How to Make Your Resume Standout
In today’s economy, there are millions of people who are unemployed. Just a few years ago, it was estimated that the average employer would receive five to seven resumes for a position. This limited an employer’s interviewing and selection pool. Nowadays though, a position can have as many as forty to fifty applications. Making ones resume stand out is essential to successfully securing a job. Showing written maturity in ones presentation skills, which includes grammar and writing, is paramount. Here are some helpful tips to improving one chances of getting a job in the tough economy.
Power Words
According to CareerOwl, using power words has the potential to distinguish the typical employee from the highly qualified. Furthermore, according to the Rockport Institute, “…even if you face fierce competition, with a well written resume you should be invited to interview more often than many people more qualified than you.” Furthermore, it is important to remember that a “resume is an advertisement, nothing more, nothing less. A great resume doesn’t just tell them what you have done but makes the same assertion that all good ads do: If you buy this product, you will get these specific, direct benefits. It presents you in the best light. It coveys to the employer that you have what it takes to be successful in this new position or career.” A strong resume presents power words – or words that are dominant to that industry or business that show the candidate has a strong business acumen and understanding of what it will take to succeed in the corporate culture.
Grammar and Vocabulary
Being sloppy and careless can also cost a future candidate an employment opportunity. According to Bauer-Ramazani (2008), an important element to ensuring a resume is highly marketable is that the resume uses accurate English grammar and vocabulary which includes word form and word choice. Additionally, verbs must be used consistently as in the past tense unless the person is currently working in the specified environment. Punctuation and spelling must also be exact. Furthermore, the resume includes all the necessary items and follows the guidelines required such as objectives, action verbs, dates, places, and so forth with precision all the while being accurate.
Business Words
Bauer-Ramazani (2008) suggests that when writing your resume, it’s important that you are not repetitive with action verbs of business words. Using the same words over and over again will make your resume seem dull. Most employers will pass your resume up because it will show a lack of experience and professionalism. Adding words that convey similar actions in different ways is essential. This means that using a variety of business words to emphasize actions will help to build a strong self image to the potential employer while accelerating one’s own chances of landing the job they are applying for.
Anonymous (2008) English Resources. CareerOwl. Retrieved on April 19, 2009, from http://www.careerowlresources.ca/
Lore, N. (2008). How to write a masterpiece of a resumne. Rockport Institute. Retrieved on April 18, 2009, from http://www.rockportinstitute.com/resumes.html
Bauer-Ramazani, C. (2008) Foundations of Business Administration: Resume Rubrics. Retrieved on April 18, 2009, from http://academics.smcvt.edu/cbauer-ramazani/BU113/Rubrics/resume_rubric.htm
