Tips to Make Your Resume Jump Out of the Pile

Even when the economy is strong, competition is fierce for good jobs. Fair or unfair, the most qualified person often doesn’t land the position. When applying for a new career, there are some things you can’t control, such as vying for the same job as the CEO’s nephew. On the other hand, you can control how you introduce and present yourself through your resume. Having a memorable resume is critical, but you don’t want to submit one that stands out for the wrong reasons. Here are some dos and don’ts, and some essential skills to include on your resume!

Do: Show Your Value in Presenting Data

Let’s start with a skill that is always welcome in any industry: building and giving great sales presentations. If you are good at laying out data in a clear way that is easy to see and simple to understand, show it off. If you have public speaking, theatre, or broadcasting skills, play them up! At some point or another, every business needs to report or present about their initiatives or plans. If you can do it, make your prospective employer know it.

Don’t: Misrepresent Yourself in Any Way

This should be simple, but far too many people fall victim to the temptation to exaggerate or even outright lie on their resumes. Don’t. It will always come back to haunt you. Even if it gets your foot in the door, it’s not worth it. Sooner or later, you’ll be asked to account for whatever you say you can do, and if you can’t really do it, the consequences can be severe. In short, the business world is a surprisingly small place. Don’t saddle yourself with a reputation for dishonesty.

Do: Highlight Your Experience with Software and Hardware

You may think that some of your skills are universal and go without saying. But don’t sell yourself short; if you are proficient with Microsoft Office, for example, you’ll automatically be a step ahead of anyone who doesn’t.

Also, don’t assume that your skill sets from another industry won’t be relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you are an expert with a certain piece of equipment, include this on your resume. You might be surprised how many different places use similar gear, or what will impress the decision makers at the company.

This applies even more heavily to software. If you have experience with video editing software like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or Avid, a potential employer might see potential to expand the role of the job you’re seeking to incorporate these skills. It may also give you an unexpected advantage.

Don’t: Play Fast and Loose with Your Work History

While these falls under the honesty topic we already covered, it’s worth specifically addressing the work history portion of your resume. This is a tricky area because the ideal resume should only be one to two pages long, and many people have longer work histories. While you need to present an accurate representation of your experience, it may not be necessary to list everything you’ve done since high school. A good rule of thumb is to list your three most recent positions and include any other relevant job. The main thing is to avoid having long gaps in your chronology that may seem specific to recruiters. Be prepared to explain any holes.

Do: List Awards and Certifications

If you’ve received special certifications at your workplace, or been enrolled in programs like Dale Carnegie Leadership Training, don’t be hesitant to mention them. Include an “Awards and Recognition” heading on your resume. It’s okay to brag; you’re selling yourself, after all!

Don’t: Have Unprofessional Content on Your Social Media Pages

Lastly, if you’re on a job hunt, recognize that employers are going to check you out. These days, it’s almost negligent for them to fail to search your social media pages or google you. Make sure they won’t find incriminating or inappropriate photos or videos.

Your resume is a shorthand representation of who you are and what you can do. Use these tips to put your best foot forward!