how to get resume noticed by recruiters

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How to Get Your Resume Noticed (And Out of the Trash Bin)

• Kristi DePaul

Five ways to catch a recruiter’s attention.

Eye-tracking research has shown that an HR professional will review your resume for a mere seven seconds, and companies are increasingly using automation to screen resumes.

• The days of sending a generic CV are out. You need to be able to stand out and make the connection that lands an interview.
• Experts share five fresh and practical ways you can do this: 1) Outsmart the robots; 2) Show off your skills; 3) Don’t restrict your work experience to just “work”; 4) Let the numbers do the talking; and 5) Keep your cover letter personal.

How long does it take a recruiter to decide if you’re right for a job? It’s actually around seven seconds, according to eye-tracking research. To put that into perspective, close your eyes and take two deep breaths. That’s the time, on average, hiring managers spend skimming your resume, sizing up your history, hopes, and dreams before either tossing it into the trash or moving you to the next round of the application process.

• KD Kristi DePaul is a content creator whose writing on career navigation and personal branding has appeared in international outlets and has been cited by prominent think tanks and universities. She is founder and principal at Nuanced, a thought leadership firm for executives, and serves as CEO of Founders , a fully remote content agency focused on the future of learning and the future of work. She earned a master’s degree from the H. John Heinz III College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University.

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How To Get Your Resume Noticed by Employers

Quick Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out From the Crowd

• How to Get Your Resume Noticed
• Be Sure You're a Good Fit for the Job
• Show That You're Qualified

Focus on Formatting

Make a match, share your achievements, stick to the basics, get rid of the clutter, before you send your resume, resume example.

It can be a challenge to get your resume noticed by employers, but there are ways to tweak it and move it beyond the  applicant tracking systems  (ATS) that employers now frequently use to provide an initial screening of the dozens, if not hundreds, of job applications they receive.

There are a few simple changes you can make to help your resume stand out from the crowd when a hiring manager reviews it.

How to Get Your Resume Noticed by Employers

These quick and easy-to-do tips will help get your resume past the screening systems and noticed by recruiters. Here's how to  update your resume  in just a few minutes.

Be Sure You're a Good Fit for the Job

Make sure you meet the qualifications.  Qualifications for being considered for a job are usually listed at the bottom of the job ad. Make sure you have at least the  minimum required qualifications  to be considered. Otherwise, you’re wasting everyone’s time, your own included. Review these  tips for decoding a job ad .

Show the Employer That You're Qualified

Customize your resume.  Don’t send the same generic resume in for every job. Take the time to customize it by including the qualifications and skills the company is looking for so the employer knows you have the right stuff. As well as writing your resume to match the job, take a few minutes to  update your job descriptions so they make the best impression .

Focus on your accomplishments.  The employer wants to know what you accomplished, not just what you did. Focus your resume upon what you achieved in each job, not your job responsibilities. Review these  tips for including accomplishments on a resume , and make sure you've included your most current achievements.

Include your most relevant skills.  The screening system that employers use matches your resume to a designated set of qualifications. Include keywords on your resume that match the  job-specific skills  the employer is seeking.

Add a cover letter.  A cover letter, even if it’s not required, is the best way to highlight the specific qualifications you have for the job. CareerBuilder reports that sending a cover letter is 40% more likely to get your resume noticed. You can use your cover letter to focus on the experience that best suits you for the job. Here’s how to write a cover letter for a resume.

Use a connection.  Getting your resume into the hands of the right person can help you get an interview. Your goal is to get your resume read; knowing someone who can help that happen will make a big difference in the outcome of your application. Referrals are the number one source of new hires. Here’s how to get one .

Use a basic font.  The  best font to use  is a simple font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Be sure to use a font size that’s readable—10 to 12 points works best. Use bold and italics to highlight job titles and employers.  

Add a skills section.  Adding a skills section to your resume is another good way to show that you’re a good fit for the job. Here’s  what to include plus examples .  

Add a headline or profile.  A brief, eye-catching headline or profile is a great way to grab the reader’s attention. Be sure that it focuses on what you can offer the employer, not on what you want from a job. Here’s information on including a  profile instead of an objective on a resume .

Move the education section to the bottom.  Focus on your work experience (typically in  reverse chronological order ), then put your education and other information at the bottom of your resume.

You don’t need to include the name of your high school or your GPA if it’s been a while since you graduated.

Here’s  when to take your GPA off your resume .

Make sure your resume matches the job posting.  The closer a match your resume is to the job qualifications, the better your chance of getting selected for an interview. Make a list of the qualifications the employer wants, and then be sure to include as many as possible in your resume. Review these tips for  matching your qualifications to a job description  for an easy way to make a match.

You can find the specific skills and attributes the employer is looking for in the job posting.

Match your resume to LinkedIn.  It’s a good idea to include the URL of your LinkedIn profile on your resume. It’s even better if you  personalize your LinkedIn URL so that it includes your name. Do take the time to make sure your resume matches your LinkedIn profile. Employers will check.

Getting hired is a numbers game.  Employers like to see quantifiable achievements on resumes. Include numbers wherever possible and use numbers, not words, when you’re listing them. For example, write “30%,” not “thirty percent.” Here’s  how to include numbers on your resume .

Add information.  If your resume is light on paid full-time work experience that qualifies you for the job, it’s fine to add internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer experience.

Keep it simple.  Boring works when it comes to most resumes. A simple format is easier for the ATS to screen and easier for recruiters to read. Save the fancy formatting for your portfolio if you’re in a design field. Review these  resume formatting guidelines  to get started.

Be concise.  Less is more when it comes to words on a resume. Use brief, action-oriented sentences that describe your role at each employer. Here’s a list of the top words to  include (and to leave off) your resume .

Get rid of old jobs.  You don’t need to include all your work experience on your resume. If you have a lengthy work history,  the last 10 — 15 years is plenty . You may be required to list them all on job applications, but your resume is a synopsis of your employment history, not your life story.

Get rid of non-essential information.  Your resume is professional, not personal. You should not include information about your personal life, family, hobbies, or anything else not related to work.

Check for typos.  Resume errors matter: don’t think a spelling or grammatical error won’t get picked up. Unfortunately, the mistake will jump right off the page and get noticed.  Grammarly is a terrific tool  for making sure that your resume and cover letters are perfect.

Give it a recognizable name.  Don’t call your resume “resume”—take a second or two  to personalize the file name  to FirstLastNameResume.doc—that way it’s clearly recognizable as your resume to recruiters and hiring managers.

Save it as a PDF.  If you save your resume as a PDF, you won’t have to worry about funky formatting or the recruiter seeing a garbled mess. Unless the employer requires a different format, send a PDF so readers can view your resume exactly as you want it to look. Here are 11 free tools you can use to convert your resume to a PDF file.

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CareerBuilder. " CareerBuilder's Annual Survey ." Accessed March 10, 2020.

SHRM. " Employee Referrals Remain Top Source for Hires ." Accessed March 10, 2020.

CareerOneStop. " Resume Format ." Accessed March 10, 2020.

CareerOneStop. " Skills and Abilities ." Accessed March 10, 2020.

How to Get Your Resume Noticed

Posted on 31 aug 2021.

It can be downright disheartening to never get a reply for the resume you’ve worked so hard to write, but such is the arduous process of job hunting nowadays, especially with the level of competition available. If you’re getting frustrated with all the rejections you’re receiving, take heart in knowing that there are steps you can take to improve your situation. Here are eight tried-and-true tips from Resumeble on how to get your resume noticed by potential employers.

1. Research yourself

Some of the steps toward how to get your resume noticed must happen before you even begin to write your resume. To start with, you need to look yourself up on the Internet. Today’s employers make it a point to “Google” potential employees, so you have to do the same. You never know what might pop up on the search engine that could risk your application.

Think of your online presence as your personal branding. If you’re not managing and optimizing it, you could be unwittingly ruining your chances of getting hired. So make sure you Google your name as it appears on your resume to see what others may find. If it’s within your control to edit or delete, such as a personal Facebook post or unbecoming photos on Instagram, take care of them. If it has been posted by others, contact the person responsible to have it taken down, or report it to be flagged.

2. Develop your personal brand

Aside from getting rid of online content that could jeopardize your application, you also have to take steps to build so-called “proofs of your hireable personality.” This is called personal branding—another important way for how to get your resume noticed. Managing an online reputation isn’t just for celebrities anymore, and the better you develop your personal brand, the better your chances of getting hired will be.

To boost your personal branding, you need to build credibility with content. Think before you post, and post with intention. If it’s not engaging, then it’s not worth posting. Choose posts related to your industry and profession that will pique the interest of recruiters and hiring managers to entice them to learn more about you.

3. Research the job and company

Take the time to learn as much as you can about the employer and the job position. What are the responsibilities and day-to-day tasks of the job? What are the company’s values? What are the opportunities for professional development? Aside from equipping you with the knowledge that could benefit you during the job interview, researching the job and the company lets you know if you would be a good fit for the company and if you can have a fruitful career there.

Check the employer’s website as well as social media pages. Depending on how informative these channels are, you can glean plenty of useful information from these sources. It can also help to read employee reviews to understand the company’s work culture, branding, and policies.

4. Link your LinkedIn profile

As the preferred platform of career professionals, LinkedIn has grown inextricably connected to the job world, that it is now considered a huge mistake for job hunters to not add a LinkedIn profile link to their resume. In fact, not being on LinkedIn altogether conveys to recruiters the idea that you are so outdated, you do not know how the world works today.

Aside from showing that you are abreast with the times, providing a link to your LinkedIn profile in your application provides potential employers with a way to “get to know” you beyond the resume. Aside from your personal info, expect them to go over your posts to see if your personality makes you a good fit for the company. Likewise, they will also look for problematic content to see if you're involved in any concerns that may put their branding at risk. With this in mind, it’s best to keep things professional and avoid sharing iffy posts that could endanger your application.

5. Customize for each job applied for

All too often, applicants only have one version of their resume that they submit to multiple job postings. If you’re guilty of this, unfortunately for you, the applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many companies use today to screen applicants is unforgiving of the generic resume approach.

The way ATS work is that they search resumes for specific keywords. If your resume doesn’t contain them, then it will never reach the eyes of a recruiter or hiring manager. Suffice to say, how to get a resume noticed is out of the question if your resume can’t even pass an ATS screen.

To beat ATS, you need to custom-fit your resume to the job you’re applying for. This means important terms like job titles, skills, certifications, location, education, and other specific requirements must be found in your resume.

6. Make sure your resume is pitch-perfect

Your resume is your professional representation, so even if it contains all the right keywords, it’s still not going to pass muster in the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers if it contains errors, inconsistencies inaccuracies, and fluff such as vague employment dates, typos, irrelevant work experience, wrong formatting (e.g., placing education at the beginning), and stating accomplishments without measurable evidence. For your sake, review your resume multiple times before sending it out.

If you want to know if your resume has what it takes to attract the right kind of attention, Resumeble offers a free, no-obligation evaluation of your resume so you can identify its weak and strong points.

7. Present your achievements in measurable terms

Studies reveal that it usually takes recruiters only six seconds to decide if your resume is worth keeping or not. As such, it is imperative that you are able to convey your achievements clearly, and this can only happen if you know how to quantify your resume. For example, instead of saying, “I performed market research for many organizations,” You should mention something to the effect of: “Carried out market research for Getty Oil, BP, and Shell over a three-year period, resulting in 10 to 20 percent accurate feasibility studies for each company.”

Employers love seeing actual numbers on resumes because it lets them “measure” your success at your previously held job positions. Make sure your resume doesn’t disappoint by providing quantifiable results for your achievements.

8. Keep your resume lean and mean

Resumes should be kept one to two pages long. With such limited space, you are only allowed to include the most relevant details of your career. When it comes to how a resume should look, most employers really don’t care about information outside of your skills, work history, and important accomplishments, so avoid making your resume overly lengthy with unnecessary particulars such as religion, ethnicity, date of birth, etc. Remember that every inch of your resume is valuable real estate, so make sure every piece of information adds to the potential value you bring to a company.

How to quantify resume – get help from Resumeble

Need help with writing your resume? Resumeble will work with you to develop an application that will pass ATS screens and excite recruiters and hiring managers to schedule an interview with you. Stop worrying about questions like “how a resume should look,” “how to quantify a resume,” how to get my resume noticed,” “how to start a resume,” and so on. Let us take care of the answers for you with our high-quality resume writing services. Contact us today to learn more!

• 7 seconds: this is how long your resume has either to impress or be ignored by the recruiter
• 300+: average number of applications one corporate job opening posted online receives
• 3%: number of sent resumes that result in interviews

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8 Ways To Get Your Resume Noticed By Recruiters

Recruiters can receive hundreds of resumes to review for a single job posting. On average, a recruiter will spend anywhere from six to 15 seconds glancing at a single resume.

Knowing these statistics can make finalizing your resume a daunting task. It tends to leave us procrastinating and agonizing on draft iterations for weeks. But there is no need to rip your hair out. Follow these simple steps to make your resume stand out and stay at the front of the line.

Think Like A Hiring Manager

Perspective is everything. One way to make sure your resume stands out is to think like a hiring manager. Thoroughly read the job descriptions and requirements and make sure you understand what the job entails. Get a firm understanding of the problem YOU solve for employers and highlight that.

If you were in the recruiter's shoes, what would you be looking for in an ideal candidate? Which of these qualities do you possess? Keep that perspective top of mind when drafting your resume.

Keep It Simple

Your resume shouldn't be the next Picasso. Stay away from symbols, squiggles, and colorful fonts. It is distracting. What truly sets you apart is not flashy layouts but your experience. Keep it clean and simple. Use a basic font and a standard layout. Avoid small print; keep your font at 11pt. Make sure headings are bolded and the information underneath is organized with bullets. Avoid long winded paragraphs.

Don't forget about white space. Be sure to include wider margins and decent spacing between career history. Too much text can on a page can be off-putting and difficult to read. Be sure to save your resume as a PDF to avoid any formatting issues.

Recruiters don't forward resumes because they are frame worthy works of art. They share resumes because qualifications are met.

Get With The Times

Some items on your resume may be outdated. The job market and technological advancements have changed the way we market ourselves during a job search . Make sure your resume is fresh and ready to be noticed.

Ditch the objective statement . Instead, consider a professional headline. List a brief 2-3 word summary of your career experience. This helps recruiters quickly get to know you.

Remove " References available upon request. " Recruiters these days operate under the assumption that you will hand over those references when asked.

Highlight Your Skills

Be sure to showcase your skill set . This should be in the top portion of your resume, under your professional headline. It should include about eight-to-10 skills. Highlighting this at the top of your resume is a quick way to show recruiters how you match their desired expertise.

Don't overload this section. This list should not include generic options or soft skills such as communication or problem-solving but instead should include specific strengths that leverage your value against the job description. Be sure to include hard skills such as foreign languages or computer software and application knowledge. Avoid including overly generalized skills such as Microsoft Suite.

Don't Write A Novel

The average resume should be two pages long. Unless you are applying for a job where you need to show a wide-breadth of detailed experience, avoid lengthy resumes. You also don't want to exclude important information by trying to keep your resume down to one page.

Think content over length. Be sure to remove filler words and unnecessary information. Recruiters don't need to know the day-to-day responsibility of each role in your career history. They want to know what accomplishments were met and how were you a valuable asset to the organization. Avoid lengthy and irrelevant descriptions and include quantitative metrics. Think accomplishments, numbers, and measurable results.

Don't just submit the same generic resume for every job posting, that will quickly get your resume tossed. Instead, do your homework. Show a recruiter that you are invested and have done the research. Try to customize your resume to use targeted keywords from the job description. Craft each resume to showcase how your skills fit their specific needs.

Check Your Online Presence

These days, most recruiters will do a quick Google search of your name after skimming your resume. Are all of those political arguments on Facebook open to the public? Is your Twitter chock full of inappropriate jokes?

Remember, your social media is an extension of your resume and part of your overall brand. Make sure it is professional and impressive. Brand or be branded! If you feel as though your Twitter or LinkedIn account would knock the socks off of your potential employer, hyperlink them in your resume.

Check It Once, Check It Twice

This may seem a bit obvious, but there are plenty of resumes submitted with numerous spelling and grammatical errors. This is the quickest way to lose credibility with potential employers. A fresh pair of eyes is always a good idea. Send your resume to a trusted friend for proofing.

Remember, your resume is a marketing tool meant to showcase how you would solve for the need of your potential employer. It represents who you are and what you have to offer. Follow these steps and you are well on your way to nabbing that interview.

Still feeling unsure of your resume writing prowess, Work It Daily can help! When you join our career growth club, you get access to courses, coaching and an opportunity to level-up your career.

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11 Ways To Enjoy Summer When You’re Working A Full-Time Job

There you are: sitting on the beach, covered in sunscreen, reading your favorite book, drinking your favorite drink under the cool shade of an umbrella. Life doesn't get any better than this. Suddenly, a door slams, a phone rings, a printer turns on. You jolt back into consciousness. You're at work, sitting in your cubicle, without even a hint of sunshine streaming in from outside.

When you're working a full-time job, finding time to enjoy the warm, bright summer weather can be a challenge. This is especially true for young professionals , as many of them are used to having summers off (or, at the very least, having a flexible summer schedule). But there's no need to feel trapped behind your cubicle walls. Go out and enjoy summer!

Here are a few tips for making the most of your summer while working full time.

1. Grab Some Foldable Chairs

Keep a couple of foldable camping chairs at the office so you and a co-worker can catch some rays during lunch—whether it's in the park or the parking lot.

2. Keep A Beach Bag In Your Car​

Keep a bag full of summer supplies for your favorite summer activities . Having a bag (or, in my case, a backseat) full of towels, sunscreen, and swimwear keeps you prepared for anything. Friends hitting up the pool after work? You're covered. Once the clock strikes five, you can head to your destination of choice immediately.

3. Plan An Office Outing

Plan an office field trip to the beach, the park, or the pool. Just do something fun so your brain can recharge and refresh!

4. Organize Group Walks

Get a bunch of co-workers together and go on regular walks around town during lunch. (Or you could suggest a quick jaunt over to the ice cream shop.) This is a great way to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.

5. Eat Lunch At The Park

When you find yourself eating out, hit up places with a deck, porch, or patio of some sort. Obviously, eating out every day isn't really a feasible option for most of us, so look into alternative ideas as well. Pack a lunch and hit the park for your own little picnic.

6. Organize Office Sports

Whether it's setting up an official office sports team or just hanging out with your colleagues a few times a week, playing sports is a great way to get out and enjoy the weather. Have a field nearby? Try setting up some slow-pitch softball games. Or see if you can get a basketball hoop for the office so you and a few co-workers can shoot some hoops at lunch.

7. Join A Professional Group

During the summer, professional networking groups often have fun events like harbor cruises, pub crawls, and outdoor mixers. Find a professional group in your area and make networking fun this summer.

8. Have An Office BBQ

Get your grill on! Talk to your boss about setting up an office BBQ. Ask everyone to contribute their favorite dish, side, or drink. Fire up the grill and relax! Hey, it's summer after all.

9. Wake Up Early

Yes, yes, I know...waking up early is an incredibly painful and unbearable experience for some of us, but waking up even an hour earlier has its benefits—especially in the summer. Go for a morning run, putter around in the garden, or watch the sunrise with a loved one. Talk about starting the day off right!

10. Strategically Use Your Time Off

Strategically use your vacation days around holidays. This way, you can make a potentially long weekend longer without having to use too much of your precious vacation time . Half days are also pretty awesome. It's amazing how much you can do with four extra hours! If you want an early weekend but don't want to burn up your vacation days too quickly, try taking a half day on a Friday instead of using a full day off.

11. Bike To Work

If you're one of the lucky few who live within walking or biking distance of work, take advantage of it! Not only will you get plenty of fresh air, but you'll also save money on gas, which is always a plus!

There are plenty of easy ways to enjoy summer when you work a full-time job. So this summer, try out a few of these ideas and make the most of the sunshine and warm weather—while they're still around!

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It’s believed that the average recruiter or hiring manager will look at your resume for only 6 seconds before making a decision. While that’s a daunting statistic, there are plenty of things you can do to make those 6 seconds count, says career coach and former recruiter Gail Tolstoi-Miller .

Here’s her advice.

Tailor your resume to each job you apply for

Submitting hundreds of resumes and waiting to see what sticks won’t work — applying for a job is about quality and not quantity, according to Tolstoi-Miller. “There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all resume,” she explains. “Do your research — look at the job description, go on LinkedIn and look up other people who have been in the job. The more targeted you are, the better off you are.”

And while you can’t change your employment experience — where you worked or what title you held — you can change which of your skills, responsibilities and achievements you choose to highlight.

There’s no right length 

There is no hard and fast rule about length, but please exercise your judgement and restraint (remember that 6-second figure). Most resumes are 2 pages, but for a recent college graduate a single page is fine, and for someone with a 30-year career that’s included jobs at multiple organizations, 3 pages might be appropriate.

Make its info as easy to absorb as possible

At the top, put a 3 – 4 sentence summary that outlines your work experience and what stage you’re at in your career. This should align with the description of the job you’re applying for.

Next, you want an attention-grabbing bulleted list of skills. While you’re always writing for a human audience, some parts of the recruitment process are automated. “Some recruiters will look at every single resume that goes through the system; other recruiters will just go by what the applicant tracking system will tell them,” says Tolstoi-Miller. “If the application is not ranked at a certain percentage, they’re going to not even give that person the time of day.”

For your human audience, write down all of your relevant skills — emphasis on all . Tolstoi-Miller explains, “Sometimes I see candidates assume ‘Oh, they’re going to know I can do this’, but she could have very little experience with the job you’re applying for and may have no idea how it actually works. Never assume that they know.”

Then, for your automated audience, put in multiple keywords in your skill list to ensure tracking systems pick you up. To identify the keywords, think about how you’d search for this specific role in a database. For example, if you work in HR and use payroll software, list the exact kind you worked with. Also, consider including  phrases that appear in the job description as these might contain keywords that the recruiter will use.

If you’ve been laid off due to COVID-19 or done short-term contract gigs, it’s OK to say this in your resume

Recruiters are wary of so-called “job hoppers” — people who change jobs frequently, according to Tolstoi-Miller. However, this can be unavoidable in the current economy. Her advice: “To alleviate any kind of bias against job hopping, in your resume put in parentheses next to the job ‘company closed’ or ‘contract position’ or ‘downsizing due to COVID-19.’”

Even if you worked at an organization or business that went through a very public closing or bankruptcy, still do this. You can’t assume that the recruiter or hiring manager will know; like any other person, they have their own blind spots and anything you can do to alleviate those can help you.

Don’t overlook your accomplishments

Remember to list awards and accomplishments on your resume. “A lot of candidates have a very difficult time speaking to their accomplishments,” says Tolstoi-Miller. “But there’s always something you have done that has helped the organization, and that’s why companies should hire you. If you’re an administrative assistant, for instance, your accomplishments might be efficiency or time management.”

She adds, “There are so many other people with the same skills, so what sets you apart? What makes you great?”

Wait, you’re not done! Keep your LinkedIn profile current, too

As opposed to a resume, Tolstoi-Miller says, “The thing with LinkedIn is that you have to do a one-size-fits-all — that’s the challenge. So your profile should reflect the job you really, really want. It should also serve as an extension of your resume. You might show more of your personality or dive a little deeper into some other things that you didn’t have space for in your resume.”

A few housekeeping notes: Many employers will compare your resume to your LinkedIn profile, so the dates and details should match. You should also ensure you have a recent photo, as employers may be wary if you don’t.

Besides overhauling your LinkedIn profile, “you can find other ways to stand out,” says Tolstoi-Miller. Set up a personal website, where you might include a video featuring you. After reviewing thousands of job applications in her career, Tolstoi-Miller finds touches like that refreshing.

Or, create a business card to give people when you meet them. These can show your personality and also make you memorable.

Which leads to a final point that Tolstoi-Miller wants to stress:

Networking helps

“Your resume means nothing if it won’t get in front of the right people,” she says. “Recruiters may call you if you have a great resume, but what is going to get you the job is taking it a step further — taking control, networking and reaching out to people that are in a position to hire.”

Watch her TEDxLincolnSquare talk here:

About the author

Mary Halton is a science journalist based in the Pacific Northwest. You can find her on Twitter at @maryhalton

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How to Get Your Resume Noticed

Sure the job market is tough right now, but, from my experience, people still aren’t putting the necessary effort into their resumes to ensure they are getting the attention the resumes deserve.

So how do you make sure your resume grabs the attention of your reader? Follow along for a few resume tips  and insights to reevaluate the document you have now and get better results:

Forget about a fancy letterhead and swirly font types. When employers comes across a fancy resume, they see that the candidate doesn’t have enough confidence in his or her experience and abilities to just leave well enough alone. You don’t need to dress up success; success bleeds through the pages of your resume.

With that being said, if for some reason you feel you must dress up your resume, I implore you, please don’t include your picture. Your resume should describe who you are, your skills and accomplishments on paper. The interview is where potential employers can put a face with a name. And for you movie buffs, do not spray your resumes with a sweet scent (thank you, Legally Blonde ). It is not a love letter and its smell, if any, will not help.

The only exception to this rule is if you are applying for a position working in the creative department of a company or you want to be a model or actress and pictures of yourself are necessary. Otherwise, just say no.

Eliminate any large paragraphs of text on your resume.  Too much text can result in your resume receiving a quick skim through, and then being tossed back into the pile. Hiring managers can receive hundreds of resumes a day; they do not have the time or patience to read through masses of text. Just like in an elevator speech, you only have a short window of time to grab your reader’s attention. The text throughout your resume should be clear and concise.

If you have large amounts of text, break them down into bullet points, which are much easier to swallow for people. Bullet points force you to pull out only the main points of what you are trying to say, which will reduce the overall length of your resume.

Use a standard font, such as Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid using “fancy” fonts because different recipients may open your resume on different operating systems. Using nonstandard fonts poses the risk of wingdings replacing fonts after the resume is opened.

General Rules

Use a chronological resume as opposed to a functional resume (Microsoft Word offers both templates).

Be sure to read through the job description in its entirety before sending off your resume. HR managers will look for the listed skills and responsibilities throughout your resume before selecting it for further review. This is especially important if you know that your application is going to initially be screened by a software program.

Most important, if you do not have the skill, do not put it on your resume!

You don’t need anything fancy for your resume to get noticed, just the basics. As the saying goes, sometimes less is more.

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How To Get Your Resume Noticed by Recruiters

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The job market is super-competitive right now, with 6 million people unemployed, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. While those numbers may seem intimidating, it is possible to land a job in the current climate — but you may have to make an extra effort to stand out from the competition.

Since your resume is usually the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager will see, it’s smart to focus on ensuring that yours stands out from the pack. GOBankingRates spoke to recruiters, career experts and professional resume writers to get their tips on how to get your resume noticed. Here’s how to improve your resume so that it gets recruiters’ attention.

Tailor Your Resume for the Specific Job You’re Applying For

Resumes are not one-size-fits-all. To impress a recruiter, your resume should be specific to the job.

“The resumes that impress me are the ones that most closely align skills and experience to the job being applied for,” said Simon Royston, managing director of The Recruitment Lab . “Candidates typically produce a master copy of their resume but are then not tailoring it to any given application. Yes, you need a master copy of your resume, but look at the duties and responsibilities listed on a given job advert, and then explain in your resume how you are ticking those boxes.”

Make a Strong First Impression

The typical resume is one to two pages, but a recruiter might not make it past the top of the first page when they are quickly scanning through hundreds of applications. That’s why it’s so important that the top half of your resume is chock-full of relevant — and impressive — information.

“The key to standing out among the competition is to ensure you set the tone in the first top half of the resume with what you want and what you offer, any key buzzwords that speak to your abilities to transition into those new roles seamlessly, and any transferable skills and accomplishments that directly relate to this new role,” said Matthew Warzel, certified professional resume writer and president of MJW Careers, LLC .

Formatting also matters when it comes to making a first impression.

“The average recruiter looks at a resume for six seconds, so make your resume stand out by making your strongest assets jump off the page — use white space, bolding, bullet points and concise language to draw the reader’s eye to exactly what you want them to see,” said Amy Feind Reeves, founder of JobCoachAmy .

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“When a resume looks appealing and makes you want to read it, you now stand a chance, even if you aren’t the most qualified,” added Bergin Sullivan of the recruiting company JCSI .

Emphasize Your Achievements

“To stand out, frame your experience in terms of accomplishments versus listing responsibilities,” said Neha Khurram, founder of The Hiring Community . “If your resume looks like a job description, it will likely be passed over. Stand out by articulating your impact, and always begin your bullet points with an action verb. Quantify your experience wherever possible, and highlight your list of tools as well as how you used them.”

Include a Branding Statement

“The key to presenting yourself as the best fit for the job that you want and standing out in all the right ways to recruiters is quickly demonstrating that you understand and can meet or exceed the goals of the role you’re applying for,” said Steph Cartwright, certified professional resume writer and founder of Off The Clock Resumes . “Replacing a boring and redundant ‘Resume Summary’ with a concise ‘Branding Statement’ that introduces your top job-related qualifications and skills and really showcases the results you can produce will make you a must-interview candidate.”

Include an Endorsement

“If you want to stand out, a short endorsement from someone in your work history that’s relevant to the job you’re applying for sends a powerful message,” said Rowan O’Grady, president of U.S. operations at Frank Recruitment Group . “That’s always impressive to see at this stage in the process. It doesn’t have to be anything more than a short paragraph. Whenever I see someone do this properly, I wonder why more people don’t include it as standard — that’s the sort of impact it has.”

Include a Certifications Section

“If you’re looking to rise above the noise, make sure to list certifications on your resume,” said Max Woolf, career expert at ResumeLab . “While certifications on a resume aren’t a be-all and end-all element that predetermines whether you’ll land the job, they can certainly tip the scales in your favor. After all, they prove you’re a valuable hire with bulletproof evidence you have specific skills and expertise needed to excel in the role. And if you don’t have much experience under your belt, certifications can put turbo thrusters on your resume because they automatically demonstrate your passion for knowledge and willingness to learn.”

Add Some Personality

“Avoid blending in with other job applicants by showcasing your personality on your resume,” said Kyle Elliott, career coach and founder of CaffeinatedKyle.com . “You can do this by sharing a relevant hobby or including a dash of color on your resume.”

Janelle Owens, HR director at Test Prep Insight , said that adding personality will sometimes be the thing that gets you to the interview phase.

“After a while, when you’re hiring for a particular position, every resume starts to look the same,” she said. “They all generally have the same college degree or relevant experience. It is the aspect of your resume that personalizes you that draws me in. I love a couple of good lines of interesting factoids about a candidate. For example, our most recent hire really only got the call for the interview because I loved that they listed that they won a pie-eating contest on their resume. Who does that? I knew right away they had personality and would be fun.”

Link To a Personal Website

Encourage a recruiter to learn more about you and your experiences by creating a personal website or portfolio and linking to it on your resume.

“Show off tech skills and creativity by building a personal website that shows off your prior work accomplishments,” said Sasha Yablonovsky, CEO of Loanspark. “You can even create and link to a digital portfolio, video or presentation saved to the cloud that showcases your past work. These tools demonstrate your skills and ambition, and position you to stand out among the other applications and phone screenings.”

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Boost Your Job Hunt: How to use an ATS Resume Checker

A well-crafted resume that stands out from the crowd is crucial for leaving your mark in your industry. You want to be respected by your peers, employers & hiring organizations, & an efficient resume paves your way towards it. 

In recent years, the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is used by employers to scan the thousands of resumes they receive each day. Though it makes the job of the recruiter’s easier, it can prove to be an obstacle for the applicants. Hence, it becomes essential to optimize your resume for these systems. 

One effective way to do this is by using an ATS resume checker. In this blog, we will explore what an ATS resume checker is, why it matters & how you can use it to enhance your job application.

What is an ATS Resume Checker ?

An ATS resume checker is a tool designed to analyze your resume’s compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems. These systems are software applications used by employers to screen & manage job applications. They scan resumes for keywords, formatting & other criteria to determine if a candidate meets the job requirements. An ATS resume checker evaluates how well your resume aligns with these systems, offering insights on how to improve it.

Why use an ATS Resume Checker?

1.  Improves Visibility - ATS systems often filter out resumes that do not meet specific criteria. Using an ATS resume checker helps ensure that your resume passes through these initial filters & gets noticed by human recruiters.

2.  Optimizes Keywords - Many ATS systems rely on keyword matching to identify qualified candidates. An ATS resume checker can help you identify & incorporate relevant keywords from the job description, increasing your chances of being selected.

3.  Enhances Formatting - ATS systems can struggle with complex formatting. An ATS resume checker helps you identify & correct formatting issues that might hinder the system’s ability to read your resume accurately.

4.  Tailor Your Resume - By analyzing your resume against job descriptions, an ATS resume checker provides guidance on how to tailor your resume for specific roles, improving your chances of landing an interview.

How to use an ATS Resume Checker?

1. Choose the right one 

The first step begins with selecting a reliable ATS resume checker. Many tools are available online, both free & paid. For example, PaintMinds provides you with a resume score check & ATS resume maker tool that is backed by 20+ parameters curated by Talent Experts & Recruiters along with providing you with a detailed report for the improvements needed in your resume. Expert Mentors at PaintMinds are always ready to enable you & support you throughout your journey. Click here to get started.

2. Prepare Your Resume

Before using the checker, ensure your resume is up to date & includes all relevant information about your skills, experience & qualifications in the proper format. Save it in a compatible format (usually .docx or .pdf) to ensure the checker can analyze it effectively. This will make your task easy & save you from the unnecessary chaos. 

3. Upload Your Resume

Follow the instructions provided by the ATS resume checker . Typically, you will need to upload your resume &, in some cases, input the job description for the position you are targeting. This allows the checker to provide tailored feedback based on the specific job requirements.

4. Review the Analysis

Once the analysis is complete, carefully review the feedback provided by the ATS resume checker. Common areas of focus include:

•  Keyword Optimization : Always ensure your resume includes relevant keywords from the job description.

• Formatting Issues: Check for & correct any formatting problems that might affect readability.

• Content Relevance: Assess whether your resume effectively highlights your skills & experience in relation to the job description.

5. Make Necessary Adjustments

Based on the feedback, make the recommended changes to your resume. This might involve:

• Adding or modifying keywords to better match the job description.

• Simplifying or adjusting formatting to ensure compatibility with ATS tracking systems .

• Rewriting sections to better align with the role’s requirements.

6. Recheck Your Resume

After making adjustments, re-upload your resume to the ATS resume checker to verify that the changes have improved your score. Continue to refine & optimize until you achieve a satisfactory result so that you achieve your next role without any delays.

Using an ATS resume checker boosts your chances of landing a job amongst modern job applications. By ensuring your resume meets the criteria set by Applicant Tracking Systems, you can make past the initial screening easily & get noticed by hiring managers. Follow these steps to effectively use an ATS resume checker & you will be on your way to a more successful job search.

If you have any questions about using an ATS resume checker or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our experts at PaintMinds. We are always happy to help!

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How to Get Your Resume Noticed in the Blink of an Eye

How long do recruiters look at resumes? I’ve heard anywhere from six seconds to 15—and whatever it is, it’s definitely less than a minute. In fact, recruiter Gary Nelson thinks to really catch a hiring manager’s eye, your resume needs to not just pass the six-second test, but the blink test . In other words, it needs to grab a recruiter’s attention nearly instantly.

So, how does one do such a thing? Here are a few ways to make your resume instantly eye-catching. (And, let’s go ahead and get this out of the way: It’s not with colorful graphics or professional headshots.)

1. Use the Good Ol’ Resume Format

A common mistake people make in an effort to make their resumes a bit more flashy is to get creative with the formatting. And while this is sometimes okay in more arts-centric professions, in general you really don’t want to mix up the standard resume formatting too much, because it makes it harder for recruiters to find what they’re looking for (not to mention it wreaks havoc with applicant tracking systems ). It’s helpful to remember that recruiters don’t forward a resume because it’s pretty—they send resumes along when they see a candidate is qualified. And in the end, if someone can’t find the information he or she needs immediately, it’s a toss. (Here are a few other things that will get your resume thrown in the trash .)

So, make sure your skills are seen, not tucked them away somewhere unexpected. Keep your name and contact information at the top, make your section headings stand out through bolding, underlining, or all-caps text, and have your achievements written out as bulleted statements. It’s all about making it easy to find the right information to convince them to move you on in the recruiting process—not to win a graphic design contest. (Unless, well, you’re going for a graphic design job .)

2. Make the Best Stuff Loud and Clear

While you don’t want to shake up the formatting too much, you do want to make sure your most relevant experiences are as close to the top as possible. With only a blink, you know the recruiter is looking at the very top of your resume—not halfway down the page, and definitely not somewhere near the bottom.

What does this mean? Think about what’s most important in getting you hired for each specific position you’re applying for, and rearrange your resume accordingly. If you’re an undergrad interested in management consulting , put your education section up top, and make sure your GPA is front and center. If you’re an experienced project manager, you’ll want to have relevant skills up at the top of your resume in a summary of qualifications section. And, if your most recent experience isn’t the most relevant to the job you’re seeking, then it’s time to create a tailored experience section, like “Business Development Experience” or “Editorial Experience,” that goes above the rest of your positions. The key here, again, is to make sure whoever’s reading your resume gets the message about what you have to offer—instantly.

3. Use Emphasis Strategically

Aside from making sure everything is where it’s expected and moving your strengths to the top, you also want to be thoughtful about what else is highlighted throughout your resume. In other words, think about what you want to showcase, then use bolding, underlining, and italicizing to emphasize those things.

For example, if you have an internship at a well-known company like Facebook , Gucci , or Zappos , you’ll probably want to point to the company name rather than your position title. Alternatively, if you wore multiple hats as one of the first employees of a small startup, you may want to put greater emphasis on your job title than on the name of the company. Since your resume only gets a quick glance, it’s likely that whatever is bolded is going to be what’s looked at. Make sure it makes an impact.

While your resume might be memorable because you printed it on lime green paper, trust me—that’s not what’s going to get you noticed. If you know you’re qualified for a position, your goal is to make it easy for a recruiter to find evidence of this on your resume. Counterintuitively, to pass the resume blink test, keep everything where it’s expected to be, move your strengths to the top, and don’t be afraid to show off in the rest of your resume.

Photo of eye courtesy of Shutterstock .

How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You a Job Interview

Learn to avoid the biggest mistake job seekers make and write a cover letter that truly makes an impact.

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Most job seekers don’t know how to write a proper cover letter. They believe a cover letter is just a “here is my resume” note. This is a wasted opportunity!

In this article, you’ll discover the secret to writing a professional cover letter that’s truly effective. It’s not hard to do and will give you a significant edge over the competition. We’ll walk you through the process in a few straightforward steps and provide examples to help you along the way.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in and create a cover letter that opens doors to your next opportunity.

What is a cover letter and do you really need one?

A cover letter is a short document (around 300 words) that accompanies your resume. Your cover letter should not simply repeat what your resume says . Instead, it should complement your resume, highlight your personality, and potentially address any weaknesses that could otherwise prevent you from getting an interview.

But do you really need a cover letter in 2024? The short answer is YES.

“Over 80% of hiring managers read a cover letter and 60% of applications require one as part of the application,” says career coach Madelyn Mackie . “Even hiring managers and recruiters who say they never read cover letters may find themselves drawn in by a particularly compelling letter.”

In fact, Jobscan analyzed nearly 1 million job applications and found that including a cover letter with your resume makes you  1.9 times more likely  to be invited for an interview compared to those who left out a cover letter.

What’s the biggest cover letter mistake?

The biggest mistake job seekers make when writing their cover letter is to focus only on themselves .

“It’s not about you,” says career coach Susan Schwartz . “It’s about what you can do for them. Talking to them about what they care about—not about what you want—is what’s going to make them want to read your letter. And to hire you!”

According to Schwartz, this is the best way to write a cover letter:

Paragraph 1. A single sentence (maximum two) stating the PROBLEM that the company faces. What is the issue/need/opportunity that this role will address?

Paragraph 2. what solution do you offer how are you the answer to their need again, keep it to a sentence or two., paragraph 3. explanation: what experience do you have that supports your assertion that you can help this paragraph can be 3-4 sentences, but keep it short., paragraph 4. call to action: suggest next steps. not “thank you” but let’s plan to discuss this next week..

Since hiring managers often spend less than 20 seconds on an application, your cover letter needs to grab their attention and get them to look at your resume. By highlighting how your experience matches the job, you make it easier for them to see you as a great fit for the role.

Now let’s examine each of these steps in more detail.

How to write a strong cover letter step-by-step

Now that you know the basics of what to include in your cover letter, let’s go through the process from start to finish to see how you can write a cover letter that will make you stand out from the rest of the candidates.

1. Do your research

Before writing your cover letter, research the company to understand its current challenges and goals. Visit the company website, read their latest news and press releases, and follow their social media channels.

Don’t skip this step! It’s crucial for writing a cover letter that truly resonates with a potential employer and sets you apart from other candidates.

After you’ve researched the company, carefully read the job description. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What specific problems or challenges is this role designed to address?
• How do my skills and experiences align with the job requirements?
• Am I a good fit for the role?
• What unique value can I bring to the company in this role?
• Are there any keywords or phrases that I should incorporate into my cover letter?

After researching the company and the role, you’re ready to start writing your cover letter.

2. Write your opening paragraphs

Many job seekers make the mistake of being too wordy in their cover letters. You’re not writing a novel. Use short words in short sentences. Remember, a hiring manager is going to quickly scan your application, so you need to get right to the point.

Here are some examples of how to start a cover letter:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’ve noticed that NexGen is working hard to stand out in a crowded digital market, and keeping your brand top-of-mind for customers can be tough.

That’s where I come in—I specialize in creating engaging content and smart SEO strategies that boost online presence and drive customer engagement.

I understand that Weissman is seeking to maintain its innovative edge in the dancewear industry while consistently meeting sales and margin targets.

I am confident that my experience and passion for design can help Weissman continue to create stunning, market-leading dancewear.

I understand that Timmons Company needs motivated individuals to manage sales territories and boost product visibility in retail grocery stores around Quincy, IL.

I am excited to bring my self-motivation and sales-oriented mindset to your team, ensuring your products not only maintain their shelf presence but also thrive.

3. Prove you can do the job

Now you need to provide evidence that you’re the right person for the job. The best way to do this is to highlight your relevant experience and achievements. Here are some things you should focus on:

• Specific Accomplishments : Share examples of your successes, such as increasing sales, leading projects, or improving processes.
• Relevant Skills : Highlight the skills that match the job requirements, like planning, organizing, technical proficiencies, or specific industry experience.
• Problem-Solving : Discuss times when you successfully tackled challenges, such as resolving issues, managing conflicts, or implementing solutions.
• Industry Knowledge : Demonstrate your understanding of the field and awareness of current trends and standards.
• Team Collaboration : Mention how you’ve effectively worked in teams, mentored others, or collaborated across departments.

Remember to keep it concise. Your letter isn’t meant to tell your whole story; it’s about making a compelling case that you understand the key aspects of the job.

Your goal is to leave the reader eager to learn more about you. Here are some examples:

“Over the past five years, I’ve led digital marketing campaigns that ramped up organic traffic by 40% and bumped up conversion rates by 25%. I’ve worked with diverse teams to create compelling content that resonates with audiences and used data analytics to refine strategies for maximum impact. My experience with social media management and email marketing also ensures a holistic approach to your digital marketing needs.”

“With over ten years in apparel design, specializing in activewear and dancewear, I have a proven track record of developing designs that resonate with customers and drive sales. My expertise includes conducting global trend research, selecting inspiring materials, and leading teams to transform creative concepts into market-ready products. I am proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and have experience with CLO3D, ensuring that my designs are both innovative and technically sound. My leadership skills have been honed by mentoring junior designers and managing cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and efficient design process.”

“With several years of experience in CPG retail sales and merchandising, I have successfully managed sales territories, maintained product placements, and executed promotional strategies. My ability to plan and organize, combined with proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with iPads, positions me well to contribute effectively to your sales team. I am adept at thinking on my feet and delivering results in dynamic environments, ensuring that products are always tagged, rotated, and optimally displayed.”

4. Conclude with a call to action

When wrapping up your cover letter, it’s crucial to include a strong call to action in your closing paragraph. This isn’t just about expressing gratitude—it’s about setting the stage for the next steps in the hiring process.

Instead of a simple “thank you,” aim to propose a specific plan, such as scheduling a meeting or a call to discuss how you can contribute to the company.

Here are some examples of how to end a cover letter :

“Let’s discuss how I can help NexGen Creative Agency achieve its sales goals next week. Please let me know your availability for a meeting.”

“How about we chat next week about how I can help Weissman shine even brighter? Let me know when you’re free.”

“Let’s plan to discuss how my self-motivation and sales-oriented mindset can boost product visibility for Timmons Company next week. Please let me know your availability for a meeting.”

There is no need to add anything more. Time is valuable, so hiring managers won’t spend it on a cover letter that isn’t concise and to the point.

Expert tips for writing a cover letter

We’ve gone over the basics of how to write a good cover letter. Here are some expert tips for formatting and how to make your cover letter even better.

Format your contact information correctly

Before diving into the content of your cover letter, it’s important to format the contact details and header correctly. You’ll need to include your name, full address, phone number, and email address.

Here’s an example:

Personalize your greeting

To whom should you address your cover letter to? “For maximum impact, see if you can find the hiring manager or recruiter for the role, and send your letter to them,” says career coach Susan Schwarz . “Addressing your letter to a specific person will significantly increase the likelihood of someone reading it.”

Check the company’s website or LinkedIn profile to find the name of the hiring manager. However, if you can’t find a specific name, “Dear Hiring Manager” will suffice.

To end a cover letter, you can use “best regards” or “kind regards” followed by your full name.

Show your personality

While it’s important to maintain a professional tone in your cover letter, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. But remember, you don’t want to overdo it—keep it concise and relevant .

Here are some ways to show your personality in your cover letter:

• Briefly mention a specific project or experience you enjoyed.
• Highlight a distinctive skill or trait that sets you apart.
• Talk about how your values align with the company’s mission or culture.
• Describe a unique volunteer experience.

Emphasize your adaptability

According to LinkedIn , the top “skill of the moment” is adaptability . This means being open to new ideas, ready to pivot when needed, and always looking for ways to improve. In a world where the only constant is change, being adaptable can set you apart.

Here’s an example of how to incorporate adaptability into your cover letter:

“In my previous role as a CPG retail sales merchandiser, I consistently demonstrated my ability to adjust to changing market conditions, customer preferences, and sales strategies. This adaptability allowed me to increase sales by 25% in a highly competitive market.”

Show enthusiasm

Research shows that 40% of employers would not hire a candidate if they lacked enthusiasm. Remember, you’re much more attractive to employers when you’re on fire .

Here’s an example of how to show enthusiasm for the company you’re applying to:

“I’ve long admired Weissman’s commitment to the dance community and the artistry of your costumes. Your dedication to empowering performances and celebrating creativity is inspiring, and I’m excited about the opportunity to join your passionate team.”

Balance professionalism with friendliness

Try to strike a balance between a professional and friendly tone. Don’t use overly formal language, but make sure your writing is polished and error-free. Use humor sparingly, as it can be easily misinterpreted.

This approach helps you come across as both competent and personable, making you an ideal candidate.

Cover letter do’s and don’ts

• Do personalize . Address your cover letter to a specific person whenever possible.
• Do be concise . Keep your cover letter to one page.
• Do show enthusiasm . Mention specific reasons why you want to work there.
• Do include measurable accomplishments . These are achievements that can be quantified , such as increasing sales by a percentage.
• Do show your personality . Share brief anecdotes or unique experiences relevant to the job.
• Do be professional yet friendly . Avoid overly formal language.
• Do proofread your cover letter. A single mistake can damage your chances of getting an interview.
• Do include a call to action. Suggest scheduling a meeting or a call.
• Don’t be too formal . Strike a balance between professionalism and friendliness.
• Don’t overuse humor . Humor can be easily misinterpreted or come off as unprofessional.
• Don’t repeat your resume . Your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it.
• Don’t include irrelevant information. Focus only on what’s most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Don’t use clichés . Phrases like “I am a hard worker” or “I think outside the box” are overused and add little value.
• Don’t make excuses . Avoid explaining gaps in employment or other potential negatives.
• Don’t forget to tailor each letter . Customizing each cover letter will help it pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Cover letter examples

Here are a few cover letter examples that show how to highlight your skills, show your personality, and match your experiences with the job.

Cover letter example for someone with no work experience

Starting your career can be challenging, especially when you don’t have much experience to showcase. But don’t worry—a well-written cover letter can highlight your strengths and potential.

• Addresses the company’s needs : The letter begins by acknowledging the challenges the company faces, demonstrating an understanding of the industry and the company’s needs.
• Offers a solution : The candidate clearly states how they can provide value by offering a fresh perspective and innovative ideas.
• Highlights relevant experience : Even with limited work experience, the letter mentions a successful internship project that aligns with the job’s requirements.
• Shows enthusiasm and passion : The mention of a passion for sustainability and eagerness to contribute to the company’s efforts showcases the candidate’s genuine interest.
• Proposes next steps : The call to action is clear and professional, suggesting a meeting to discuss how the candidate can contribute, which shows initiative and confidence.

Cover letter example for someone changing careers

Changing careers can be a bold and exciting move, especially when you have a strong foundation of transferable skills. The following example of a cover letter demonstrates how to effectively highlight your previous experience and enthusiasm for a new industry.

• Engaging opening : Starts with a bold question that captures attention and sets the tone for the rest of the letter.
• Clear value proposition : Quickly establishes how the candidate’s project management skills can benefit the finance industry.
• Relevant experience : Highlights a specific project that showcases the candidate’s ability to improve efficiency and manage complex tasks.
• Expresses enthusiasm : Shows genuine excitement about the career change and the specific company.
• Call to action : Concludes with a clear and confident call to action, suggesting a meeting to discuss how the candidate can contribute to the company’s success.

Cover letter example for someone re-entering the workforce

Re-entering the workforce after a significant break can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your resilience and the valuable skills you’ve developed during your time away.

The following cover letter example demonstrates how to effectively address employment gaps while highlighting your strengths and enthusiasm for the role.

• Strong opening statement : The cover letter begins with a compelling statement about the importance of adaptability and innovation, setting a positive and forward-thinking tone.
• Addresses employment gap : It acknowledges the employment gap upfront, providing context without dwelling on it, which demonstrates honesty and transparency.
• Highlights relevant experience : The letter emphasizes past accomplishments and specific projects, showcasing the candidate’s skills and ability to deliver results.
• Shows enthusiasm for the role : The candidate expresses excitement about re-entering the workforce and aligns their values with the company’s mission.
• Proposes next steps : It ends with a clear call to action, suggesting a meeting to discuss how the candidate can contribute to the company’s success.

Generate a perfectly crafted cover letter in seconds

If you’re still having trouble writing your cover letter, try Jobscan’s AI cover letter generator . It analyzes both your resume and the job ad to create a completely original cover letter customized for the job you’re applying for.

To learn more about how the cover letter generator works, watch this brief video:

You can try Jobscan’s cover letter generator for free below:

Key takeaways

Follow these key takeaways to write a compelling cover letter that sets you apart from other candidates and opens doors to new career opportunities.

• Write with the employer’s needs in mind. Explain how you can address their specific challenges and contribute to their goals.
• Keep it brief . Use short sentences and paragraphs to make it easy for hiring managers to scan quickly.
• Address your letter to a specific person . If you can’t find a name, “Dear Hiring Manager” will suffice.
• Showcase your relevant experience. Use specific examples to demonstrate your abilities.
• Inject your personality. Share brief anecdotes or unique experiences relevant to the job.
• End with a strong call to action . Suggest a meeting or a call to discuss how you can contribute to the company’s success.
• Proofread your letter. A single error can torpedo your chances at getting an interview.
• Show enthusiasm. Showing excitement and a willingness to learn can make you a more attractive candidate.

A cover letter should be one page long, consisting of three to four paragraphs. The total word count should be around 250-400 words.

When you don’t have a specific name, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern,” as it is considered old-fashioned.

When emailing a cover letter, use a clear subject line like “Application for Content Developer – [Your Name].” Paste your cover letter into the email body. Attach your resume.

Yes, a cover letter is necessary because good first impressions are important. By highlighting your qualifications and showing enthusiasm for the role, you can gain an advantage over someone who doesn’t send one.

Employers look for personalization in a cover letter, showing that it’s tailored to the specific job and company. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job requirements. Include specific achievements that demonstrate your capabilities and contributions.

Yes. Providing specific examples of your achievements helps demonstrate your skills and qualifications, making your application more compelling to employers.

A cover letter starts with your contact information, first and last name, the date, and the employer’s details. Begin with an introduction about your suitability for the role. Include a brief section highlighting relevant experience and skills with examples. Conclude by asking for an interview.

The primary goals of a simple cover letter are to make a good impression, get someone to read your resume, and offer you a job interview. It also shows you have good communication skills, which are highly valuable in today’s workforce.

The opening sentence should state the problem the company faces or pose a thought-provoking question to grab the hiring manager’s attention.

Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

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How to Create an ATS Resume with 90+ Score [Tips with Examples]

We've all been in that frustrating position where we endlessly send out resume after resume to different companies, hoping for a call for an interview to finally impress them with our knowledge and skill set. The catch is, many of these companies aren't even noticing your resume because it isn't optimized.

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a powerful tool that helps you analyze your resume's score based on relevant keywords and structure. If your resume doesn't achieve a good score, it's likely to go unnoticed. In this article, I will explain what an ATS is, how it works, and how you can optimize your resume to achieve a score of 90+ and land that dream job.

What is an ATS Resume and how does it Work?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software application used by employers to manage and streamline the recruitment process. It collects, sorts, and ranks job applications, allowing recruiters to efficiently handle large volumes of resumes.

The ATS scans resumes for specific keywords related to the job description and evaluates the format and structure to ensure compatibility. Resumes are then scored based on how well they match the job criteria. High-scoring resumes (usually 80% or above) are passed on to human recruiters for further review, while lower-scoring resumes may be stored for future reference or rejected. By automating these tasks, ATS helps organizations save time, reduce bias, and improve the overall hiring process.

The ATS Market

The ATS market refers to the industry surrounding Applicant Tracking Systems, which are software applications used by employers to streamline the recruitment and hiring process. These systems manage everything from posting job openings to screening and sorting resumes, scheduling interviews, and onboarding new employees.

Key Statistics:

99% of Fortune 500 Companies: Nearly all of these large corporations regularly use ATS platforms.

70% of Large Companies: A significant majority of large businesses utilize ATS for their hiring needs.

20% of Small and Mid-Sized Businesses: A growing number of smaller enterprises are adopting ATS solutions.

75% of Recruiters: Most recruiters use ATS or other tech-driven tools to review applications and enhance the candidate experience.

94% of Recruiters: An overwhelming majority agree that ATS has positively impacted their hiring processes.

The ATS Score

Upon review, your resume is graded on a scale of 1 to 100%. The scoring criteria are as follows:

80% or Above: Resumes scoring 80% or higher advance to a human recruiter for potential interview consideration.

20% to 80%: Resumes in this range are stored for future reference but may not be immediately considered.

Below 20%: Resumes typically face immediate rejection.

Key Points:

Use Standard Formatting: Avoid complex layouts, graphics, or fonts. Stick to a simple, clean format.

Incorporate Keywords: Use relevant keywords from the job description throughout your resume to align with what the ATS is searching for.

Use Standard Headings: Use common headings like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" to help the ATS categorize your information correctly.

Avoid Tables and Graphics: These can confuse the ATS. Stick to bullet points and straightforward text formatting.

Customize for Each Job: Tailor your resume for each job application by adjusting the keywords and focusing on the most relevant experience and skills.

How to Create an ATS Resume with 90+ Score

ATS optimization is crucial for job seekers aiming to enhance their chances of getting noticed by employers. While the process itself isn't excessively complicated, achieving a high score requires strategic use of specialized tools. One such tool is Teal, which aids in optimizing keywords throughout your resume to align with the specific job requirements and increase visibility within ATS scans.

When it comes to crafting your resume, choosing the right software is equally important. WPS Office is highly recommended for creating ATS-friendly resumes due to its compatibility with various file formats that ATS can easily parse. Its user-friendly interface and robust features allow you to design and format your resume effectively, ensuring it retains clarity and professionalism.

After preparing your resume using WPS Office and optimizing it with Teal, it's essential to validate its effectiveness. Jobscan offers a valuable service by analyzing your resume against job descriptions and providing an ATS score. This score indicates how well your resume aligns with ATS requirements used by potential employers. By leveraging these tools together, job seekers can significantly enhance their resume's chances of passing through ATS screenings and securing coveted interview opportunities.

Step 1. Keyword Optimization from Job Description- Teal

As we know by now, an ATS will skim through resumes based on keywords. But what keywords need to be in there? Yes, this can be tricky if you're trying to figure things out on your own, but if employers are using tools like ATS, why don't you? Tools like Teal help you look for keywords in different job applications to make sure your ATS resume format has all the required keywords that an ATS might look for while filtering out resumes.

Teal helps job seekers, whether newly graduated or experienced professionals looking to switch jobs, to increase their chances of passing the ATS. Rather than going through the job description manually, job seekers can use the Teal tool that scans through the job description and returns the required hard and soft skills that need to be present in the resume, helping you achieve a 90+ ATS score. Let's see how we can work through Teal to find keywords to optimize our resume:

Step 1: First, visit Teal on your preferred browser. It is recommended to use Google Chrome because Teal's extension is available for Chrome.

Step 2: Next, simply visit the Chrome Web Store and download the Teal Chrome extension by clicking on the "Add to Chrome" button.

Step 3: Once you have installed the Teal Chrome extension, visit a website such as LinkedIn where you might have a job application you would like to apply for.

Step 4: Once at the job application, you will see the Teal icon on the left side of the screen, click on it to expand.

Step 5: Now you can see all the hard skills and soft skills that the employer is looking for in a potential candidate. These are the keywords you need to consider while creating your resume.

Step 6: Users can also click on the "Save Job" button to later review the job application on Teal's interface.

Step 2. Use an ATS-Friendly Resume Template- WPS Office

So now that you have all the keywords, you need to incorporate them into your resume strategically in key positions. But before you do this, you need to ask yourself: is your resume following the correct ATS resume format? ATS scores are not just based on keywords; an ATS resume does not follow a specific format, but there are specific formatting guidelines, such as proper sections, flow, and the overall feel of the resume.

I know all of this can be hard to follow, so I hired a professional to do this job for me: WPS Office. WPS Office is a professional office suite that allows job seekers to create resumes using ATS resume templates for free with its resume builder tool. So, let's see how we can use the WPS resume builder to create an ATS format resume:

Step 1: Let's head over to WPS Office on your desktop. If you haven't downloaded WPS Office yet, get yourself a copy to create your very own resume in a few easy steps.

Step 2: In WPS Office, click on the Tools tab in the left side pane.

Step 3: In WPS Tools, click on the "Resume Master" option.

Step 4: In the OUResume interface, click on the "Create My Resume Now" option.

Step 5: Previous resumes will appear here. If you want to create a new resume, click on the "Create My Resume" button to start creating your resume.

Step 6: You will now be redirected to the OUResume resume builder interface. Here you can see all the sections that will be present in your resume on the left side pane.

Step 7: If you don't like the template, click on the "Switch Resume" button.

Step 8: A library of resume templates will be loaded on the right side of the screen. Click on the template you like to continue.

Step 9: Simply fill out the information for each section and then click on "Download" to save a copy of your newly created resume.

WPS Office gives you the option to download in PDF, Word, or TXT formats.

Step 3. Resume Customization [Combining Keywords from Job Description]- Teal

Now that we have an ATS format resume created using WPS Office and all the keywords required for the job application, the next task is to update our resume according to these keywords to ensure it doesn't get filtered out by the ATS. The manual method is to input the keywords into your resume manually using WPS Writer. However, to make this task a bit easier and quicker, we will head back to Teal.

In Teal, you can upload your resume, and with the correct formatting, Teal identifies the content of the resume. The keywords are displayed side by side, making it easier for job seekers to update their resumes for each job application. Let's see how we can carry out this process on Teal.

Step 1: Let's visit the Teal website on our preferred browser.

Step 2: Click on the "Resume Builder" tab on the left side pane.

Step 3: Click on the "New Resume" button on the top right to create or upload a resume to Teal.

Step 4: You now have the resume builder interface open, where you can create a new resume from scratch by entering your information.

Step 5: If your resume is already ready, click on the "Menu" button on the top right and then select the "Import Resume or LinkedIn" option.

Step 6: Click on the "Upload" icon to select a file from your desktop or simply drop your resume in the upload location to upload your resume on Teal.

Step 7: Once your resume is uploaded, the next step is to match it with one of the saved jobs to review keywords and add any missing keywords. For this, click on the "Matching" tab.

Step 8: In the "Search Jobs in Your Tracker" field, select the job application you want to optimize your resume for.

Step 9: You will now have the Matching section on the right, with the match score being displayed.

Step 10: To improve your match score, scroll down and see the list of keywords relevant to the job application. Simply add the missing keywords in your resume to improve your match score.

Step 11: Once your match score reaches 90 or more, click on the "Export PDF" button and select "Resume" to download a copy of your optimized resume.

Step 4. Free ATS Resume Checker Tool- Jobscan

Once the resume is ready, the final step is to test it yourself before submitting. I've found a great tool for this purpose: Jobscan. Jobscan not only provides you with the ATS score but also shows areas of suggestions where you can focus to further enhance your resume.

Let's take a look at the steps needed to get your resume's ATS scores using Jobscan:

Step 1: First, head over to your preferred browser and navigate to the Jobscan website.

Step 2: On Jobscan's homepage, click on the "Scan your resume" button.

Step 3: The page will scroll down automatically. Here, click on the "Upload your resume" button to upload your resume from your desktop.

Step 4: Once the resume is uploaded, the next step is to paste the job description and then click on the "Scan" button.

Step 5: After posting the resume or job description, Jobscan will process it, and the results will then be shared, including a score and suggestions on how the resume can be improved.

How to Convert ATS Resume to PDF without Losing Format

You’ve created your ATS resume with sections, columns, and a lot of hard work, but there's a common issue of Word documents losing formatting. Imagine all the information in your resume shifting to different lines, and columns getting messed up. To avoid such problems, converting your resume to PDF format is the best solution. WPS Office offers free tools to easily convert your Word document to PDF , ensuring your resume maintains its formatting and reaches employers as intended.

WPS Office’s editing tools simplify post-review adjustments. Whether you need to refine content or tweak formatting, WPS Office makes the editing process seamless, helping you present your qualifications effectively and professionally.

Here is how WPS Office can help you convert your resume documents to PDF while keeping the formatting of your document intact:

Step 1: Open the resume document in WPS Office.

Step 2: Click on the Menu button located in the top right corner of the WPS Writer interface.

Step 3: In the Menu drop-down, select the "Export to PDF" option to open the WPS PDF Converter .

Step 4: In the WPS PDF Converter window, if you wish to change the folder where you want to save your resume PDF, visit the "Save path" field and change the path.

Step 5: Finally, simply click on the "Convert" button to export your resume to PDF format, preserving the formatting, and your PDF will be ready to be sent with your job application.

1. Should I customize my resume for each job application?

Customizing your resume for each job application is crucial because it ensures that the skills and experiences you highlight closely match the specific keywords and requirements outlined in the job description. This alignment increases your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which many employers use to screen resumes based on relevance. This personalized approach enhances your chances of standing out and securing an interview.

2. Are there any common mistakes to avoid when optimizing my resume for ATS?

It is crucial to pay attention to the following points when optimizing your resume for ATS:

Avoid excessive design elements like columns, fancy text, colors, or photos, as ATS may not interpret them correctly.

Ensure your resume includes keywords directly aligned with the job description to meet ATS screening criteria effectively.

Customize your resume for each application to address specific requirements and enhance your chances of passing through ATS filters.

Refrain from including images, charts, graphs, or outdated information that could hinder ATS scanning capabilities, and focus on relevant and up-to-date content.

3. Can I still make my resume visually appealing while ensuring it's ATS-friendly?

Yes, you can create an aesthetically pleasing resume that is also ATS-friendly by following these guidelines:

Opt for a professional layout with clear fonts such as Times New Roman.

Eliminate the use of colors and ensure you are not excessively bolding or italicizing elements of your resume.

Keep your resume concise to one page by removing unnecessary details.

Choose a modern and clean format to enhance readability and ensure easy navigation.

Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to align with ATS requirements.

Replace the objective statement with a summary to emphasize your skills and qualifications.

Land Your Dream Job With WPS AI

Landing a good job is like a headstart for a fulfilling future in the career you've chosen for yourself. To ensure your resume stands out in today's competitive job market, leveraging WPS AI Tools can be of massive help. These tools are designed to help you create an ATS-optimized resume that meets the stringent criteria of Applicant Tracking Systems. By using WPS AI Tools, you can easily tailor your resume with the right keywords, structure, and format to maximize your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Download WPS Office today and take the first step towards securing your dream job with a powerful, AI-enhanced resume.

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15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.

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Will an executive recruiter find a job for me 3 recruitment models and how to leverage relationships with recruiters.

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Gina Riley | Gina Riley Consulting & creator of Career Velocity, a comprehensive career transition system. Follow me on LinkedIn.

Many job seekers enter the job market with a critical misconception: They often do not understand who recruiters work for and who compensates them. This misunderstanding comes when job seekers feel most vulnerable while making decisions with significant professional and financial implications. It is important to recognize that recruiters are primarily engaged and paid by companies to fulfill their staffing requirements, not by individuals seeking employment opportunities.

Understanding the three common recruitment models and the compensation structure of recruiters is essential in reducing frustration and aligning expectations. Drawing from my experiences in corporate talent acquisition, temporary staffing services and executive search with Talence Group Executive Search and Consulting, this article aims to demystify the recruitment process so that candidates can more effectively engage with them. It highlights these recruitment models, clarifies the role and compensation of recruiters and offers insights into their operation using an analogy comparing them to sports scouts and player agents.

The Recruiter's Role: A Sports Analogy

In sports, scouts and player agents have distinct roles. Scouts are like recruiters paid by teams (companies) to find talent. They do the groundwork of identifying and persuading potential players to consider joining their team. The scout's priority is finding the best match for the team they represent. Conversely, player agents, paid by the athletes (candidates), represent and promote an athlete to teams. Their loyalty and incentive come from the individual athletes themselves.

This analogy effectively characterizes who recruiters work for and how they get paid. The agent model works in the sports industry due to the limited number of teams and decision-makers and most leagues' typical collective bargaining approach to negotiating salaries. In contrast, an agent working with a job seeker would face an intimidating task since countless companies could be a good match. With some exceptions, it is unreasonable to think an agent would know the entire job market. Alternatively, recruiters tend to proactively sweep the market to identify talent when they have a position to fill. They would not rely on an agent to approach them with individual candidates.

A Historical Perspective

The transition from newspaper want ads to the digital era has revolutionized the recruiting process. The late 1990s saw a significant shift with the introduction of the applicant tracking system (ATS). This technology allowed companies to manage vast numbers of applicants and filter for qualifications, expanding the reach of job opportunities.

However, the ease of online applications led to an influx of candidates, often overwhelming recruiters with quantity over quality. Today's recruiters, equipped with improved technology, can search for candidates globally. Their effectiveness now hinges more on their experience and ability to understand client needs than on the size or location of their firm. Recruiters are tasked with finding candidates, understanding the nuanced outcomes desired for each role and identifying the ideal candidate profile that aligns with those goals.

Understanding Recruitment Models

Now that you have a foundational understanding of recruiters, let's dive into the various models for how they work with companies.

Corporate Or 'In-House' Recruiters

These recruiters are a company's internal employees, focusing on identifying and screening candidates and managing the interview process. They balance a high volume of openings with tight deadlines, using both internal databases and proactive searching for passive candidates.

Contingency Recruiters

Operating on a sales-focused model, contingency recruiters are paid only upon a candidate's successful hiring and placement. They usually handle mid- to lower-level roles and are not paid upfront. This model can be effective for companies with high-volume hiring needs but comes with challenges and risks.

Retained Executive Search Recruiters

Used for senior-level executive or niche roles, these recruiters are paid a retainer to manage the recruitment process end-to-end exclusively. They focus on finding candidates who meet the qualifications and fit the company culture and leadership expectations.

In each model, the recruiter is paid by the company launching the search. A corporate recruiter is paid a salary, a contingent recruiter is only paid if their candidate starts their new role and a retained executive search consultant is paid in installments based on the candidate's anticipated annual salary (which does not impact candidate salary negotiations).

Approaching And Managing Conversations With Recruiters

Building a relationship with recruiters requires understanding their perspectives. They are more responsive when working on a role that aligns with your qualifications. Here are some tips:

• Approach recruiters professionally and courteously.
• Understand their process and preferred communication methods.
• Offer to assist them with your network connections.
• Be transparent about your qualifications and interests.
• Don't ghost recruiters, and handle rejections gracefully.

How To Get Noticed By Recruiters

To attract recruiters, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, ensure your profile is polished and reflects your professional brand. Incorporate relevant keywords, complete your education and experience sections and actively engage with industry-related content. Regular networking and tailored communication for each job application can increase your visibility to recruiters.

Recruiters work primarily for companies that pay them to find suitable candidates. Understanding their perspective and the recruitment models they operate within can help job seekers build more effective relationships with them. Always be proactive in your job search and networking efforts. Remember that recruiters remember candidates who make a positive impression.

In closing, if you are tempted to pay someone to "find you a job," reflect on the player agent model. Ask the hard questions before you invest: What are their success rates? Do they have a guarantee? What is their reach into the marketplace? How often will they communicate with you during your search process? What is their strategy for negotiating salary and benefits? Do they have testimonials?

Remember that you own your career transition outcomes. In the end, employing solid career transition strategies such as effective networking and building relationships with experienced recruiters is a more effective way to control your professional destiny.

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