Can Your Resume Get Past The First Hurdle?

The first hurdle faced by every resume is the initial screening. A human resources specialist rather than the actual hiring manager usually handles this step, so you need to look at your resume from the perspective of the most likely screener.

There are some things you can do, though, to make your resume stand out from the rest of the crowd. You want to do whatever is necessary to ensure that the HR screener puts it in the "keep" pile.

Order of key information

An important first step is to make sure that your key information is presented in the best order possible. Thinking about the specific requirements and qualifications for the specific job you are seeking, tailor your resume to put the most relevant information first. The idea is to make sure that the resume screener comes across the most pertinent details at the beginning of their visual scan, making them more likely to keep your document in the running for an interview.

Emphasize key information

It is not enough, though, to have the most important information toward the beginning of your resume. The layout of the content must be such that the screener's eye is naturally drawn to the words and phrases that are most relevant to the job. You can do this by using bold type, italic type, or bullet points. Whatever form of emphasis you choose, remember that you will get maximum impact by using the emphasis sparingly. In this situation, less really is more.

Readability

The readability of your resume has as much or more to do with the formatting as it does with the actual words you use. It does not do you any good to keep your resume to two pages or less if you accomplish this by using narrow margins, single spacing, and type size that is 10 point or less. Think about the screener who must wade through a pile of resumes that can number one hundred or more - will he or she be likely to spend time on one that is difficult to read? Make the screener's job easier by using wide margins, double spacing between sections, and type size that is 11 points or greater.

Strong content

Formatting, layout, and order of information will not get your resume past the first hurdle if the quality of the content is poor. Poor content is a quick resume killer, so invest the time and effort into creating content that is strong and high in quality. Use active language rather than passive language, and make sure that you include solid descriptions of your accomplishments. It is good to mention a specific action or activity you have done, but it is even better to also mention the result that came from your action or activity. Write your results in terms that are measurable and quantifiable; numbers give greater weight and meaning to these statements and will tend to draw the attention of a resume screener.

 

 

 

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