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How to get your resume shortlisted by recruiters?

Well, it is a task to get the resume noticed by the recruiters, and many struggle while creating a powerful resume. In this article, we aim to highlight a few key points that can help you create your resume.

Things to remember while writing your resume

To start with, have a look at the basic layout and the sections required while writing an effective resume.

Keep it short

Make sure you don’t exceed your resume beyond two pages because recruiters might not invest much time and would want to read what is more relevant to the profile. Lengthy resumes usually doesn’t interest the recruiters. It is advisable to keep the details to the point. Here is an example of a lengthy resume that has a long summary.

The summary gives the first impression about the candidate and it is advisable to keep it crisp and clear (2-3 lines). Even the rest of the sections should be as short as possible. Adding relevant information and not being repetitive while writing can work.

Let’s see an example of a good resume where the summary is short. 

In the image above, the summary section is short and the relevant information has been fitted in 2-3 lines. The recruiter would get a clear idea about the candidate within fraction of seconds.

Easy on eye

The information shouldn’t look cluttered on your resume. Recruiters choose a simple resume over a cluttered one as they don’t have much time to decode. Also, it is advisable to opt for a simple template instead of a fancy one. Avoid too much of detailing as it makes the information look cluttered and it is not easy on eye. Keeping the resume structured is one of the golden rules, it helps the recruiters in understanding the information better and is less time consuming.

Let’s have a quick look into an example for better understanding. In the image given below, you can see that the contact number is missing. Also, the section for education and employment history, the information looks cluttered. The recruiter might get confused about the information provided and would want to reach out to the candidate to redo the resume or could even reject the application.

Now let’s have a look at another example:

In the above example, you can see that the information is precise and structured, it is easy to read and understand it. Also, the contact details are clearly mentioned at the top with helps the recruiter to directly get in touch with the candidate.

Role description

Describe your previous roles properly as it speaks about your experience. While writing this section you can write the company name, designation, grade and Key Responsibility Area (KRA). You can also include the responsibilities you had while working on that particular position. It is advised to keep the role description crisp and clear as this section is very  important for the recruiter.

Let’s have a look at an example where the role description for Java developer is too lengthy and isn’t well structured.

Now we look at an example where the role description is precise and structured.

Mention about your achievements

This section is important because it gives a clear idea to the recruiter about your efficiency and it should be included in the end. You can even include the team awards you have received in your previous organisation.

Add relevant skill set

This section gives a clear understanding about your skills and helps the recruiter to understand your profile better. It is always advisable to mention the skills that are thoroughly known to you because the recruiter might ask questions based on the skills you have added.

The languages mentioned (in the above image) could have been consolidated together. 

Create an impact with your LinkedIn profile 

As per a report by @99Firms, there are over 610 million members on LinkedIn. You can imagine the number of candidates your profile is competing with. And recruiters usually check the LinkedIn profile to get a better idea and they scan through your profile in a couple of minutes. So you need to make that one shot, right! Well, you need not worry, here is a quick guide to make a good impression of your LinkedIn profile on recruiters:

A professional headshot

Well, LinkedIn is not Instagram, so let’s stick to a professional headshot, it gives a good impression.

Work on the headline

Headline is the first thing after you profile picture, make sure you keep it updated and it gives a clear idea about the position you are working at. You can choose what you want to highlight there. So if previously you have worked with a well-known organisation, do mention it, it puts a great impact. 

Summary says it all

Keep your summary short and talk more about your roles. For example: If it is a writer’s profile, the candidate can include ‘Writer, editor, content manager…etc’ depending on the experience. Remember the recruiter doesn’t have much time to read everything, keep it short.

Ask for endorsements

Ask your managers from previous organisation or your co-employees to endorse you for relevant skills. Endorsements do grab attention, so keep working towards it.

Increase the number of connections

Make sure you have added influencers and people from your domain in your circle. Also, add the recruiters from your domain and get in touch with them. 

To know more about resume writing, check out our page. 

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