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CEO Resume Strategy: 4 Important Tips

CEO Resume Strategy. Executive in Suit

A CEO career is guaranteed to be rich in detail. However, a common mistake I see CEOs make in their resume strategy is spending too much time writing about their work and not enough time emphasizing their results.

What sets a CEO apart from competitors, though, are results.

Bottom-line business impacts, organizational growth, and business expansion are big, CEO-career wins that need to be strategically packaged and positioned in a resume to generate meaningful impact.

To hook and engage readers, a CEO resume should be less ‘here’s what I did every day’ and more ‘here are some carefully curated big wins, which align well with your role requirements’.

So how can you energize your executive resume with more meaningful content? Here are 4 resume tips to help your CEO resume strategy:

 

Provide clear statements of value

Don’t make readers guess or hunt. Large, heavy blocks of text can bury key facts and make it difficult to decipher clear value. Also, droning on about role oversights or daily responsibilities doesn’t provide a true scale of abilities.

Instead, spoon-feed the reader the facts they want, first…and add scale (size) to details. A good place to start is the resume header – which should be distinct and defined, something like:

President and CEO: 

$45M Global Facilities Management | Teams to 450 | 300% Revenue Growth in 4 Years

 

Continue to provide succinct descriptions of performance throughout the resume, placing a heavier emphasis on related metrics and achievements. Remember, less work and more results.

A content-heavy, work-focused excerpt might read:

CEO of the company for the past 5 years, overseeing all aspects of company operations and reporting, including investor relations, financing, operational strategy, business development, safety, contract negotiations, change management, treasury management, capitalization for projects, safety, and budgeting.  Focused strategies on EBITDA growth and revenue expansion, increasing both dramatically during tenure. To create necessary operational cost-savings, reduced closed down operations in one city and renegotiated long-term service contracts with vendors to reduce expenses.

 

 A sharper, results-focused excerpt which distills job tasks and showcases impacts:

In first year, realized EBITDA growth of 250% and increased production 360%. Continue to drive all aspects of national operations, including investor relations, financing, safety, business development, contract negotiations, and capitalization of company and projects, overseeing a team of 100 and a budget of $125M.

  • Expanded revenue from $1.5M to $26M over 5 years after introducing sales optimization process.
  • Reduced employee turnover from 120% to 10% in 1 year by initiating new benefit program.
  • Generated $5M+ in cost-savings by renegotiating long-term service contracts.

 

Pack the file with plenty of action, and mix it up

Vary word use throughout the resume, both for keyword purposes and increased reader engagement. For example, starting every bullet point with the word “managed” does not provide depth and breadth of ability, nor will it excite the reader.

Instead of dwelling on ‘responsible for’ statements, drive action and energy into your file with easy to absorb ‘sound bites’ or bulleted statements with varying action words and bolded measurements of achievement. An example:

  • Exceeded EBITDA target 6% in 2020 and 5% in 2021, achieving best financial performance of all districts.
  • Reduced district COR $2.6M after leading most successful tuck-in acquisition in company’s history.
  • Slashed TRIR score 35% in 2020 and an additional 15% in 2021 by establishing safety committee to build an organically-grown safety-first culture.

 

Additional heavy-hitting, executive action words to consider:  helmed, orchestrated, spearheaded, generated, reduced, engineered, secured, raised, produced, steered. See a longer list here.

 

Hammer home main themes so your unique brand and offering are clear

When we share something more than once it improves the chances of the information resonating. It also increases the reader’s confidence.

Repeat and reinforce key concepts, required skill sets, keywords, and personal impacts in your CEO resume to drive home your personal value proposition and brand. The more a reader reads something, the easier it will be to remember and buy into.

If your value proposition is: “Output-Oriented Leader Who Drives Revenue and Profit Growth through Continuous Improvement and Strategic Change”……. then you need to reiterate achievements in these areas throughout the file. Give an example of revenue/profit growth in every role possible, and provide multiple examples of continuous improvement strategies or positive change.

Start the resume with strong statements in alignment with this branding statement and continue the theme to the very end. The goal is to back up your claim to fame, with proof!

 

Improve resume reading performance

Will your resume pass the initial 5-second scan? If you want the reader to take a second, harder look, the resume must grab attention immediately. Make it easy to navigate the file, quickly. Tighten language. Shorten statements. Clearly define sections.

Deliver important details with emphasis. Various design components such as charts, graphs, bolded words, larger font/text, and the inclusion of colour are all potential ways to make important facts pop off a page. When used appropriately, and in strategic moderation, design can help guide the reader’s eye. Just ensure the design does not distract!

Take the examples below. Here, key content is shared in unique ways, making details hard to overlook:A Group of Impacts

The ultimate CEO resume strategy is to infuse the file with content that compels a reader to engage and learn more. Details should be well aligned with position requirements and easy to spot and absorb.  Avoid work basics and deliver bold results!

Want more examples of strong, executive resumes?  See these resume samples.

Looking for a modern, professional CEO resume strategy that sets you apart from competitors? Check out my resume writing packages at: www.careerimpressions.ca 

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What Is A Resume? Definition And Guide For Every Job Seeker

What Is A Resume? Definition And Guide For Every Job Seeker

This year appears to be a promising year for job hunters. With the labor market recovering from the pandemic, there is significant projected job growth from 2020 to 2030. However, this does not mean that landing their preferred jobs is simple for everyone. Even in current market, prospects differ greatly based on the industry, skill level, and competencies.

If you’re looking for a new job, knowing the trends and what is a resume for job seekers and employers means you’ll have a better chance of landing one. Are you struggling with writing the perfect resume? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. Let’s take a closer look on what a resume is before you take the leap on your next career.

What is a Resume?

While people may have different notions on what a resume is, others think that its sole function is to help them land a job. This isn’t completely the case. A resume summarizes an applicant’s work experience, competencies, skills, and accomplishments. This job search tool, whether it’s on paper or in electronic form, is a vehicle for you to market yourself to potential employers. If you are running a business or applying for college admission, you will also need a resume.

Moreover, your resume contains information about your professional experience. This comprises a list of all of the jobs you’ve held as well as a list of skills you’ve acquired during the course of your career and schooling. As a result, you must be succinct and precise, highlighting all of your academic and career experiences that convince the company that you are suited for the position.

Businesspeople Hold Resume During Interviews

What is a Resume’s Purpose?

Your resume is a means for you to communicate to a potential employer your desire to apply for a job. Keep in mind, though, that your resume is different from a biography. On average, an employer spends no more than 20 seconds screening and selecting all incoming resumes. Your prospective employers may simply glance at your resume for a few seconds before deciding whether or not to give you an interview.

Make sure your resume is tailored to particular employers by stressing your relevant talents for that position and highlighting any past experience that might be beneficial to them. Regardless of how many hours you spent preparing it, if your resume is written well and equipped with powerful resume keywords, you will be invited to an interview.

Why is Resume Important?

Now that you have an idea what is a resume, you must also understand its importance in today’s ever-changing job market.

You are a regular person to your potential employers. They can tell how well you communicate by glancing at your resume. It also shows your ability to arrange data and write clearly, as well as your attention to detail. Rather than utilizing the same resume for all job applications, you should personalize your resume and cover letter to the specific demands of the business.

Make sure your resume is chock-full of employer benefits, not simply listing the skills that you have. This way, it will help you stand out from the crowd. Today’s resumes, rather than the skills-based resumes of the past, must be results driven, according to resume experts. The employer must instantly realize what benefits you provide to his organization by reading your resume.

What to Include on a Resume

Choosing what to put on a resume can be a real struggle even if it’s not your first time writing a resume. After all, not every resume has the same sections. Depending on your experience level and where you’re applying, your resume might look completely different.

  • Previous work accomplishments
  • Soft, hard, and technical skills are all part of your career history
  • Information about your past positions
  • Information on your education
  • Certifications, accolades, and awards
  • Anything else you might want to add on your resume at some point in the future
Job Seeker Researching What Is A Resume Format On Their Laptop

1. Contact Details

Your first and last names, phone number, and email address should all be included. Make sure to add your complete address. You may also include your LinkedIn profile if it’s up to date, as well as your postal address if you want to convey that you reside in the area where you’re applying.

2. Goal or Resume Summary

A resume summary (also known as a career headline, credentials profile, or summary profile) is a short statement that emphasizes your essential talents and expertise in order to catch the attention of the hiring manager. The part, as the name implies, is a summary of your qualifications, the contents of which are drawn from other sections of your resume. Your major career highlights, areas of specialization, licenses and certificates, technical aptitude, and language competence are all included in this section.

3. Skills or Areas of Expertise

The skills part of your resume demonstrates to employers that you have the talents needed to succeed in the position. Employers frequently pay close attention to the skills part of your resume when deciding whether or not you should advance to the next stage of the recruiting process. Include any resume abilities that are relevant to the post in this section. To show that you’re a well-rounded applicant, include a good balance of hard and soft abilities on your resume.

Soft Skills Include:

  • Active Listening
  • Communication
  • Customer Service
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Leadership
  • Management Skills
  • Problem-Solving
  • Time Management

Hard Skills Include:

  • Copywriting
  • Statistical Analysis and Data Mining
  • Cashier Skills
  • Video Editing
  • Social Media
  • Graphic Design
  • Project Management
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Business and Data Analysis
  • Patient Care
  • Server Maintenance
  • Database Management
  • Engineering

4. Work History

List every previous job you’ve held and put them in chronological order, starting with the most recent experience and working backwards. Put the names of the companies, the dates of employment, and locations of assignment. List each of your responsibilities and major accomplishments for each job you’ve held.

5. Education

Include the names of your schools, your highest degree, and your majors and minors. If you don’t have any experience or it’s relevant to the position, you may also provide your GPA. Take not to include numbers when it’s higher than 3.5. Plus, relevant courses taken while completing your undergraduate or graduate education. Aside from education, you may list your certifications or training.

Job Interview Between Recruiter And Applicant

Types of Resume Formats

You may use various resumes to apply for job vacancies. A chronological, functional, hybrid, or targeted resume are all options. Each resume kind serves a distinct function. As a result, you must consider your present job situation while determining the best format to write. Read on to find out which resume format is right for you.

1. Chronological Resume

For years, people have thought of the chronological resume as the standard of what is a resume. A chronological resume is a resume format that lists your work history in order in terms of dates of each position. It starts with your most recent job listed at the top of the section. This type of format is particularly advisable for those with rich work history, the chronological resume prioritizes and lists your work experience and achievements from most to least recent.

2. Functional Resume

What is a resume format with skills as the highlight instead of work experience? It’s the functional resume structure. If you’re a new graduate with limited job experience or switching fields, you can utilize a functional resume. You’ll want to get your skill summary section just right if you want to create a compelling functional resume.

3. Combination Resume

A combination resume, often known as a hybrid resume, combines the approach of a chronological and functional format. In other words, it gives equal weight to your talents and job experience. This format enables you to give a fast overview of your actual work experience as well as transferable skills. 

Note: The combination format shouldn’t be selected in writing a resume unless you:

  • Are in the process of changing careers.
  • Have some gaps in your employment history.
  • Are a senior-level applicant with a broad variety of abilities and experience.

4. Targeted Resume

The core of creating a targeted resume is about scrutinizing the job posting you wish to fill in. In most cases, recruiting managers include the abilities, responsibilities, and characteristics that they are looking for in the job post. Then, on your resume, emphasize these skills to show that you’re a good fit for the job.

5. Infographic Resume

In today’s competitive job market, some job seekers are resorting to tools like visual resumes to help them stand out. In comparison to standard resume layouts, an infographic resume incorporates visual design components. An infographic resume combines style, color, and font styling to present work history. On the other hand, a typical resume merely uses plain text to list information from top to bottom.

Related Article: Resume Trends for 2022 to Kick-Start Your New Career

Resume Writing for Every Job Seeker

List prior successes and important contributions to show the company or hiring manager what you can bring to the table, and you’ll enhance your chances of landing an interview. Are you not putting your best foot forward on your resume? Do you require any further assistance? Our expert writers can review your resume for free or craft a compelling resume to get you noticed!

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Your First Step In Creating A Winning Resume

Your First Step In Creating A Winning Resume

Have you ever wondered how high-rise buildings are constructed? How airplanes are made? Or how bridges are built over water? Simple answer: They all started with outlines. This is also the same when creating a job application tool. Through a resume outline, you’ll be able to produce a well-structured, job-winning document that will help you take one step ahead of the competition and increase your chances of landing job interviews.

In this article, we’ll discuss what a resume outline is and its importance, the parts of a resume outline, and tips on how to create one. Plus, we’ll share with you an example to give you an idea how it should look like. Read on.

What is a Resume Outline?

First things first: Let’s define what a resume outline is.

Basically, a resume outline is a checklist, blueprint, or framework of your application document outlining what information and key components you should include in your resume. This helps you break down the details and identify what skills, qualifications, and experience you’ll highlight to match the job post you’re applying for. Furthermore, it helps you present what you can bring to the table.

Importance of Resume Outline

Since sending your resume is the best way to reach out to employers to express your interest in the job post, it’s crucial that you have a professionally written and well-structured document. Take note that the more organized and well-presented your resume is, there’s a higher chance of impressing hiring managers and acing your job search. And through a resume outline, this will help you organize your thoughts and guide you in creating a well-thought-out tool.

Millennial Job Seeker Typing Her Resume On Her Laptop

Parts of a Professional Resume Outline

Without further ado, below are the most common parts of a resume outline.

Resume Heading

Starting right at the top of your resume, include your full name, complete mailing address, email address, and phone numbers. Make sure that your contact details are correct and accurate to avoid missing job interview calls. You may also include your own website, LinkedIn URL, and job-related social media profiles, if there are any.

Resume Summary

This portion lets you highlight the combination of your skills, qualifications, and expertise in a brief and concise manner. Thus, it’s important that you showcase all your key traits and best feats to headhunters to keep them engaged in reading your job application tool.

Related Post: What Happened to Resume Objectives (and Why Summary Statements are the New Norm)

Skills Section

The skills section helps hiring managers easily identify whether you are familiar with the industry and you’ve got what it takes to perform the tasks. Knowing what skills you should put on your resume—whether hard or soft skills—can help you win your job search. Furthermore, your skills will also serve as your resume keywords necessary to beat the applicant tracking system (ATS).

Related Posts:

Work Experience

Your work history is one of the most important parts of your resume as this area speaks of what you’ve accomplished in your professional career. When presenting your work experience, be sure to list them in reverse chronological order. Include the company names and their locations, your specific job titles, and the employment dates. Meanwhile, enumerate your job descriptions and notable contributions using bullet points for easy reading.

Related Post: The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Resume with No Work Experience

Education

Academic background plays a vital role in your job search as most employers prefer applicants with degrees. That being said; make sure that your education section is well-presented to effectively grab hiring managers’ attention. Indicate your complete degree and course title, school name and its location, and your graduation dates. You may also mention the awards, honors, recognition, and scholarships you’ve received, if there are any.

Training, Certifications, and Licenses

If you’ve maintained active involvement in several training and earned certifications and licenses relevant to the job you’re applying for, it’s highly recommended to include them in your job search tool as these add value to your application.

Other Possible Sections on Your Resume Outline

Aside from the abovementioned parts, you can also add another section for your professional affiliations, awards and honors, activities and community involvement, technical skills, and projects handled.

Job Applicant Typing His Resume At Night

Tips in Creating a Resume Outline

In order to outline your resume, you need to collect first all the important details such as your skills, qualifications, experience, accomplishments, and credentials and place them under their proper resume sections, as mentioned above. To help you, here are some tips on how to create a resume outline.

1. Carefully think of and gather all the details relevant to your target job.

Read the job posting thoroughly to identify the skills, qualifications, achievements, and requirements your target employer is looking for. Doing so will help you easily narrow down and highlight your relevant information on your document that will match the job requirements.

2. Put your information on your resume template.

On your resume outline, fill in the fields with your details including contact information, resume introduction, skills, work history, education, and training and certifications.

3. Customize your resume sections.

Depending on your information, list down all applicable sections to present what you have to offer. Make sure that the order of your sections showcases what you can contribute to the company.

4. Pick the best resume format.

Once you have reviewed the job posting and gathered all the necessary information to include on your resume, choose the right resume format that will effectively highlight your qualifications and best feats.

Related Post: Which Resume Format Best Suits Your Application?

5. Choose your resume layout.

Aside from resume outline, you should also pay attention to the layout of your job search tool—whether it is traditional, modern, or creative. Keep in mind that content and design work hand in hand to produce a professionally written, well-structured resume.

Example of a Resume Outline

To give you an idea how a resume outline is created, below is a sample you can consider as your guide in writing your own.

Customer Service Representative Resume Outline

Name
• First and last name

Contact Information
• Complete mailing address
• Phone number
• Email address
• LinkedIn URL

Resume Summary
• In three to five sentences, showcase what you can bring to the table by mentioning your experience in the industry, your soft and hard skills, and other qualifications.

Skills
• Aside from resume summary, list here your industry-specific and soft skills.

Work Experience
• Company name and location
• Specific job title
• Inclusive employment dates
• Job descriptions and accomplishments/contributions

Education
• Degree
• Course title
• Minor, focus, or concentration
• School name and location
• GPA, awards, honors, scholarships, and recognition
• Activities

Training
• Training title
• Granting institution

Certifications and Licenses
• Name of certification and license
• Granting institution
• Expiration date

Professional Affiliations
• Organization name
• Position

For more ideas, you may take a look at our resume examples prepared by our expert resume writers.

Successful Job Interview Recruiter And Applicant Shake Hands

Let Our Experts Help You Write a Job-Winning Resume

Now that you have an idea on how to create a resume outline and how it should look like, are you ready to start with your first step in achieving your career goals? However, if you’re still struggling writing your own resume, you can rely on the experts.

At Resume Professional Writers, we are composed of a team of professional resume writers and career coaches committed to helping job applicants secure job interviews. Check out our best resume writing services to get started.

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Tips To Ensure A Well-Designed Resume

Tips To Ensure A Well-Designed Resume

Rise above other job searchers with the help of a well-designed resume. Learn how to add color in a resume layout—and make your job application stand out!

Should You Use Color on Your Resume?

Short answer, yes!

Many are hesitant to use colors in a resume, believing that doing so may leave a negative impressive to hiring managers. However, many employers today are open to fresh perspectives and using colors in a resume design can help your document standout.

There are things to remember despite the practice being accepted. First, you must take into account your industry. If you are searching for a job in digital and creative industries, then using color on your resume can help you showcase your design skills and standout from others. In contrast, traditional industries may need a more straightforward resume. So, choose darker colors to match the formal theme.

Second, you must look into your personality. You must find a balance between colors and spaces to make your resume format more appealing. The key is to make your resume clear and eye-catching. For more tips, read on.

Job Seeker Writing Resume On A Laptop

Advantages of Using Color in a Resume

Draws Attention

Hiring managers receive a handful of resumes and cover letters each day. So, there is a high chance that you are competing with a hundred other job searchers for a single job post. Set yourself apart from the pile of applicants using a unique resume. One way to catch their eyes is through a well-made design using color in a resume.

Improves Layout

After standing out from other job searchers, your next challenge is to let them see your winning feats. If done right, resume colors and layout can do this trick. Hiring managers may quickly scan your document so you must be able to highlight your topnotch skills within a short time. Also, colors can provide a smooth transition to your sections and improve your entire resume layout.

Shows Creativity

Applying for jobs in a creative industry? You may want to start strong with a creative resume. Showcase your skills with colors and design through your resume. Choose the right hues, best resume fonts, and resume layout based on your job post. If the company uses a color scheme, you may also want to use it. This can show that you did your research prior to the job search.

Conveys Personality

Aside from skills, you can also include a glimpse of your personality into your resume. Adding color and choosing the color palette can already give hints about you. Some hiring managers also look for one’s personality and assess their compatibility with the rest of the team early on. So, having a good first impression is crucial in winning the job posting.

Businessman Interviewer Consider A Resume

Disadvantages of Using Color in a Resume

Affects Readability

There are hiring managers who use software, such as applicant tracking systems, to screen through the resumes they receive every day. The system scans the resume to find keywords for a job role. At times, an overly designed resume may not be scanned properly. Nonetheless, using more graphics or mismatched colors over words may affect this process.

Distracts Reading

As said previously, adding colors can improve the resume layout. However, if done wrong, it can also make your resume difficult to read. Thus, choose colors that would match your tone. Also, select areas that need more emphasis and focus the colors on those parts to achieve balance on colors, white background, and texts.

Tips in Choosing the Best Colors in a Resume

Adding colors in a resume might be a bit tricky at first. Therefore, we’ve listed below useful color guides to help you choose the best palette for your job application.

  • Dark Colors – Perhaps the safest color scheme for starters are dark colors such as green or blue. Darker colors might not be striking, but they provide enough color variation to your resume. Avoid using dark font color over dark background for it may be hard to read.
  • Bright Colors – In contrast, bright colors are harder to pull off than dark colors. Wrong colors can instantly put your resume into a bad light. On the contrary, for creative job posts, this may be a good chance to show your skills in design. Also, avoid using more than three main colors for it may appear too cluttered.
  • Black and White – As much as adding colors can be fun, there’s nothing wrong with black and white. This scheme is the safest option for traditional companies.

How to Use Colors in a Resume

Drafting your colored resume soon? Here are guides to follow:

  1. Draft your resume. Write a resume without colors yet. You may use the black-and-white color scheme at this stage. This step will help you organize your skills and feats into your chosen resume format. This will be the core of your job application.
  2. Choose a color palette. After reading the pros and cons of each color scheme, decide which one fits your taste and industry. Plan which colors will be used for the document. Also, consider the companies color scheme and apply it to show that you know them.
  3. Select sections to highlight. Choose areas that you want to highlight. This may be your core skills and experiences. Adding colors will draw the reader’s attention to the right places if included properly.
  4. Apply colors to layout. Combine the basic resume with the color scheme plan. Add the chosen colors and improve the sections that need emphasis. At this point, you may still change the colors based on the initial output.
  5. Check design. View the entire resume and check if the colors matched. Read and spot the areas that can be hard to read. Revise accordingly until the desired design is achieved.
Job Seeker Using Laptop To Incorporate Color In A Resume

Perfect Your Job Search with the Right Color in a Resume

Win more job chances with a well-made resume. Partner with a resume writing expert to help you add the right color in a resume. Gain more edge in today’s job competition and take the latest resume trends to your advantage. Contact us to learn the best resume offers for you!

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Surefire Tips To Ace The Job Search Game

resume job application business writing interview search concept

The job market is constantly changing and becoming more competitive each day. With the current pandemic, landing a job has become more difficult than ever. Whether you are applying for a job or changing careers for the first time, you need to stay abreast with the resume trends to outdo your rivals. If you would like to gain an edge over other job seekers today and in the next few years, write a resume that reflects the latest resume writing styles.

Writing a resume could be challenging at times because you have to make sure it showcases your skills and qualifications. Plus, it has to be tailored to your target position. Since the competition is fiercer than before, hiring managers now have higher expectations with the resumes they review since those are job seekers’ tool to market themselves as the most qualified for the post. Want an effective job search tool? Check out the resume trends for this year to get started!

Heed These 2022 Resume Trends

Trends in recruitment and career change over time, and these highly affect how one must prepare for their job hunt. Hence, knowing the resume trends helps you write an effective job search document that could impress hiring managers. As mentioned earlier, your resume is your ticket to focus on what you can bring to the table. That said, read on this year’s resume trends and get ready to revamp your resume.

Industry-Fit Resume

Don’t let those free online resume templates fool you. Generic resume patterns and formats may jeopardize your chances to land the job. To leave a huge impact on potential employers, you need to tailor your resume and cover letter to your target job. Use both a format and layout that complement your selling points and highlight the features of your application.

Resume Format

It’s very common for job seekers to use the chronological resume format because it’s the most widely known. However, you need to consider your qualifications and the job you’re applying for, too. If you’re in the middle of a career change or a fresh graduate, it’s advisable to consider using other formats such as functional or targeted resumes.

Remember, using the right resume format for your current situation helps you gain the interest of hiring managers. Furthermore, translating your resume to skills-based is an advantage in this new decade because most employers value skills more than other things.

Resume Length

Aside from the resume format, length is also being considered by recruiters and hiring managers. If you’re still thinking that “the longer a resume, the better,” then you should think twice because it’s actually the other way around. To date, the standard length is one page.

Don’t worry, however; you don’t need to box yourself in with that. You can still exceed two pages given that you have years of relevant work experience and hundreds of related achievements. The whole point, ultimately, is that hiring managers prefer concise resumes.

ATS-Ready Resume

As usual, employers will seek candidates who they think can succeed in the firm. But since they are too busy to scan every document, recruiters and hiring managers will only pay attention to resumes that will attract them the most. Hence, make sure that your resume can beat the ATS to get into the hands of hiring managers.

Readable Design

One of the most overlooked resume trends yet important to consider when writing a resume is its layout. This is the first thing that the reader notices prior to scanning the entire document. Worse, it becomes the basis of the hiring manager whether to read it further or not.

Don’t pack content in multi-lined paragraphs with little white space in between. Leave some white spaces in your resume to make the text visually pleasing and appealing to the readers’ eyes. Also, avoid using fancy designs and unreadable fonts.

Job Search Engines

In this age of technology, most transactions are done online, including job hunting. Thus, this point is an integral part of the resume trends for 2022. In order for you to land a job easily, you need to widen your network. For this to happen, post your resume or CV on the best job search engines. Some recruiters search for profiles before posting a job so having your tool available on different platforms can help them notice you.

Online Resume Writing Services

Taking this year’s resume trends into account is helpful in landing a job even in this time of pandemic. However, with the global crisis we’re facing, many people are anxious and writing a resume could be an additional challenge. Thus, considering online resume writing services is the most convenient option. This helps you ensure that your resume is tailored for the job you’re eyeing. Not to mention, you don’t need to worry if your tool is in trend.

Related Article: Key Components of an Effective Resume

Job Seeker Typing Their Resume On The Laptop

Top 10 Resume Tips to Follow for Career Success

Knowing the resume trends for this year can get you a better chance of landing your target if you’re able to apply them on your resume. To boost your way to winning in this job search game, we have listed some practical tips for you to heed to secure a post.

1. Don’t forget to use a professional email and make sure your contact info is correct.

You need to make sure the contact details on your resume are correct because that’s the only way recruiters can reach you if you passed the screening. Also, having a professional email says a lot about you.

2. Use action words in stating your responsibilities from your previous jobs.

You wouldn’t want to risk your application due to a generic word choice in your resume. Instead, choose action words that can best describe and demonstrate how effective you are as an employee.

Moreover, use this technique when talking about your relevant work experiences and listing your notable accomplishments. Action words improve your resume’s impact as recruiters can easily spot your competencies through these words, which also serve as powerful resume keywords.

3. Make use of keywords relevant to your target position.

With the advancement in technology and the rise of resume shortlisting robots, more and more firms are now using computer software to screen applications. Thus, make sure your piece is rich in industry-specific keywords so you can make the cut. You’ll see—these buzzwords will surely make a huge impact on your job search.

4. List work experience that is relevant to the job.

Writing your career highlights is a plus. It’s your golden chance to share how qualified you are for the job. Having an achievement bank and the relevant work experience are important, so whenever you’re writing your resume, list the ones related to the position you’re eyeing. Make sure to write them in the most effective way and not as if you’re bragging. You can use bullet points to list this.

5. Quantify your achievements.

Your resume serves as your elevator pitch for yourself. So this year, aside from talking about the soft and hard skills you possess, don’t forget to also focus on your quantifiable achievements. Use numbers as you talk about your accomplishments. This lets recruiters have a better grasp of how you can deliver the job well and how much you can contribute to the company.

6. Highlight your technical and people skills.

More than your work experience, highlighting soft skills and hard skills is a must. What you can do is more important than when and where you last worked. Thus, put emphasis on the skills that are helpful to do the expected deliverables in your target work. In doing so, hiring managers can easily identify if you’re fit for the job.

7. Keep it simple, yet optimized to pass the ATS.

It’s an advantage if you can optimize your resume. Use the right keywords aligned to your target job. Note that most companies use the applicant tracking system (ATS) to filter the pool of applicants. Hence, it’s important to use action words and phrases that would emphasize your qualifications. With this in mind, sending a generic resume to different employers is a no-no!

8. Keep your tool short and on point.

Regardless of the format, it’s part of resume writing trends to make sure your resume is short, easy to read, and on point. There’s no need to include details that aren’t related to the job or your work experience from 15 years ago. Highlight credentials related to your target job. Focus your job application on the position and the industry you’re applying for.

Having a resume that’s one to two pages long is also recommended. In order to do this, read the job posting carefully and take note of the qualifications and skills required by your potential employer.

9. Link your social accounts and sites.

As you write your resume, consider listing your social media accounts, personal sites, blogs, or even your online portfolios as you deem fit. Just make sure before you link them on your resume that your online profiles can help you win your target job. Besides, hiring managers would refer to these sites to further assess your skills, competencies, and even character.

Related Article: Top Reasons Job Seekers Must Hire a LinkedIn Profile Writer

10. Don’t send it unless you’re sure it’s error-free.

Proofread! Do it for several times and, if possible, ask someone to proofread your work to be sure that your resume is error-free. Your resume is your key to the door of work opportunities. In addition, it’s your way to market yourself to potential employers, so make sure that there are no grammatical errors and misspelled words.

Related Article: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing a Resume

Online Job Search Is Part Of Resume Trends This Year

Top 10 Best Companies to Work in 2022

Now that you know the resume trends for 2022, it’s time to take another step to level up your career. Knowing the best companies to work in helps you choose your career path. Thus, after considering the resume trends, it’s time to check the 10 best places in the US to work in this year.

1. ADP
Industry: Human Resource
Locations: Austin, TX, Chandler, AZ, Charlotte, NC, Elk Grove Village, IL, Manchester, NH, New York, NY, Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ, Phoenix, AZ, Pleasanton, CA, and Roseland, NJ

2. Allstate
Industry: Insurance
Headquarters: Northbrook, IL

3. Canva
Industry: Software
Location: Austin, TX

4. IMC Trading
Industry: Fintech | Software
Location: Chicago, IL

5. Moveworks
Industry: Artificial Intelligence
Location: Mountain View, CA

6. Prove (Formerly Payfone)
Industry: Fintech | Mobile | Security | Software
Location: Denver, CO

7. Tableau Software
Industry: Big Data | Software
Location: Seattle, WA

8. Nuance
Industry: Artificial Intelligence | Sales | Security | Software
Location: Burlington, MA

9. Tinder
Industry: Mobile | Social Media
Location: West Hollywood, CA

10. 360Learning
Industry: HR Tech | Software
Location: Fully Remote

Job Applicant In An Interview

Tick the List of Resume Trends with the Help of the Best Resume Writers

Following the resume trends can help you secure a job as long as your tool is effectively written. However, if you don’t have the time to write a winning resume or struggling to write one, there’s no need to worry. You can still start this year with a better career with the help of Resume Professional Writers.

RPW offers the best professional resume writing services that fit your needs to secure a job you’re hoping to have even in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. There’s no need to hesitate, check out our services and jump-start your career.

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Key Components Of An Effective Resume

Writing a resume

An impressive resume has a much bigger impact on employment prospects than most candidates realize. A hiring manager only reads your resume for a minute or two before deciding whether you are worth interviewing. A good resume has to convey your most prominent qualities and present your flaws in a way that does not hinder your chances of going further. Every employer has a checklist in mind when skimming through any resume, and the profiles that tick the majority of boxes on this checklist end up successful. Here are a few features recommended by resume makers to make any profile attractive to an employer.

1. Easy to Read

No matter what format you choose and what font you go with, your resume has to be easy to read to make an impact. Most HR executives have to go through hundreds or even thousands of resumes during the hiring process. Unless your resume has a visual appeal, it is highly unlikely to be noticed by anyone. Ensure the headings, the spacing, and the fonts all look coherent, and there is no disruption within the format. You can take the help of a resume writing company to make sure your resume is free of any such flaws.

2. Free of Jargons

The only jargons a resume should have are the ones used within the hiring company or the industry. Using abbreviations or shorthands for important terminologies might confuse the reader. You won’t get a chance to clear any of these confusions unless you get called for an interview. And the chances of getting interviewed are substantially reduced when an employer isn’t convinced of your talents by reading your CV or resume.

Hr Analysis

3. Supplemented with a Cover Letter

Some employers specifically ask for a cover letter, whereas others leave it to the applicants. Whichever might be the case, you should always submit a cover letter along with a resume. A cover letter can be helpful when a hiring manager wishes to inquire further about your qualifications without arranging for an interview. It showcases a candidate’s willingness to go above and beyond for getting hired. It indicates dedication on the part of the candidate that is bound to improve your prospects. Professional resume writing services encourage job applicants to always supplement their resumes with a cover letter when applying for a corporate position.

4. Professional Finish

There is no room for informal or casual language when writing a resume for an important job. From the vocabulary to the grammar, everything has to showcase the professionalism of the applicant. The email address you add to your resume must be professional (not something you came up with as a teenager), and the phone number must have a formal voicemail message to greet the callers. These details might seem irrelevant to an applicant but leave a lasting impression.

Effective Resumes

5. Be Objective

When mentioning your soft skills and personal abilities, use objective terms to describe your qualities. Avoid adding fluff to the resume that might not have any quantifiable value. Mention instances of when you impressed your previous employers. Give real-life examples of when you solved problems that were presented to you at your past job. A resume services company can help turn subjective characteristics into objective qualities and make your resume seem exceptional.

6. Incorporate Keywords

Look for the soft or hard skills an employer has mentioned on the job ad. Incorporate these terms into your resume, so your profile is easily matched with the related job description. A resume review service can help you come up with smart terms that will naturally point towards your qualities that fit a particular role.

7. Explain Gaps Shortly

If you have a short gap in your resume, it is advisable to avoid its mention in the CV. However, if the gap is significant, you may give a short explanation without extending your resume further than two pages. Professional resume builder services can present any gap in your career in a way that will address all concerns of your prospective employer.

New Employee Getting Interviewed
Key Components of an Effective Resume 4

8. Relevant Experience

You might have interned and worked at numerous organizations before, but there is no point in mentioning any such experience that doesn’t show a connection with your current application. It makes your resume unnecessarily long, and the reader might lose interest before getting to the relevant points in your profile. Mention the experience that might make you an attractive candidate for the job and omit any irrelevant internships or volunteering experience.  

9. Set Realistic Expectations

There is a difference between confidence and exaggeration. Do not make claims in your resume that cannot be supported by proof or references. An experienced hiring manager can spot false claims very easily and might not believe any of your other qualifications because of it. Companies that offer resume writing help can formulate a profile for you that captures all your exceptional abilities in a realistic manner.

10. Omit Salaries

It gives your CV an unprofessional finish when you mention your previous salaries or your future demand in a CV. Experienced HR executives and managers are already aware of industry norms. They have a clear idea of how to decide on a salary, so you don’t need to mention it yourself.

11. Avoid Mentioning Negatives

Any failed business or employment attempt might not be suitable for mentioning on your resume. Additionally, if you worked for an employer for a period of fewer than six months, abstain from adding this experience to your resume. Switching from one employer to another too quickly leaves a bad impression on your resume. Try to stay neutral when discussing your reason for leaving a job or career, and do not talk negatively about your previous employer either.

Resume Professional Writers is a resume and cover letter service provider that offers you a chance to impress any hiring parties with your qualifications. Our online resume services can be availed by any employment applicants across the country who wish to land a job in their desired industry.

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Considerations For Choosing The Right Resume Writing Service

A resume next to a coffee cup

When thousands of people are applying for the same job, it can be hard to get noticed by a prospective employer. Hiring executives search for unique capabilities within each candidate’s profile, and there might not be a second chance for you once your CV is overlooked.

Taking the help of professional resume writers might be a viable option for those unfamiliar with the job sector they are applying within. Here are a few helpful tips on hiring professional resume writers.

1. Look for Certified Professionals

Anyone can claim to be a resume writer without having certification to support their word. Certified professional resume writers understand the industry they operate in. They know what each employer expects from a job applicant. They are aware of changing industry trends and alter their approach accordingly. A certified professional will not only design an exceptional CV for you but also help you familiarize yourself with industry norms and trends you might be unaware of.   

2. Opt for a Targeted Resume

A resume could have all the qualities one can imagine, but it won’t stand out if it is not tailored to individual characteristics. A resume that expresses your personality, values, skills, and qualifications in the best way can only be made by an experienced resume writer. Find a resume writing service that knows how to match your unique profile with that of a particular job description. Don’t settle for companies that only know how to make generic CVs.

Components Of A Resume

3. Ask for Samples

Most reputable resume services already have samples available on their websites to give you an idea of their work. You can ask for more samples that are specific to your career field and make a well-informed decision. Examine these resumes carefully and analyze the quality and relevancy of the content. Make sure the company you hire for resume writing help uses state-of-the-art equipment and up-to-date software. A technologically up-to-date resume can significantly impact your job prospects, especially if you’re applying for a tech job.   

4. Decide on a Budget

Affordability is an important factor when choosing the services of a CV writing firm. Draw up a budget ahead of the process and find a service that falls within that price range. Additionally, do not go for a company that sets the price ‘per page.’ A resume is best kept short and precise, so there is no point in paying higher for adding more pages.

5. Ask for Personal Interaction

The professionals creating your CV must communicate with you in person and customize your profile accordingly. Resume services that make you fill out a lengthy form often design similar resumes for all their clients. Ask to meet your resume writer personally, and discuss your qualifications, skills, and goals to help them write an impactful resume.

6. Ask Questions

Before hiring a professional resume writer, ask them questions about your industry and determine if they are knowledgeable enough for the task you are assigning them. Instead of talking to their sales team, ask to get in touch with a writer directly. Assess the skills of this writer based on your interaction, and don’t get your resume done by an anonymous writer. 

Interviewing A Client

7. Use your Contacts

People working in the human resources department often know about companies that are experts at writing professional resumes. Ask your friends or acquaintances for recommendations for resume writing services before making any decision. Only choose a company that has a high success ratio of getting their clients placed in desired organizations. Use online review forums to inquire about a particular service and steer clear of those with too many negative reviews.

8. Look for Testimonies

Every successful resume critique service has numerous testimonies from satisfied clientele available on their website. These testimonies can assure you of the capabilities of a professional resume writer and address any concerns you might have. You will also notice certain qualities that are the most preferred by their clients and the features that make their service unique.

9. Don’t Stick to Locals

There is no guarantee that a local will do a better job than a resume writer providing services across the state. Explore all your options online, and if a reputable firm operates from a different city or state, don’t hesitate to avail their services. You can maintain contact with the writer by any virtual means and get the same results as you would from a local company.

10. Talk to Multiple Writers

Before making the final decision, talk to at least three writers from the related company. You may think you have struck gold when interviewing the first writer, but there might be better in store for you. Most companies employ a mix of resume writers who are all unique in their capabilities. Only by comparison can you realize which writer measures up to your expectations. Avoid hiring resume writing services that do not let you compare writers, so you don’t have to make any decision half-heartedly.

Terms And Conditions

11. Read the Terms Carefully

Before signing up for a service, make sure you read their contract carefully. Know exactly what you are paying for so there are no unexpected outcomes at the end of the process. When you are paying for executive resume writing services, make sure the services they provide are worth the price they charge.

12. The Process

Determine how long they take to complete a resume and the steps involved in the process. You certainly don’t want to add another arduous chore to the job hunting procedure that is already hectic. Make sure they deliver on the timeline you decide and don’t prolong the process.

Resume Professional Writers ranks among the top resume writing services in multiple states of the U.S. due to their exceptional track record. Their competent resume writers have successfully gotten numerous candidates hired within some of the most prestigious organizations in the country.

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How Professionally Written Resumes Can Boost Your Chances Of Landing Higher Paying Jobs

A professional resume writer working on a resume

Landing higher-paying jobs may be challenging but not impossible. The hiring process is a struggle in itself, especially after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people who were laid-off are still struggling to find jobs, and those who are still employed are still working hard to get promotions or find jobs that pay more.

Most people only get a median raise of 3% in their current jobs, and it can be hard to land a higher paying job. To boost your chances of finding a job, that too a higher paying one, you can hire a professional resume writing service. Most of the time, people are unaware of what a hiring manager requires from an applicant’s resume. Most resumes are not even read by human beings as they’re filtered out by an Applicant Tracking System and end up in a resume black hole.

With the help of an expert resume writer, your resume can be improved, and you can land a higher paying job more easily than if you were to write your resume yourself. Professionally written resumes are valued more by many recruiters and can help candidates secure jobs more easily.

Those who are professionals in the resume writing services industry are constantly aware of any changes in the industry standards. They keep track of what the hiring managers require from the aspiring applicants and what they expect out of a well-written resume for a high-paying job.

Whether it is the skillset, professional experience, education history, or the formatting of the resume, professional resume writers understand what recruiters are on the lookout for during the hiring process. Anything that is outdated, unprofessional, inadequate, or overused is excluded from the resume.

A Professional Resume Writer Editing A Resume

A top resume writing service will help you present yourself to the interview through your excellent resume. Not only will the expert resume writers help you understand your offerings better but use those offerings to your advantage, so you’re able to sell yourself better through your resume.

An expert resume writer will ask you about yourself, your experiences, what you desire out of your career, how you’re fit for a higher-paying job, and what skills you possess that make you an ideal applicant. These questions will also prepare you well for your interview once your resume impresses the hiring manager.

Many people applying for a job have no idea how to present themselves to the interviewer, despite having tons of experience and knowledge. The professional resume designers will help you phrase your professional experience in better words and showcase your skills and knowledge which will also help you during the interview stage. You can even learn more about the industry the higher paying job is situated in and how your goals match with that of the company.

A Person Giving Their Resume To An Employer

Professional resume writers have written resumes for years for people belonging to many different backgrounds and applying for jobs in different industries. Their career as professional resume writers speaks for itself. Their words and skills that have helped them craft strong resumes can surely boost your chances of landing a higher-paying job.

Your objective is clear to a professional resume writer and they can make your abilities and accomplishments sound more enticing. Your experience and skills are incorporated in the resume in such a way that enables the use of industry keywords and particular phrases that employers are looking for.

A Woman Working A Higher Paying Job

Some people who have been in the same industry or career path for a long time could also be looking for a higher paying job in a different field altogether and have no idea how to make that change or transfer.

Some are stressed by the confusion and are uncertain about which skills to list that would make them a good fit and which skills are transferable for a particular higher-paying job in the new field. A professional resume writer wouldn’t have to ponder over these things and can help you align your skills with the requirements of the job you’re targeting for.

Professionals can make your resume fit enough for the modern-day job requirements and insert keywords that will help you pass the Applicant Tracking System. These keywords will make sure the system doesn’t filter you out, and your resume ends up in the hands of the employers.

According to a study, 42% of participants who were a part of the study were able to secure a position that paid more. Not just this, most participants found a new job within 90 days. Professionally written resumes help make a good first impression on the recruiters, increasing the candidate’s chances of landing the job. You can solicit the services of a resume writing company to help you with your resume.

Resume Professional Writers is a resume services company with some of the most experienced resume writers on board. We provide a range of resume writing services, ranging from resume critique to resume editing services. In addition, we also offer LinkedIn profile writing services and CV writing services.

We understand that many people don’t know about the nuances of drafting a resume and miss out on the little details that can help them meet the necessary job requirements. Moreover, the professionals on our team understand tailoring your resume to specific jobs can be challenging, and we certainly can help you through that. If you don’t wish to waste your time and land a higher-paying job faster, you can take help from our professional resume writing services.

Visit our website for more information, or browse through our services to get started.

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8 Resume Mistakes To Avoid

A person making mistakes while writing on a notepad

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, the job market has also suffered. Many people lost their jobs, and even now, most Americans are unemployed. In these times of uncertainty and a competitive job market, if your resume is not powerful and polished, you need to immediately do it.

Having a well-organized and strong resume can give you an edge over others looking for employment. It is the most important tool you have with you in your search for a job. But certain resume mistakes can be grave and need to be avoided because they can undo all your hard work in seconds.

Typos, Grammar, and Formatting Errors

Typos, grammatical errors, and any other mistakes present in your resume can be a deal-breaker for some employers. Oftentimes, people overlook the need for perfect grammar and spelling because they don’t want to get into the hassle of editing, proofreading, or formatting their resumes properly. People forget the importance of doing these things because this goes on to show your unprofessionalism to any employer.

Correct spelling and grammar, along with a properly formatted resume, are the key to landing a job. Pay attention to detail, and this will only reflect well on you. It will tell your recruiter that you’re a diligent person and are good at communication.

Ask a friend to go over your resume, so any mistakes or missing words are pointed out. Be careful about present tense and past tense. Format your resume in a professional layout and don’t make it hard to read.

A Person Holding A Resume Sitting With Another Person

Attaching a Photo of Yourself

Some jobs could require you to insert a picture of yourself or a headshot, like a modeling gig or audition for an acting job, but it is always recommended not to attach your photo on your resume. Including your photo could risk the employers rejecting your application because appearances can create a bias and distraction. Employers usually don’t want to be accused of discriminating against some candidates based on their appearances.

Using Passive Language

According to the experts at Harvard, using passive language can make the resume boring, vague, confusing, or hard to understand. It is recommended that you use active language with a lot of action words/verbs.

An example of passive vs. active language can be:

  • Passive: There was a project completion rate of 80% managed by my team.
  • Active: My time was able to achieve a project completion rate of 80%.
A Woman Interviewing Applicants

Avoid Word Stuffing or Unnecessary Jargon

It is recommended to use keywords related to the job or industry they’re applying to so their resume makes it past the applicant tracking system, which is used by 75% of the large companies as of today.

Recruiters prefer these words, but some people can incorporate too many of these keywords into their resume, which can become extremely obvious to anyone reading the resume, and they could possibly reject your resume.

It’s important to only use words that can show the employers how you’re fit for the job and avoid words that can take away the focus from your and your skills, experiences, or accomplishments.

Listing Irrelevant Skills

When you’re mentioning your skills, always make sure they’re relevant to the job role you’re applying for. This will help the hiring manager understand how you could be fit for the role. If you start listing skills that are irrelevant to the job and in no way add to your credibility, the employer can overlook your resume.

A Woman Making Her Resume

Missing Contact Information

The most important thing one should include in their resume is their contact information on top of the resume is big enough and in bold letters. If you miss out on including this information, the employer or recruiter wouldn’t be able to reach out to you, and you definitely don’t want that.

Make sure the information you include is up to date and reachable. The information should include your name, phone number, email address, and in some cases, either your LinkedIn profile or your website’s link.

Not Concise or Easy to Skim

A simple resume with black and white clear headings, proper spaces, and bullet points or lists is the correct way to format your resume. This will make your resume concise, to the point, and easy for any hiring manager to skim through. Use bold letters or italics to emphasize anything.

Make sure all your experiences are listed in chronological order, and the details of all your achievements or accomplishments are listed in order of importance.

Too Long or Too Short

Your resume shouldn’t be too short or too long. An ideal resume should not be any more than one page and two pages, at max. This doesn’t mean you leave out important experiences or achievements but keep everything brief and only elaborate where needed. Narrate everything but don’t make it sound like a novel.

If you’re a fresh graduate, make sure your resume is long enough and not too short. Include your academic projects or experiences, and don’t leave any blank spaces.

Hire the Experts for Help

If you are having trouble organizing or writing your resume, you can always utilize a professional resume and cover letter service. Sometimes, even after doing everything right and perfect to  a T, a professional’s work will be neater and on point because of all the experience and expertise they have. If you don’t want to risk losing out on an important job, you might want to consider asking experts for help.

Our expert and professional resume designer can help you craft a resume that is strong, powerful, and will surely land you an interview.

Resume Professional Writers is a resume writing company. In addition to our professional resume writing services, we also offer LinkedIn writing services and CV writing services.

Visit our website for more information. Alternatively, you can check out our services here. 

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An Avenue To Secure Job Interviews

job seeker and interviewer shaking hands to signify job search success

It’s your shopping day yesterday. You’re roaming around at the grocery store with the list of shopping items you’ve prepared to buy. While checking for a group of products, there’s this one item that caught your attention. You picked the item and started reading the label. In an instant, you decided to add the product to your cart and purchase it. Why? Was it because of the benefits? The packaging? Or the price? Whatever the reason is, that product stood out among other items that made you purchase it—and this should be the same when you submit your resume to apply for jobs.

Aside from resume format and layout, you should also pay attention to one of the factors you should consider when crafting your job application tool: the resume keywords. These elements must work hand-in-hand to effectively produce an eye-catching document and obtain the hiring manager’s positive response.

In this article, we’ll focus on resume keywords. We’ll share with you how important resume keywords are, as well as tips on how to choose and use the right keywords in your resume. Plus, we’ll provide you with a list top resume keywords for each profession and industry to help you with your job search. Let’s dive in.

What are Resume Keywords?

Basically, resume keywords are job-related or industry-specific words and phrases outlined in job postings that should match with your job search tool in order to receive job interview invites. These terms play a key role in describing and highlighting your skills and abilities, qualifications, expertise, and credentials hiring managers are looking for in a candidate.

Through resume keywords, employers can immediately determine and assess whether you are qualified for the position or not. Hence, using the right keywords in your resume helps you outshine other job applicants and—eventually—land your dream job.

Importance of Resume Keywords

In today’s hiring and recruitment processes, most companies including 75% of large corporations use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen a large volume of job candidates. This system assists hiring managers in gathering applicant information, as well as filtering hopefuls based on experience, qualifications, and skills. Furthermore, it allows employers to plug in a list of keywords and other criteria to sort job applications. Thus, spreading resume keywords wisely all throughout your job application document is crucial for you to beat the bots and secure job interviews.

On the other hand, there are companies that don’t rely on ATS. Despite their traditional hiring process, resume keywords are still vital for you to stand out in a pool of job candidates. Using human eyes, hiring managers spend an average of six seconds reviewing an applicant’s resume. Within that short span of time, you should be able to grab their attention to elicit a positive response and get your resume to the pile of accepted applications. Otherwise, your resume might get shredded in a split second and thrown in the trash bin if resume keywords are not used properly and strategically.

Related Post: Here’s How You Can Pass the Applicant Tracking System

Young Job Seeker Writing Her Resume

Tips in Selecting the Right Resume Keywords

While there are hundreds and thousands of keywords available online, it’s still important that you carefully think and choose the right keywords to use in your resume. Doing so can help your resume get noticed by recruiters and pass the ATS; or else, you might miss out on the job opportunity due to improper selection of resume keywords.

To help you select the right keywords, we’ve listed several tips you should heed.

1. Review the job posting for qualifications, skills, and experience employers are looking for in a candidate.

First things first: Thoroughly read the job ad to identify which keywords must be included on your resume. The criteria for the suitable candidate are usually stated in the first paragraph of each job post. Make sure to highlight all the resume keywords you think recruiters are looking for as you review the job posting. These keywords are sprinkled in the qualifications and job descriptions portions.

2. Assess several job listings with similar job position.

Aside from the job posting of your target company, searching for multiple job advertisements with the same job title is another method to determine the right resume keywords. Browse through the job listings, spot the most popular keywords used, and scatter them in your job application tool.

Pro Tip: You may use a word-cloud generator to analyze and rank keywords for your resume. All you have to do is copy and paste the job ad into the system, then it will show you the frequently mentioned words. You’ll determine the number of times each word appears in the job post as they are listed beside the terms.

3. Analyze the skills and experience of mid- to top-level management positions.

You may also examine the job ads for higher-level positions the same way you review the job posting for your target position. Afterwards, incorporate the common skills you could bring to the table. This well help you stand out among other job applicants who don’t have the same skill sets and expertise.

4. Check the company’s website.

On your target company’s website, you can find more keywords that reflect their brand and ideals. These keywords will help you showcase that you are a perfect fit for their organization.

How to Use Keywords on Your Resume

Take note that although resume keywords are essential in landing job interviews, stuffing or misusing them in your application document can kill your chances of succeeding in your job search. But don’t worry; we’ve compiled a list of tips on how to properly use keywords on your resume shared by our professional resume writers. Read on.

1. Apply keyword variations.

Putting synonyms, acronyms, abbreviations, and a variety of such words on your document is vital in boosting the chances of getting your resume scanned and picked by ATS. For example, if a hiring manager is looking for sales representative candidates, your resume must contain multiple terms related to sales representative position, including the job titles and skills necessary for the job. That said; it’s crucial that applicants should be familiar with industry jargons to have a wide range of word choice.

Meanwhile, the ATS does not detect common acronyms and abbreviations automatically, unless the recruiter plugged in such terms. Hence, it’s better to use the spelled-out form and the abbreviation or acronym to account for both terms.

2. Mention location-based keywords.

Although some job applicants are concerned about their privacy, it’s still pertinent to include the city, town, and state on the resume. Employers also use locations as keywords on ATS to look for candidates, especially if it’s for a local position. If your target job, let’s say senior accountant, is located in California, then the hiring manager will likely use the key phrases ‘senior accountant’ and ‘California’ in ATS. This way, only applications containing both keywords will reach the hiring manager’s eyes.

3. Emphasize industry-specific skills over soft skills.

While soft skills are worth mentioning in your job application tool, using hard skills as your resume keywords could increase your chances of getting noticed by employers and their ATS. Take note that most of the hiring managers will prioritize candidates with such skills over job seekers who have little to no knowledge of the position. Plus, ATS will rank your resume higher if there are keywords pertaining to related skills.

Aside from your resume, you may also apply these tips on your cover letter. Some employers require applicants to submit both resume and cover letter as part of their hiring process. Doing so will help you showcase that you’re a highly qualified candidate for the job.

Note: You may check how our professional resume writers strategically used a variety of resume keywords through our compilation of resume examples.

Job Seeker Reviewing Resume Keywords On Her Resume

Where to Put Keywords on Your Resume

Now that you have an idea on how to choose and use the right resume keywords, we’ll now answer the question, “Where should I put keywords on my resume?” Continue reading.

Specific Target Job Position

Right after your personal and contact information, don’t forget to write your specific target job title. This way, hiring managers will immediately identify what position you’re applying for.

Resume Summary Section

Also known as the profile section, this is an avenue where you can summarize your qualities as an individual and professional as well as your skills and expertise in the field. By including resume keywords in this area, you can easily catch the hiring manager’s attention. Plus, it can be detected by the ATS right away.

Related Post: Resume Title Examples and Tips in Writing a Striking Resume Headline

Resume Skills Section

Use this portion to underscore your soft and hard skills, including your technical skills. Make sure that your entries are matched with the job posting.

Pro Tip: You may present and categorize your entries using job skills headings. Hiring managers will have an impression that you are a highly organized person.

Work Experience Section

Placing resume keywords in this area allows you to showcase that you have the qualities and experience hiring managers are looking for based on what the job requires. Not only that; you can also highlight your accomplishments and notable contributions using the right resume keywords.

Related Post: The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Resume with No Work Experience

Education Section

Present your educational background the same way how it’s listed on the job posting. If the degree is written as ‘BA’ or ‘BS,’ then have your degree listed as it is. Further, don’t forget to include your course title.

Training and Certification Section

Most of the job ads include training and certification as part of the qualifications. Hence, if you’ve received such training, licenses, and certifications, make sure to include them.

Words You Need to Avoid on Your Resume

While there are a lot of keywords to use in a resume that can impress hiring managers and beat the ATS, there are also resume buzzwords that you must leave off.

Characteristics You Must Already Possess and No Longer Need Mentioning

  • Hardworking
  • Capable
  • Organized
  • Creative
  • Responsible
  • Self-motivated

Most Commonly Used Words Since the Beginning of Resume

  • Results-driven
  • Detail-oriented
  • Team player
  • Highly skilled
  • Excellent communication skills

Vague Words that Need More Context

  • Likeable – Only those with whom you previously worked with may attest to this.
  • Expert – Nowadays, anyone may simply claim to be an ‘expert.’
  • Successful – State examples that prove it instead of saying you’re successful.
  • Innovative – We live in a digital age; almost all of us are innovative.
  • Dynamic – Does this mean you’re flexible? Be clear.

Resume Keywords: Dos and Don’ts

Let’s list the things to avoid first. Here are some of the don’ts of resume keywords you should flag before writing your job search tool:

  • Don’t use white font to hide keywords from the system and human eyes.
  • Don’t repeat keywords in a sentence just to beat the bots. Remember that your resume will also be reviewed by human eyes.
  • Don’t overstuff your skill list in unreasonable and unbelievable levels. This might be doubtful if you bombarded your document with skills that are out of context for the job.

Instead, do the following tips:

  • Do use action words to describe yourself not only as a doer but also as an achiever.
  • Do make sure your resume keywords are aligned with the job posting, including the qualifications and job descriptions.
  • Do your research regarding the industry jargon to showcase that you have skills and kn0wledge of the job you are applying for.
Job Application Recruiter Examines The Resume

List of Top Resume Keywords for Each Profession and Field

We know that this is what you’ve been waiting for! Without further ado, here’s the list of keywords to use in resume for each profession and field that could help you when creating your resume.

Information Technology

Resume Keywords for IT:

Architecture Design patterns Information technology Product testing Technical support
Artificial intelligence Digital media Knowledge management Program management Technology stack
Business analysis Disaster recovery Licensing Project management Testing
Business continuity Distributed systems Machine learning Resource management Turnkey
Certificate authority Distribution channels MS SQL Root cause analysis UML
Change management Encryption Needs assessment Scrum Unix
Cloud computing Enterprise systems Network solutions SDLC User interface design
Competitive intelligence Framework NoSQL Software development Vendor management
Database design Graphic design Oracle Software engineering Visual Basic
Database management Information security Privacy policy System integration Workflow management

Healthcare

Resume Keywords for Healthcare:

Average response time ER Medical assistance PCR Sedation
Cardiac catheterization Fistula revascularizations Nursing practitioners Physician prescriptions Skin grafts
Cardiac cath lab Flow sheets Nursing staff PICC Lines Special procedures unit
Caseload management Government requirements Occupational therapy Plastic surgery Surgical equipment
Central line placements HMO OR Nurse Policies Swan-Ganz catheter
Composite health care system Hospital procedure Outpatient Prescription drug Tests
CPR ICU Pacemaker Presentations Traumatized patients
Diagnosis Immunizations Paternity tests Quality of care Treatment
Electrophoresis Instructions Patient care procedures Samples Ultrasound
Emergency treatment Instrument trays Patient comfort Satisfaction surveys Water safety

Sales and Marketing

Resume Keywords for Sales and Marketing:

Account Behavior Direct response Profit growth Technology
Account management Brand management Direct sales Promotions Telemarketing
Action plan Campaign Distributor Revenue stream Territory
Advertising Competitive analysis Incentive planning Sales forecasting Trade marketing
Agency management Creative design Margin Social media Trade show booth design
Analytics Customer loyalty Market launch Solutions selling Transportation
Angle Customer needs Market positioning Supply chain Trend analysis
Audience Customer retention Market share Sustainability Vendor
B2B Design New market Sweepstakes Visuals
B2C Direct mail Product launch Target market Wholesale

Education and Training

Resume Keywords for Education and Training:

Addressed Counsel Holistic learning Mentor Setting boundaries
Administration Course Inclusive Networking Student
Advised Coursework Individualized education Parent communications Teaching
Assisted Curriculum Instruction Parent-teacher meeting Technology
Awarded Discipline Integration Peer counseling Training
Classroom Education Interactive Program development Tutoring
Coach Enrollment Interpersonal Public relations Verbal communication
Cognitive skills Field instruction Job placement Recruitment Writing lesson plans
Collaboration Fundraising Listening Relationship building Writing reports
Community building Goals Literacy Scholastic Written communication

Engineering

Resume Keywords for Engineering:

3D modeling Development cycle Industrial engineering Product innovation Regulatory compliance
Analysis Documentation Justification Project costing Research and development
Budget management Efficiency Land survey Project management Scale-up
Business process Engineering Lean manufacturing Project planning Scheduling
Capital project Environmental testing Manufacturability Prototype Six Sigma
Charge order Experimental design Methods Qualitative analysis Technical specification writing
Computer-aided engineering Facilities engineering Operations Quality assurance Tender documentation
Continual improvement process Field performance Process development Quantitative analysis Total quality management
Contract negotiation Guidelines Process standardization R&D Turnkey
Cross-functional team Hydraulics Product design Re-engineering Work methods

Finance and Accounting

Resume Keywords for Finance and Accounting:

Accounting Compliance Financial statements Markets Standards
Accounts payable Corporate governance Foreign exchange Mergers and acquisitions Strategic planning
Accounts receivable Cost accounting GAAP Net worth Technology
Asset management Data analysis General ledger Overhead Transaction
Balance sheet Due diligence Income statement Public speaking Treasury
Billing Equity Inventory management Real estate Underwriting
Business plan Expenditures Letter of credit Receipts Valuation
Campaign FAFSA Liquidity Risk management Vendor
Chart of accounts Feasibility Loan administration Sarbanes-Oxley Venture capital
Collections Financial planning Machine learning Securities Yield
Male Job Seeker Incorporating Resume Keywords On His Resume

Remember that if your resume does not contain the required keywords, like the list of resume keywords we have shared above, ATS and hiring managers will ignore it. However, if your document reaches the needed level of keyword density, you will level up your game and move to the next stage of screening. Not only that, resume keywords will help you showcase what you’ve got as a professional and why you’re the perfect fit for the job.

Partner with Expert Resume Writers Today!

In reality, targeting the right resume keywords is as easy as one-two-three since these are all posted in job ads. The only challenge is how you will use and where to put them.

This is where we come in. We’ve got your back! With our professional resume writers, we can help you craft a job search tool that can stand out among other applicants, impress hiring managers, and beat the systems. Check out our resume writing services to get started. You may also avail our free resume review service if you have existing resume to help you evaluate its effectiveness.