If your car isn’t prepared to resist auto theft, it could be gone in 60 seconds. Arm your resume so that your interview chances aren’t ‘stolen’, too!
Hiring managers receive dozens of resumes for most job listings. They screen these with a quick First Glance, discarding 80% in a blink. Of the remaining candidates, only a handful are invited to interview. How are they chosen? Hiring managers review them for about a minute. Make sure yours is one they choose!
Lock it up! Equip your resume with the anti-theft mechanisms it needs. To earn an interview, you must clearly communicate that your experience and education ‘match’ the job description requirements. Their first question: Are you qualified to do this job? They’ll look for:
Employment History
Include some information on the companies you’ve worked for–one sentence summarizing information like size, industry, and market position.
- Number of years
- Related industry
- Relevant job functions
- Level of consistent employment–no large job gaps or job hopping
Your track record
If you were in management, who and how many people did you manage? If you were in sales, who were your customers (B2B, B2C)? Apply numbers (dollars, time, percentages, etc.) to your accomplishments and results.
- Key accomplishments
- Quantifiable results
Relevant knowledge
Do you carry the required certifications and have the industry knowledge and technical training to easily step into this position?
- Education
- Functional knowledge and experience
- Industry knowledge
- Customer/market knowledge
You must show you meet the requirements of the job, but to lock up your interview chances, convey your understanding of their particular needs and your unique ability to address them. Demonstrate this by stating your solutions and by highlighting your accomplishments in ways that directly address the abilities needed to solve their problem.
Implement Visual Systems. A bright red steering wheel lock is an obvious sign of security. Organize your resume so that the important details are obvious and easily visible. Format wisely so you don’t bury this data among irrelevant language. Make it easy for the hiring manager to find. If it stands out more clearly on someone else’s resume, guess what? Yours is out.
Place an Alarm Sticker in Your Window. Make sure the first thing your audience sees indicates clearly that you’ve done your research (in anti-theft or your job search) and gone the extra mile. Lead with a cover letter which conveys that you’ve targeted your job search. Include specifics about why this job or company appeals to you. Highlight how your distinct skills or background meet the company’s needs.
Don’t leave your keys in your car. Outfit your resume with every device possible to clearly demonstrate your ability to meet this company’s particular needs, your individual and unique accomplishments, and what a great fit you would be within this company culture. Without these features, your chances of landing the job interview could be gone in 60 seconds.
