Get Your Resume Through to Employers

The internet has become a blessing and a curse for recruiters and job seekers alike.  On one hand, it allows those in search of employment the ability to apply to many jobs with a click of their mouse.  On the other hand, it can cause a deluge of unqualified applicants flooding a recruiter’s inbox.   

Mindlessly sending your resume to any job posting, in hopes of getting a response due to the sheer number you have sent out, is ridiculous.  The object for applicants is getting your resume read and considered.  Recruiters, or talent acquisition specialists, as they are now referred to, face the challenge of finding the most efficient way of sifting through the inundation of resumes to uncover the most qualified individuals for a particular job.  Many larger employers now combat the influx resumes by using screening software.  Smaller employers may not have the luxury of spending money on screening software and rely, instead, on the old method of manually screening resumes.  Either way, there are some simple things you can do to get noticed. 

First, make sure your resume is up to date and in a professional format.  Your resume is an important document.  A poorly constructed resume shows a lack of caring.  Potential employers will view this as a typical example of the quality of your work. 

Rich Greenwald, President of Concorde Staffing in White Plains, NY states, “There is no reason why a person cannot create a professional looking resume.  There are many templates available for free on the internet.” 

Next, once you have a general draft complete, you must cater your resume to address the requirements of each job description.  Mr. Greenwald suggests matching your resume to the job posting as closely as possible; in some cases verbatim.  For example, if a job requires advanced Excel in addition to listing Excel under skill set, you should include pivot tables, vlookup, macros, graphs and any other functions you know how to use.  However, he cautions, you should only include things you are able to perform.          

Allison Madison, President of Madison Approach in White Plains, NY offers this advice, “Think of your resume as a marketing tool.  Start with a killer headline and then have an eye catching objective that makes me want to read more.” She adds, “Companies hire people for three reasons, to make money, to save money or to affect a process that improves the bottom line.”  Show how you have accomplished one or more of these three items in other jobs you have held.  Remember, past performance is the best indicator of future performance.  Finally, take the guidance of Ms. Madison, “If there is stuff on your resume that does not pass the ‘who cares?’ test, take it off. 

Lisa Stamatelos, SPHR is the President of LJS HR Services a consulting company for the human resources needs of small to mid-size companies. Follow her on twitter.com/HRAficionada