10 Steps to Take Before Submitting a Resume

10 Steps to Take Before Submitting a Resume10 Steps to Take Before Submitting a Resume5The reality is, even if you do follow the latest and greatest in resume writing tips, theres probably even more youcould do before sending your resume.In fact,TheUnderdeckblattRecruiter.com article 5 Things Youre Forgetting to Do Before Sending Your Resume discusses additional tips and strategies one should always focus on before submitting a resume. There are some obvious and some not-so-obvious strategies for reviewing and fine-tuning a resume before hitting send.Here are10 steps to take before submitting aresume to an employer1. Read the application instructions carefully.If the instructions ask for the resume in PDF format, dont send it in Word. Do exactly as requested in the application instructions. If it requests a cover letter- send a cover letter. Dont do what you think is enough, do exactly as the employer asks.2. Tailor your resume to the specific job.It seems difficult to tailor a resum e when one is blasting out 20 resumes a day to employers. But the reality is, no one is the right fit for 20 positions. So why not take the time to tweak your resume to the jobs you are the best fit for and most interested in? A one-size-fits-all approach doesnt work.3. Read the job description multiple times to know whichskills to highlight.What are the key skills the employer is looking for? What skills do you have that are a match? List them in bullet point format near the top of the resume, such as in a profile section, or in the bullet points underneath each job listing.But dont just list the skill. The old Areas of Expertise section witha bullet point list of keywords/skills is dated. Applicant Tracking Systems read through that. Instead, list a skill and back it up with proof of accomplishment.For example, if the job is looking for someone with account management experience, list a bullet like thisAccount management Managed 15 accounts totaling $2.5 million in revenue in the hospitality, food and beverage,and consumer packaged goods industries.The skill account management. How many accounts? 15. Revenue? $2.5 million. What industries? Three different industries were referenced. See how much more you told the employer? Dont make them guess. And bold key skills or successes. Employers scan resumes before reading them- this helps key items stand out if an actual person is reading the resume.Leave out bullet points that arent relevant to the job you are applying for, says Debby Magnuson, vice president of talent management for Career Partners International, an executive coaching, leadership development, career planning, and outplacement services organization. Most resumes include too many job bullet points, which are too often role responsibilities rather than achievements.4. Explain what each company you have worked for does.Dont expect the next employer to understand exactly what your company does. If you work for Google, Oracle, Microsoft, or other well- known companies, sure, the employer will recognize the company, but there are literally thousands of businesses employers know nothing about. So if you work for Acme Manufacturing, explain what they do, like thisProduction manager, Acme Manufacturing, Minneapolis, MN (2011-2016)In this leadership role for manufacturer of plastic injection widgets for consumer packaged goods industryBullet point of achievement related to skill requested in job application.List a skill backed by success using that skill.List more bullet points for the most recent jobs. Less bullet points for older jobs. Its a what have you done lately mentality for employer reading resumes.5. Provide a list of technology skills.Think beyond Microsoft Word. Create a separate section to list what experience you have with software/computer skills.Think What software or systems did you use to do your job? Did you use Salesforce? Are you experienced in WordPress or Adobe Experience Manager? Do you have programming experien ce- what technologies do/did you use? Did you use Excel for reporting? What internal/proprietary systems does your current company use, or have you used in your career?List the most relevant first (better yet, try and list an example of how you used that skill), and eliminate dated technical terms like data entry, 10-key, or Xerox, for example.6. List relevant certifications or training.Most people remember to list their education. But what about any certifications, training, continuing education, or seminars completed or attended? List those as well. Sell yourself as a lifelong learner- employers like that.7. Eliminate first-person language.This is frustrating for employers to see, says Magnuson. I, me, my, and mine do not belong in resumes, says Magnuson.Start sentences with an action verb or an adjective. Rather than, I am known for my ability to communicate say instead, Strong communication skills Backed by a proof or example using communication skills in that role. Instead of I am a dynamic, highly skilled IT leader with experience in say, Dynamic, highly skilled IT leader experienced8. Adjust the verbiage to speak to each company.Make sure the language used on your resume matches the language asked for in the job application. For example, if they ask for someone with account management experience, use the word account management (versus, say, business development) in a resume to show proof. Dont use an internal acronym that only your company would recognize (in fact, avoid internal acronyms all together).If you have a sales background, dont use that word in a summary at the top of the resume when the job is for an account management professional. Instead of saying, Seeking sales role where 5+ years of experience will add value say, Seeking account management role, where 5+ years of experience managing up to 30 accounts adds value. Talk their language. Adjust for each job.9. Proofreadand proofread again.Dont just read the resume on a computer screen. Prin t it out and reviewandlook for spacing issues, such as extra spaces between words or after periods. Read it from the bottom to top. Write it, let it sit a day, and re-read when fresh.10. Test and tweak your resume.How so? Use a resume reviewing tool or program likeJobscan,whichis built from similar algorithms used in top Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), or resume screeners. It allows you to take a job description and your resume and plug them into their system to see how closely it fits the job description/employer needs and provides tips on how to fix it.Dont overlook ansicht steps before submitting aresume. Take the extra steps listed above to get noticed and get an interview.Start Searching for a Flexible Job