As the pace of hiring has slowed down, people are finding themselves staying unemployed for longer periods of time. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median duration of unemployment increased last month to 9.8 weeks from 8.9 weeks in May.
With recruiters handling hundreds of applications, it has become crucial for job seekers to make their resumes noticeable and memorable. A former recruiter provides a guide on how to get your resume noticed in seven steps. The first step is to limit your resume to one page, focusing on relevant and impactful information to increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.
Including a link to your LinkedIn profile at the top of your resume provides recruiters with a quick way to learn more about you. Ditching the professional summary at the top and focusing on your experience, work history, key skills, and education can make your resume easier for recruiters to assess quickly.
Recruiters are most interested in your recent work experience, typically the last ten years. It is important to focus on the most recent and relevant roles to keep your resume focused and relevant. Quantifying your achievements with shorter bullets, using impactful action words, and having a career coach or recruiter proofread your resume are additional steps to help make your resume stand out.
By following these seven steps, job seekers can uplevel their resumes and effectively communicate their qualifications to recruiters. Keeping an updated resume can help shorten job search time and reduce the risk of staying unemployed for longer periods. Testing your current resume against these steps can ensure that you are prepared for when you eventually need it the most.
