Out goes the classic “stuff it, cram it, and add some spice with a statement on how I’m hardworking,” it’ll only get a quick glance before it gets put aside for another resume in the pile
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio - Pexels
In the fast-paced realm of modern job hunting, your resume, both physical and digital, is your ticket to the interview room, but how do you get above the hundreds of black and white pages of others competing against you for the job?
Out goes the classic “stuff it, cram it, and add some spice with a statement on how I’m hardworking,” it’ll only get a quick glance before it gets put aside for another resume in the pile.
It’s essential to craft a standout document that captures attention and conveys your value quickly and easily.
Here are some modern-day resume building tips to get you hired in today’s business world.
The temptation to include every skill and job experience is strong, but resist it.
A cluttered resume overwhelms recruiters and weakens the impact of your most important qualifications.
Instead, focus on showcasing the skills and experiences most relevant to the job you're applying for.
In today's fast-paced job market, nobody has time to look through a 5-page resume.
It gets quickly put aside for “later when I have the energy” pile by the recruiter, which usually means someone more interesting will capture their attention before they see your resume.
Aim for briefness—stick to one to two pages maximum.
Concise resumes are not only easier to read but also demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and prioritize essential information.
Your resume should be a curated snapshot of your career, not a comprehensive autobiography. Save that for your LinkedIn and the interview!
Focus on highlighting recent experiences that directly relate to the job you’re pursuing.
Tailor each resume to the specific role and company to demonstrate your understanding of their needs.
Here’s where it gets really tricky.
In Egypt, while applicant tracking systems (ATS) are becoming widely used (usually by major conglomerates and international companies), the slower adoption of new technology by local companies means resume structuring requires a careful balance between meeting modern ATS requirements and when to focus on style.
Research the company – its size, origins, technical capabilities – and the job. Is it a desk job or a within the creative realm?
While a creative field might welcome an interesting resume design, a more traditional industry might require a more conservative approach and is more likely to use ATS.
Let your resume design speak to your understanding of the industry norms.
While a splash of color can make your resume visually appealing, use it carefully.
Strategic color accents can draw attention to key sections or accomplishments, but too much can be distracting.
Ensure that your color choices align with your industry and the tone of your resume.
It’s a digital world, so leverage its advantages.
Your LinkedIn profile is an extension of your resume and an invaluable tool when job hunting.
Include a link to your LinkedIn profile on your resume, and ensure it is kept up to date with your latest experiences, skills, and achievements.
Your LinkedIn profile should include every experience, certificate, skill and public work you have, all the things you couldn’t – and shouldn’t! – add to your resume to make it concise and easy to read.
And always remember to ask for recommendations from your network. For some employers, this can be the biggest factor to getting you in the door, or to the rejection pile.
A well-maintained LinkedIn profile can provide recruiters with additional insights into your qualifications and professional network, and a more expanded view of who you are and what you do.
