How to slay your resume Unleashing your professional potential

Writing the perfect resume is no easy task. You need to get a multitude of things right. The language, the tone, the visual appeal, and the overall content must all please potential employers. Have you ever wanted to make a hiring manager sit straighter on their chair while reading your resume? Almost every job seeker has wanted the same thing. Here’s how you can slay your resume and score your next job interview:

1. Tailor it like a bespoke suit

There’s a huge difference between renting a tux from a shop and having a suit made for your specific measurements. It is the same thing with resumes. While a one-size-fits-all resume fails to get you recognized, a customized resume will highlight your best qualities that makes you the perfect candidate for the job.

2. Start with a captivating summary

Have you seen those movie trailers that make you just want to see the whole movie right now without wasting a single second? That’s what your summary statement should do for your resume. Craft a compelling summary statement that highlights your biggest professional wins and strongest skills. Ensure that your resume summary is short because a concise resume summary packs more punch.

3. Show, don't just tell

Instead of just saying that you bring great results, focus on your accomplishments. No one will be impressed by your resume if you keep claiming to have certain skills. However, showing the recruiter how you have used your amazing critical care knowledge to save the lives of 150 patients in the past two years will definitely have them dying to meet you!

4. Master the art of storytelling

Years ago, resumes used to be bland documents, listing the multiple jobs that a job seeker has had over the years. Today, resumes are great storytellers. They narrate the story of your career. When you write a resume, ensure that your resume tells the story of how you climbed up the career ladder to get to where you are today. Add a fun fact from your career and make your resume unforgettable.

5. Showcase your skill set

Did you know that employers value candidates who showcase a versatile skill set on their resumes? If you have diverse skills, such as programming knowledge, technical skills, and software proficiency, highlight them on your resume. But also keep space on your resume for your soft skills and leadership skills as those are highly valuable too.

7. Leverage the power of keywords

A majority of employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter the job applications they receive. Keywords are your best weapons in the battle against the ATS. Whenever you can, optimize your resume with keywords from the job description and other industry-specific terms. You can use the company website and online job boards to identify the phrases and key terms used in the industry.

8. Incorporate testimonials and endorsements

Adding testimonials or endorsements from previous employers or clients to your resume will not only show potential employers that you have excellent skills, but will also make you look more credible. Ensure that you use a wide range of sources for your testimonials, such as your employers, coworkers, professional contacts, and clients.