skills, programs, certifications, job titles, and even soft skills like “problem solver” and “critical thinker.” But resist the temptation to optimize your resumé for automated screening by overpacking it with key words. Instead, include all key words in context, so it’s ready for a recruiter’s eyes.
6. Ask for a second set of eyes
Even if you’re a top proofreader, ask for an objective review from family members and friends. They might just catch something that you’ve repeatedly glazed over
