Did you know that resumes are rejected without ever even being seen by anyone? I didn't know that for a long time... or maybe I didn't want to believe it.
After graduating, I experienced a tough economic situation in Canada. I kept hearing tips on what a resume should look like, but back then, it didn't seem so important to me. I thought, surely a recruiter wouldn't be counting keywords. The problem was, many resumes never even reach recruiters because they're screened out by ATS beforehand. Frustrating, isn't it? Especially when you keep receiving rejections and losing hope.
Thankfully, that's all in the past now!
In this blog, I'll tell you everything about crafting the perfect resume so that you'll get invited to more interviews and never have to wonder why people less qualified than you are getting better jobs.
Why the resume crucial for gaining employment is
A resume is often the first impression potential employers receive from a candidate. It serves as a gateway to job interviews and career opportunities. A compelling resume can make the difference between getting an interview and receiving a rejection. In a world where the vast majority of people have been faced with looking for a job, it is crucial to create a resume that captures the attention of hiring managers and effectively presents your skills and experiences.
How to write the perfect and ATS compliant resume
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are digital tools used by companies to manage and filter applications. They scan resumes for specific keywords and criteria to identify the most suitable candidates. It is therefore crucial to create a resume that is ATS compliant, as this increases the chances of your documents being captured by the systems and viewed by hiring managers. By tailoring your resume to meet the requirements of ATS, you enhance your chances of making it to the shortlist in the application process.
Don't worry if this comes as a surprise. My findings after several of my workshops indicate that, on average, only half of all participants are already aware of this. Common mistakes in resumes often arise from not being inadequately presented with important information.
Now, onto the question: What does the perfect resume look like (in Germany)?
Recruiters get a first impression right from the first glance! A perfect resume is characterized by a clear layout that allows the reader to grasp the most important information at a glance. The font and headings are adjusted. A professional photo with a neutral background, a well-groomed appearance, and a friendly smile convey a positive first impression. Personal details such as place and date of birth, nationality, and marital status are included. Contact information is prominently placed and includes a cell number, email address, home address and perhaps a link to your LinkedIn profile. The job description is detailed and includes relevant keywords that emphasize one's own skills and experiences.
How to make your resume ATS conform?
Here are key points for your resume to ensure it doesn't get sorted out:
Keywords from the job description are included in your resume
The task descriptions under your work experience are long enough to include sufficient keywords
There are no spelling errors in the resume that would cause keywords to go unrecognized
Abbreviations are fully spelled out
There are few to no symbols, tables, and hyperlinks
Fonts and sizes are adjusted
And a few more formatting adjustments...
What are common mistakes in resumes (aside from ATS):
Common mistakes that I have repeatedly seen after reviewing 500+ resumes of academics and skilled professionals:
Different fonts and sizes
Font size is too small, making the resume difficult to read
Too much or too little text on one page
Task descriptions are not informative or missing entirely
Work permit is not stated (if you're from outside of the EU)
Certificates, training courses, and similar qualifications are omitted
The professional picture resembles your passport photo
Hyperlinks
Don't forget that the resume also needs to look good when it reaches the recruiter!
I can't help but smirk when I think about many of the photos I've seen on resumes over the years. Some look like they reused their passport photo and forgotten that this isn't a mugshot session. Others seem determined to include the phrase "for the biz" in their applications – not exactly the professional impression they likely intended and more something to send to a friend as a joke. Then there are those who grin so oddly that I wonder if they're contemplating an inside joke. And let's not forget about the application photos where the quality is so poor it looks like they took it with an old Polaroid camera or printed it out with a printer running low on ink and stuck it onto their resume. Who would have thought that snapping a decent application photo could be so challenging?
Checklist for your resume:
Clear overview: Adjusted font, clear headings, your profession
Professional picture: Neutral background, shirt/blouse, friendly expression
Personal information: Place and date of birth, nationality, marital status
Contact details: Mobile number, email address, possibly LinkedIn
Job description: Detailed and with keywords
Skills & Abilities: Bullet points
Relevance: Highlight only relevant information for the position
Grammar: No spelling errors
Customization: The resume must be tailored to each application!
Here we go!
Despite templates available online, every resume needs to be tailored to fit the applicant both in terms of content and appearance. Now you have all the "rules" to consider in this process.
As if finding a suitable job offer that matches your qualifications and is also within commuting distance isn't challenging enough! Then, you have to apply at the right time and compete against other applicants.
That's why it's crucial not to lose the competition against technology and to make a good first impression on the recruiter!
As my former colleague once said, "finding a job is a full-time job."
She was absolutely right. That's why I help my clients in my coaching sessions to craft the perfect resume for each individual applicant.
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