Are you one of those people who have sent countless resumes, but haven’t heard from anyone yet? If yes, then you should definitely read this article. There are many reasons you may not hear from one or two recruiters. But if after sending ten or more resume, you are not getting any response, introspect. The reason for this could be your resume. A resume is the first point of contact between you and your recruiter. If it’s not up to the mark or has many mistakes or doesn’t highlight what they are looking for, you will never hear back from them.
But don’t worry; there is an easy way to fix this. Just follow the below hacks and hopefully, you will get a callback.
Personalize the resume for the job post
A recruiter scans the resume for about 6-9 seconds and decides whether he/she wants to take a second glance. If you use the same resume for every job vacancy, you will not hear back from recruiters. Make sure when you send out a resume it has:
- The title of the post you are applying for.
- Use words that describe the job you are applying for.
- Write your skills in a way that matches the job description.
- If including a career objective, keep it short, to-the-point and related to the post.
If done precisely, name dropping can work wonders
If your previous job was at some well-known and popular company, use that in your resume. But only if it is recent, up to three years. Highlight the achievements and experiences you had in that company and send the resume to its competitors.
Companies usually hire people that worked with their competition.
Personal recommendations are best
The best way to ensure you get hired is to get a good recommendation from your peers or seniors. When your recruiting manager sees such recommendation, it assures them of your work quality and your chances of getting hired increases.
The bullet points should be object oriented
Using bullet points to tell about your work or skills won’t help if they are not object-oriented. That is why it is important to ask the question of what you achieved from a certain task or skill. Some tips for this are:
- State what a firm or a client got from your work and include an achievement.
- Use power words like fulfilled or accelerated.
Send out resumes for fewer jobs
Don’t send out resumes for numerous jobs, thinking that you will hear from at least one or two. Instead, apply to jobs that are related to your field in limited number.
Select the best vacancies from your field.
Create your resume and update your social profile for the post.
If you have any work gaps or lack a certain skill needed for that job, send a cover letter too.
Trick the ATS Machine
Most companies nowadays are using ATS Machine or Applicant Tracking Software to scan the CV before physically reading it. These machines or robots scan the applicant’s resume based on some points that the employer pointed out. These can be keywords, layout, design and so on.
Now, to get past these machines is a big and important task because a simple mistake can make them disregard your resume. That means no matter how talented or fit you are for the job you won’t hear back from the recruiter. Here’s how you can trick the ATS machines:
- Use keywords in moderation as it makes the robots think you are perfect for the job.
- Don’t use filler or generic words; instead, use words that best describes the job post and description.
- Use action verbs
- If the post mentions any specific skills, be sure to post it.
- Don’t exaggerate your abilities.
- Use the keywords even in your old job experience and achievements.
Infographics
A person who has been active on the Internet enough will know that Infographics are the tool to get your message across effectively. It is the best way to deliver information easily and quickly. If you are applying for a creative job like a graphic designer, you can always use the infographic for your resume. It will certainly catch the eye of the recruiter as they won’t be expecting this.
Here are some tips on designing an infographic:
- An infographic CV is not a copy of a LinkedIn profile or a regular resume. It should be simple and visual meaning no big chunks of text.
- Only include important and relevant data in it. Prioritize skills or data from your CV that has to be there in the infographic resume.
- To design the infographic resume, first, make the structure on a paper and think where you want things to go.
- Search for tools that will provide you with a free infographic CV maker template and use that.
- The opening act of the resume should be your name and a little information about what you do and what should you expect from the resume.
- Test it on friends and family before sending it out.
Always upload your CV
When you are applying online for a specific job post/vacancy, you get two options- upload or fill out a form. In such a case, always choose the former option. It is because when you upload your resume, the HR can see the resume how you wanted him/her to.
But when you fill out an online form, it will be a simple or repetitive template which might not impress the HR. Here are some tips when uploading a resume online:
- Use standard font sizes and font like Cambria, Time New Roman and so on.
- The Resume should be in RTF or PDF format.
- The file size should be less than 50 MB.
- Don’t save the cover letter and Resume in one file. Keep it separate.
Have an online presence
Everyone is on social media including your recruiters. It is not a hidden fact that recruiters and HR go through the applicant’s social media profiles to get a better understanding of them. That is why it is important to ensure that your profiles on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and so on are on their best behavior.
Also, whatever field you are working for or want a job in, make sure that your social media backs that up. For people who want a job in a creative field, the best way to have an online presence is to have their own website or blog. It will work as their online portfolio.
Many other aspects of getting a job are not within our control, but sending out a great resume is. So, follow these tips and send out a perfect CV.
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