10 Seconds

How long do you think it takes to decide if a resume is worth a deeper look? Would you believe that in 10 seconds, a hiring influencer decides the course of your career? It’s true. A quick glance is all your resume will get the first time around. Your resume needs to have enough impact to make an impression in a single fleeting glance.

What can you do? Here’s a few tips for making the biggest possible splash in the brief amount of time you have to make a first impression via resume:

Hire a pro. A professional Resume Writer knows all the tips and tricks to getting a resume noticed. One of my clients called me when he couldn’t get an interview for weeks, began submitting the professionally written resume and was offered a great position. He still claims that was a $600,000 resume!

Format. Use a format that ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) can understand, so that all of your skills and experience are properly credited by the software that many companies use to sort applications today.

By the numbers. Use facts, examples, and solid numbers to make your value unmistakably clear. Resumes with numbers are far more compelling than those with general descriptions of every job and experience.

Explain. Is there a large gap in your resume? Have you taken a lateral move? If there is something that would raise questions in your resume, address it up front and give an explanation. Don’t risk your CV being tossed on the “Poor Fit” pile simply because of an unanswered question.

Proofread. Better yet, get a second pair of eyes on your resume. You’ve worked hard over this document, and may be missing some basic errors. From spelling to forgetting to add contact information, I’ve seen some painfully obvious mistakes that were made out of fatigue and familiarity. Have a friend or family member review your resume, or send it to me for a free critique.

Culturally sensitive. If you’re planning to enter the international job market, make sure your resume includes information and the tone important to the hiring influencers in the country in which you are applying. There is a distinct difference in what a Japanese hiring influencer wants to know, and what an American recruiter is looking for. Know the difference and customize your resume for each position.