Top ten resume success factors – An article from Career Calling Jobs and CAQA Recruitment

A resume should be a tool to show employers what you have accomplished and what you can bring to the table. It is not a list of everything you have ever done. When it comes to resumes, quality trumps quantity. Here are the top ten factors that will make your resume successful:

1. A well-written, keyword-rich resume: This is still the number one success factor, as employers continue to use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Be sure to include the keywords and phrases that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for, and format your resume so it can be easily scanned by these systems.

2. A targeted resume: Take the time to tailor your resume specifically for each job you’re applying for. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position, and downplay anything that isn’t a good fit.

3. Quantifiable achievements: In addition to listing your responsibilities, be sure to include concrete examples of your accomplishments in each role you’ve held. Quantifiable achievements (like “ increased sales by 20%” or “saved the company $10,000 per year”) are especially impressive to employers.

4. A professional summary: This is a brief overview of your skills and experience, and it should be tailored to each job you’re applying for. Think of it as your elevator pitch – it should be concise, interesting, and make a strong case for why you’re the ideal candidate for the role.

5. A clean, easy-to-read format: Your resume should be easy on the eyes, so avoid dense blocks of text and break up your information with bullet points and white space. And while fancy graphics and colours might look nice, they can actually make your resume harder to read, so stick to a simple format.

6. A strong personal brand: In today’s digital world, it’s important to have a strong personal brand that extends beyond your resume. Make sure your online presence (including your social media profiles) is professional and aligned with the image you want to project.

7. A modern design: If your resume still looks like it did 10 or 20 years ago, it’s time for an update. A modern design will help you stand out from the competition and show that you’re keeping up with the latest trends.

8. Keywords and phrases: In addition to including keywords and phrases that are relevant to the job you’re applying for, be sure to use the latest industry jargon and buzzwords. This will show that you’re up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in your field.

9. A positive attitude: During the job search process, it’s important to project a positive attitude at all times. This includes online (avoid venting about your job search on social media), in person (don’t badmouth your current or previous employer), and on the phone (smile when you speak!).

10. Persistence: The job search process can be long and frustrating, but it’s important to stay positive and persistent. Remember, the right job for you is out there – you just need to keep looking until you find it!