How to Write a Resume That Wins Interviews

How to Write a Resume That Wins Interviews How to Write a Resume That Wins Interviews Recruiters only spend about six seconds reading your resume before they make a decision about your qualifications, which means you have very little time to catch and retain their attention.In my experience as a resume writer, I have noticed my clients making the same job-costing mistakes over and over. These mistakes are usually made in the professional profile, work experience, and professional development sections of their resumes. Here is my advice to help you avoid these mistakes - and make the most of your six secondsYour Professional ProfileYour professional profile is the first section of your resume that employers and recruiters read, so it is vital you instantly set yourself apart from the competition. Employers should be able to tell three things from reading your professional profileWho you are and what your areas of expertise areA good way to ensure your professional profile contains this information is to read job ads. Identify the areas of experience your target employers are looking for. If you have experience in those areas, mention that in your profile.The value you add to organizationsThe best way to conveyyour value is to showcase a couple of relevant accomplishments that will impress the employer.Why you are applying for that particular jobThink carefully about why this role appeals to you.Is it a step up from your current role? Does it grant access to a different sector? Does it give you the opportunity to work with a prestigious client kusine? Whateveryour reasons, express them in your professional profile. Employers want tosee you a truly interested in the role.YourWork ExperienceYourwork experienceshould form the bulk of your resume. This section will determine whether you get an interview invite or a rejection letter. There are four ways to stand out in this section of your resumeTailor your content for each positionYou shouldnt be using the same re sume for every job. When reading job ads, youshould notice each employer has its own unique needs, desired qualifications, etc. Your resume should be relevant to each employers unique situation.Paint a picture of what you have doneDont copy and pasteyour job descriptions. Instead, showcase what you have done, how you did it,and how you overcamechallengesalong the way. Be selective in what information youinclude. Details that are irrelevant to the job at handwill dilute the impact of your resume overall.Citeyour achievements in each position Employers want tosee you have a track record of success. The best way to demonstrate this is to mention relevant achievements for each job. I suggest using percentages, figures, and metrics to back up what you say with concrete value.Use engaging languageThe rolle reading your resume will have a limited attention span. If youwant to ensurethey read to the end of your resume, you need to use language that entices them to do so. Use active verbs ra ther than passiveonesfor maximum impact.Examples of strong active verbs include spearheaded, championed, administered, etc.Your Professional DevelopmentWhen reading the professional development section of your resume, employers want to learn aboutyour qualifications, training, courseworkthat will benefit the organization. In writing this section, keep these tips in mindBe selectiveOnly mention those courses and trainingsthat are relevant to the particular job you are applying for.Mention relevant qualifications you are studying towardIf you are currently studying toward a qualification the employer requires or desires, mention it in your resume. Include the date at which you anticipate earning the qualification.- At the end of the day, the purpose of your resume is to showcase the value you add to organizations. You do this by effectively explaining why you are applying for the particular job and highlighting your relevant achievements, experiences, and professional development.Shil pa Nayyar is the founder of expertcvconsultants, a full-service resume-writing company.Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career.