Your resume won’t get you a job, but it plays a significant role in helping you land a job interview. All executive, business, and legal recruiters will tell you that if you don’t have a strong resume, you will have challenges getting calls for interviews. Without a good resume, you will struggle to get beyond the application process. Below we discuss some signs your resume is holding you back and the reasons why.
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Signs your resume is holding you back
Are you struggling to secure interviews? Your resume may be the issue. Some of the key signs you have resume issues include:
- You are applying for lots of jobs but not getting called back
- You get calls for jobs that are below your level or not in alignment with your career goals
- Interviewers are surprised about what you say that is not on your resume
- You don’t feel as though your resume accurately reflects what you have to offer
If you resonate with any of the above, it’s time to take a deep dive and revise your resume.
Why your resume is holding you back
Here are some reasons why your resume is holding you back from getting the job you want:
It’s not focused or targeted on the jobs you want
A generic resume will not help you much. It’s essential that you customize your resume for each job you apply for to improve your candidacy. If you use the same resume each time you apply for a job, you are hurting your chances of getting a callback.
It doesn’t stand out
If your resume looks the same as most of the other applicants’ resumes, it will blend in with the pile. Your resume needs to be unique and capture the reader’s attention within a few seconds. It’s estimated that recruiters only spend about 7.4 seconds skimming a resume.
Pay careful attention to the words and phrases you use. Use bold text, headlines, and bullet points to bring attention to the key points you want hiring managers and recruiters to see.
You are not optimizing for CRM and ATS software
Most employers today use some form of software to scan resumes as part of the initial screening process. If you are not optimizing your resume to include important keywords from the job description, you severely limit your chances of getting an interview. Pay careful attention to the words, qualifications, skills, and experience mentioned in job descriptions. Include these terms in your resume so you pass the software screening step.
Get More Resume Tips on Our Recruiting Blog
5 Generic and Overused Resume Phrases, Plus Better Alternatives
The 2-Page Resume: What to Keep & What to Cut
4 Things Legal Recruiters Like to See on Your Resume
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