Are you looking for a new job? Done updating your resume or CV? Now, it’s time to make your resume and CV stand out!
Yes, I hear you!
But first, let’s differentiate between resume and CV.
Resume vs CV
Résumé is French for summary or to sum up.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) is Latin for the course of life.
In other countries, they use resume and CV for different application types. However, in the Philippines, and especially when applying for a job, it doesn’t matter which you use. What’s more important is it is short and concise and you are able to “sell” your qualifications. For the purpose of this blog, let’s agree to use resume over CV.
Photo by Getty Images
Why am I writing this?
Fairly recently, 6 friends reached out and said, “Emile, can you help me find job opportunities?” I said “Sure, send me your resume.”
Upon receiving their resume, I kind of figured out immediately why they’re not getting a call from prospective employers.
It’s not the first time I saw resumes like that. I had a recruiting stint and in that capacity, I reviewed resumes from entry level to senior management applications. I’m telling you, there are resumes that won’t get past paper screening (the first step in the resume review process).
Let me share with you some tips in updating your resume so you can land your dream job!
Five Tips For Resumes That Stand Out
1. Arrange your experiences in reverse-chronological order. The recent job is what matters more than the position you held soon after graduation.
2. Focus on achievements, contributions and awards, not your job description (JD). Most, if not all, Recruiters know the JD of the demand (roles they are tasked to recruit for). Tell them something they don’t know yet. Something that will make you stand out from the sea of other applicants.
3. Make it easy to read. Use white space and bullet points as needed. Refrain from using run-on paragraphs and very wordy sentences. Remember that recruiters have to review dozens to hundreds of resumes. So, often they just “scan” and if your resume is not “scan-friendly” they move on to the next resume.
4. Make it concise. If possible to keep it a one-pager, go for it. Maximum would be 2 pages. Trust me, if you would remove or further summarize your JD, you can shorten your resume to 1-2 pages only.
5. Be honest! Last but not least, be honest with whatever you write there. Once there was an applicant who asked for a copy of the JD of the open position. I gave it. He updated his CV which is patterned exactly on the JD. That was fine, but when I probed, he couldn’t give me clear, specific examples. That’s a major turn off. That was two years ago and up to now I still remember his name, face and resume. I also still remember our interview. Not in a good way, ok. That’s how bad dishonesty is and you won’t be guilty of the same if you want a job for keeps.
Go ahead! Review, update and proofread your resume. I’m so excited for your job interviews (and job offer!) that will happen soon!
Bonus!
If you reviewed and updated your resume but still uncertain or simply want a second pair of eyes to look into it, feel free to send your resume to me so I can review and send you feedback for free! 🙂
You can access Engagement Imperative by clicking here and follow via email and I will send you a note. You can also leave your email address in the comment box (visible to others). UPDATE: …or shoot me an email at emiletherese@yahoo.com.
Note: In the spirit of learning, I will only send you feedback on what will make it stand out. I will not update it for you. It is in actually doing it that you will learn. 🙂
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