We called experts to tell us their top tips to boost resume impact. We had some brilliant answers but the two that stood out were Shashaank Bawari, engagement manager – EMEA and ASIA, Pearson, Olivia Davies, head of digital at Expert Circle and Henry Cooper, head of marketing communications at market partner. We think their advice is extremely valuable and deserves to be showcased. If you are looking for ways to boost your resume’s impact then you have found the right place, through this article learn how to boost your resumes impact and get that dream job!
Read the experts advice here:
Shashaank Bawari
Engagement Manager – EMEA and ASIA, Pearson
Ideally, candidate should build 2 versions of the CV.
Version 1: For when you send your CV directly to a recruiter or hiring manager. This cv can be flashy, lots of design elements, color, tables, or anything of the web.
Version 2: For when you apply on career pages/linkedin. This cv needs to be simple, without any tables, lines etc. as the ATS being used by the company will break down the cv in text. (In some cases, ATS’s hate pdf’s too).
This version 2 is where its tricky to get your CV shortlisted. Some of the things that can be done:
- Use platforms which identify job keywords (tagcrowd.com) and ensure that your CV has enough of these keywords in it
- Use Jobscan to then analyse how closely does your CV match with the job description.
- Chatgpt is another option to build your CV with the right prompts, so that it has the keywords of the job
- Sometimes it helps to not have an objective statement on top, but just showcase how your experience/skills match with what the job needs
Olivia Davies
Head of Digital At Expert Circle
Olivia Davies from Expert Circle also wrote us her 5 top tips on how to boost a resumes impact here:
Choose the Right Template
Opt for a template that aligns with your skills, experience, and career objectives. Utilising templates from design tools like Canva can lend your resume a visually striking appearance. When selecting a design, consider the role you’re applying for and its job description. For instance, a graphic designer might prefer a bold, colorful template, while those in finance might lean towards a more traditional format. Ensure that your template is a reflection of the most relevant aspects of your professional history.
Highlight Skills Near Your Name
Begin your resume with a section near or below your name that summarises your professional identity. This section, typically comprising two to three lines, should include your area of expertise, such as “design thinking specialist” or “investigative journalist,” and a list of your most relevant skills. Tailor this section to the specific job by identifying the skills most valuable to the employer, often found in the job listing. Specific and quantifiable skills, such as “Agile project management” or “Python programming,” make your resume stand out.
Craft a Compelling Objective Statement
A robust objective statement conveys confidence in your abilities and reflects your intentionality in your career pursuits. This section extends the area of expertise by outlining your professional goals and what you aim to contribute to the prospective company. It’s an opportunity to align your aspirations with the employer’s needs, emphasising your value.
Display Your Online Presence
List your relevant online accounts, such as social media, portfolios, or personal websites, alongside your name and contact information. Your online presence can exhibit your interests, passions, and previous work. However, be mindful to curate your online content, showcasing material that is pertinent to the job you’re applying for or original work. Anything incongruent with your professional image should be removed.
Incorporate Targeted Keywords
To ensure your resume reaches the right eyes, employ industry-specific keywords optimised for applicant tracking systems (ATS). ATS systems are used by recruiters to filter resumes based on relevant keywords. Discover the best keywords by examining the job listing, researching industry-specific terms, and using free ATS tools to fine-tune your resume. Incorporating these keywords not only boosts your chances of being noticed but also demonstrates your familiarity with the field’s language.
Henry Cooper
Head of Marketing Communications at Market Partner
Henry highlighted 3 key tips which you may have not thought of on how to boost your resumes impact:
Customise CVs for Specific Roles
Tailor your CVs to match your various areas of expertise. For instance, if you’re both a history professor and a researcher, create distinct CVs for each role. If you’re eyeing a writing job, emphasise relevant education and qualifications in a dedicated CV. This approach allows you to dive deeper into your skills.
Enhance Visual Appeal with Fonts and Format
Revamp your CV’s appearance by experimenting with fonts. Use two to three complementary fonts for added distinction. Balance classic options like Times New Roman with more creative choices. Adjust white space, center headings, and maintain 0.5-1 inch margins for a polished look.
Highlight Lessons from Past Roles
Summarise key takeaways from previous positions. This optional addition increases page length and showcases your skills and lessons learned. For example, if you’re aiming for a marketing role, describe how you developed cost-saving strategies in your previous position.
In conclusion, the insights from these three experts, Shashaank Bawari, Olivia Davies, and Henry Cooper, have provided invaluable guidance on how to boost your resume’s impact and increase your chances of landing your dream job. Shashaank’s advice on creating two versions of your CV for different application methods and optimising it for ATS systems is a game-changer. Olivia’s emphasis on choosing the right template, highlighting skills, crafting a compelling objective statement, and managing your online presence underscores the importance of presenting a well-rounded professional image. Finally, Henry’s tips on customising CVs for specific roles, enhancing visual appeal, and highlighting lessons from past positions offer innovative ways to stand out in a competitive job market. By following their recommendations, you can take a significant step towards achieving your career goals and making your resume a powerful tool in your job search.
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