Resume

Crafting a Great Resume: A Hiring Manager’s Perspective

Growing

Grow In Your Role

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Transition Your Career

Your resume is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression. By incorporating these elements, you can create a document that not only catches my eye but also sets you apart as a candidate worth considering. Good luck!

As a hiring manager, I’ve seen my fair share of resumes—some that wowed me and others that, well, didn’t.

Here’s what makes a resume stand out and catch my eye:

  1. Clarity and Brevity: Keep it concise. One page is usually enough for most applicants, especially recent graduates. Get straight to the point, avoiding fluff and jargon. Each word should earn its place.
  2. Tailored Content: I love to see a resume tailored to the specific role. Generic resumes lack the personal touch and suggest a scattergun approach. Show me that you’ve researched the company and understand the job requirements by highlighting relevant experience and skills.
  3. Strong Summary Statement:
    Kick off with a strong summary that encapsulates who you are and what you bring to the table. This should be a snapshot of your professional identity, your skills, and your career aspirations.
  4. Quantifiable Achievements: Numbers speak volumes. Whether it’s sales targets met, projects completed, or efficiencies achieved, quantify your successes wherever possible. This shows me you not only did the work but did it well.
  5. Clean, Professional Layout: First impressions matter. A clutter-free, visually appealing layout tells me you’re organized and pay attention to details. Use consistent fonts, bullet points, and clear section headings.
  6. Relevant Experience:
    Prioritize your work experience, internships, and any extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and other key competencies. If you’re a recent grad, showcase your academic projects or coursework relevant to the job.
  7. Skills and Certifications: Clearly list your skills, especially those pertinent to the job. Technical skills, languages, and certifications should be easily visible. This helps me quickly assess your qualifications.
  8. Proofread and Polish: Typos and grammatical errors can be a deal-breaker. They suggest a lack of attention to detail and professionalism. Double-check everything, and consider having a friend or mentor review it.
  9. Tailored for ATS: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Use standard fonts and formats, and include keywords from the job description to ensure your resume gets past the bots.
  10. Personal Touch: While maintaining professionalism, adding a touch of personality can make your resume memorable. A brief section about interests or hobbies can provide a glimpse into who you are beyond the job.