Improve Your Interview Chances With This Resume Guide

John Krautzel
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Even if you are the most qualified candidate for a position, without a professional resume that accurately details your experience and skills, your chances of a job interview decrease. Format and compile a resume that captures attention right away with this step-by-step guide.

Pay Close Attention to Length

Your professional resume should offer a snapshot of your career and background in a brief format. Keep the length to one page if you have less than 10 years of work experience. The shorter format makes it easier for hiring managers to browse the highlights of your work history to determine if a job interview is in your future.

Make Contact Information Prominent

Format your resume so it is both visually appealing and easy to read. Create a header with your name prominently displayed and your contact information in full view. Include your address, phone number, email address and web link to your professional portfolio.

Simplify Formatting

Use a clear and concise format when compiling information to include on a resume. Hiring managers prefer to scan through bullet points versus long and drawn-out paragraphs detailing your duties and responsibilities. Use a consistent format to outline each section. For example, consider adding a bold font to each section or an underline to make the primary portions of your resume stand out. When potential employers can easily locate keywords, positions and duties that are relevant to the position available, your chances of a job interview increase.

Include a Professional Summary

Make it easy for employers to understand your experience and career goals by including a professional summary as the first section on your resume. This summary should highlight your primary strengths and accomplishments as an expert in the industry. Think of this summary as your 30-second pitch that you would use in a job interview or at a networking event to introduce yourself.

Stick to Chronological Order

Outline your work history in a logical order by listing each company and position beginning with your most recent or relevant job. Your two most recent positions should include a maximum of eight bullet points with strong, action verbs detailing your responsibilities and measurable achievements. Cut down the number of bullet points for jobs you held earlier in your career.

Use Keywords

Make sure you are called in for a job interview by including keywords that make your resume stand out. Scan through the job advertisement and pick out common industry phrases used and skills desired. Highlight these keywords on your resume to explore your relevant experience. Keywords not only can help hiring managers identify your strengths; they make it easier for potential employers to navigate your application materials and find you through an online applicant tracking system.

Take ample time pouring over and proofing your resume to capture the attention of employers in your field. The extra time and care you put forth can ultimately lead you to a job interview and a job offer.


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