Natasha Kearslake, director of HR consultancy Organic P&O Solutions, told DailyMail.com that individuals need to change their resumes to ‘fit’ the job they want, noting the document is like a ‘skeleton key’ that unlocks a dream job
January is deemed the most popular month for job searching, meaning people must make their resumes stand out among the masses.
While experience, skills and education are standard, a recruitment expert has revealed six things many job seekers leave out.
Natasha Kearslake, director of HR consultancy Organic P&O Solutions, told DailyMail.com that individuals need to change their resumes to ‘fit’ the job they want, noting the document is like a ‘skeleton key’ that unlocks a dream job.
Kearslake’s six suggestions include adding details from the company’s mission statement and forgoing fancy-looking graphics and images – she said her tips would optimize resumes to be read by both humans and AI.
‘There’s nothing more unloved than the resume of an employee who’s been in the same job for years – but when you need to find a new role, there’s no document more important,’ said Kearslake.
‘There are a few things you can add to your resume that will greatly increase your chances of getting past the first hurdle.’
Tags for machines to read
‘Applicant Tracking Systems’ are artificial intelligence systems that pre-screen thousands of resumes long before humans see them.
Your resume will not be read unless you ensure you can pass the AI test, Kearslake warned.
‘Make sure you get past them by including relevant keywords from the job description,’ she said.
‘The more keywords you have in your resume, the more likely you are to make the grade.
While experience, skills and education are standard, a human resource expert has revealed six things many job seekers leave out
‘Tailor your resume for each application by incorporating keywords specific to the job.
‘Avoid sending out generic resumes, as a targeted approach increases your chances of passing through the AI gatekeepers.’
The job description can be a guide to uncovering keywords to include in your document.
‘For instance, if a job description says, ‘Looking for a skilled marketer with a strong background in copywriting, social media and email marketing,’ you might want to use the keywords ‘marketer,’ ‘copywriting,’ ‘social media,’ and ’email marketing’ in your resume,’ according to Indeed.
Simple and clean design
In previous decades, it was common for people to ‘pimp’ resumes with fancy-looking graphics and images – but this means AI systems find them more challenging to read.
‘Use a simple and clean format for your resume. Don’t use complex layouts, graphics, or images that may confuse the system, and stick to standard fonts and styles for better readability,’ Kearslake said.
‘AI systems may struggle to read text within text boxes or tables, so use a straightforward, linear format to enhance readability for automated systems.’
READ MORE: Five phrases to say in an interview to get the job every time
Recruitment experts have revealed the five crucial phrases to weave into your next job interview to boost your chances of landing the role – and the clichéd words that are a red flag for potential employers.
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A narrative tailored to the job
The summary section at the start of your resume is an opportunity to tell a story – and highlight why you are perfect for THIS role.
Don’t leave it the same – tailor it to each job, Kearslake said.
‘A good resume will tell a story. It will have a sense of direction, showing where you’ve come from and where you’re going,’ she continued.
‘The recruiter should get a sense that every step you’ve taken in your career up to this point has been leading you to this specific job.
‘Use a summary section at the start of your resume to set the scene for the recruiter.
‘Tell your career story and how you’re perfect for the role.
‘Then make sure that every section continues that story and highlights the experiences and achievements that have led you to their door.’
Mention the company’s mission statement
Your personal statement or summary at the beginning of your resume should always talk about your passion for your field = but also reflect the company’s values you’re applying to.
Kearslake said it pays to use language that highlights your excitement for the field – your passions and enthusiasm.
‘Research the values and mission of the company you’re applying to and weave these throughout your resume,’ she explained.
‘Show that your personal and professional motivations align with the organization’s goals.
‘Use the section on hobbies or interests to show how your personal and professional life share the same ‘why.’
Ask a colleague to give you feedback on what motivates you, as they may have a more honest view.
What did you do in each job
Too many resumes describe people’s positions, and too few reveal what they did in those roles.
‘Make sure your resume talks about what you accomplished during your time at your previous job,’ Kearslake said.
‘How did you make things better, and what did you do to meet the business’s goals?
‘Be specific about achievements by using numbers to show off your accomplishments. Mention the percentage increase in sales, the amount of budget saved, or the number of projects completed.
‘Use strong action verbs to bring your achievements to life. Use words like ‘achieved,’ ‘initiated,’ or even ‘spearheaded’ if you’re feeling bold!’
Add a ‘volunteering’ section
If a recruiter has to choose between two near-identical candidates, the one who has given up their time for volunteer work will always win the battle, Kearslake advised.
‘Highlight any skills you gained or honed during your volunteer work, and show how it improved things like project management, leadership, communication, teamwork or problem-solving,’ she continued.
‘Use your volunteering experiences to show your passion for certain causes or values.
‘This helps humanize your resume and provides insight into your character beyond professional achievements.’
This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk
