With Canada’s record 8% unemployment rate, our highest level in 7 years, Canadian job seekers faces greater competition for limited jobs. A recent survey showed that 27% of 360 human resources manager stated that they received over 100 resumes per open job vacancy, so the pressure is on for job seekers to stand out from the crowd. To remain competitive and stand out from the masses while looking for a job, you need to write a stellar, high impact resume.
You resume is your most important tool in your career marketing toolkit and if written effectively it should focus on how you meet or exceed the requirements of the employer. A well- written resume increases your chances of landing the interview and eventual a job and since recruiters spend less than 30 seconds scanning your resume, it is paramount that you prepare a stellar document to garner their interest.
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Here are some tips to help you write a resume that stands out from the crowd
- Write a qualification summary at the top of your resume
A qualification summary, sometimes called a profile, is a listing of your core skills geared towards impressing the recruiter with the software skills and expertise you bring to the table. Remember that you only have a few seconds to impress the recruiter, so make it count with an effective snapshot of your qualifications and personal attributes on your resume.
- Update your resume frequently
As a “careerist”, you should always ensure that you have an up-to-date resume and career portfolio. A 2009 survey by CareerBuilder showed that 50% of employees surveyed said that they did not maintain a current resume. Create an accomplishment journal to track and record of your achievements. This can be quickly transferred to your resume in the event of job vacancy that piques your interest or an unexpected call from a recruiter. You never know when you may need to provide a resume, so make sure that you continually update.
- Include keywords in your resume
New technologies have greatly changed the way resumes and cover letters are written, and the way that employers recruit. Employers now expect more from job applicants’ resumes and cover letters, both in style and tone. The surge in internet job boards and recruiting software that scans resumes – requires that job seekers include comprehensive keyword from job vacancies in their resumes to ensure that their documents rise to top of the pile.
- Accomplishments, accomplishments and more accomplishments
Do not write a resume with terms phrases such as “responsible for” or “duties included” instead focus on highlighting your quantifiable achievements using action verbs and specific results.
Finally...
Once you have made these changes to your resume, do not just mass mail out and cross your fingers. Take the initiative to utilize all the career resources that are available to you such as ResumeSolutions.ca Resume Writing Services to make sure your resume stands out from the crowd and HireImpact.ca Job Board to search jobs and increase your visibility to potential hiring companies.
Surranna Sandy is the President of ResumeSolutions.ca. Ms Sandy is an expert in resume writing, interview preparation, career coaching,, employment trends, hiring practices and workplace issues. Ms. Sandy partners with both Fortune 100 companies and individuals to deliver targeted programs focusing on résumé development, job search strategies, networking, interviewing, and salary negotiation skills. Contact Ms. Sandy via email at
info@resumesolutions.ca or by phone at (416) 361-1290/1-866-361-1290.
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