Lauren Thompson
VP of the West Coast
In today’s competitive job market, your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers. It’s your chance to showcase your skills, experiences, and qualifications, so it’s essential to make it stand out from the crowd. Let’s explore five resume hacks that can quickly improve your resume and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
1. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application: One of the biggest resume mistakes job seekers make is using a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, customize your resume for each job application. Study the job description carefully and identify the specific skills, qualifications, and keywords the employer is looking for. Then, tweak your resume to highlight your relevant experiences and skills that align with the job requirements.
By tailoring your resume, you not only show that you’re a perfect fit for the position, but you also make it easier for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to recognize your qualifications. ATS scans resumes for keywords and phrases, so aligning your resume with the job posting increases your chances of passing this initial screening.
2. Use Action Verbs and Quantify Achievements: Instead of listing your job duties and responsibilities, use action verbs to describe your accomplishments. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb, such as “achieved,” “implemented,” “managed,” or “led.” This not only makes your resume more engaging but also emphasizes your contributions.
Furthermore, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Use specific numbers, percentages, and metrics to showcase your impact. For example, instead of saying, “Increased sales,” you could say, “Increased sales by 20% within six months.” Quantifying your achievements provides concrete evidence of your success and sets you apart from other candidates.
3. Showcase Relevant Skills in a Skills Section: Create a dedicated skills section near the top of your resume. In this section, list key skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Include both hard skills (e.g., programming languages, certifications) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork). This section helps recruiters quickly identify your qualifications and areas of expertise.
Additionally, make sure to update this section for each job application, emphasizing the skills most relevant to the specific role you’re pursuing. This makes it easy for hiring managers to see that you have the right skillset for the job.
4. Include a Strong Summary or Objective Statement: Your resume’s summary or objective statement serves as your elevator pitch—a brief introduction that highlights your career goals and what you can bring to the company. Use this section to grab the recruiter’s attention and provide a concise overview of your qualifications.
Avoid generic statements like, “Seeking a challenging position,” and instead, tailor your summary or objective statement to the job you’re applying for. Mention your key skills, accomplishments, and why you’re passionate about the role and the company.
5. Proofread and Format for Readability: Typos and formatting errors can quickly diminish the impact of an otherwise impressive resume. Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your resume to catch any spelling or grammatical mistakes. Consider enlisting a friend or family member to review it as well.
In terms of formatting, keep your resume clean and easy to read. Use a professional font, maintain consistent formatting throughout, and use bullet points for better readability. Be mindful of white space and avoid overcrowding your resume with text. A well-organized, visually appealing resume is more likely to leave a positive impression.
Your resume is your ticket to landing job interviews and ultimately securing your desired position. By following these five resume hacks, you can quickly enhance your resume’s effectiveness and increase your chances of standing out to employers. With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to a more successful job search. If in doubt, just give us a call at Hire Up Staffing and we would love to help you fine-tune your resume and help you land your next job!
Lauren Thompson, VP of the West Coast | October 2023
Meet Lauren Thompson, Vice President of the West Coast. Lauren started in the staffing industry 10 years ago as a Recruiter. Finding success in her role quickly, she promoted through the ranks to outside sales, training and development, and then Regional Vice President. She joined Hire Up in November of 2019 as our first Regional Vice President hire for the California Market. Since starting at Hire Up, she has created and implemented new sales campaigns and initiatives to help the company grow. In her first quarter with Hire Up, she helped the recruiters increase their individual gross profit by an average of 28%. She does this by creating plans that focus on the individual needs of each office and person.