Does Your Resume Need A Face-Lift?

As we all know, resumes are a necessary component to finding a new job. But what I’ve realized in my 10+ years as a recruiter, is that most people base their current resume on what their college professor helped them create 15 years ago. So if you want to avoid being pushed to the deleted folder before you’ve gotten a chance to interview, use my top tips below, to give your resume the face-lift it deserves!

1. Get Rid of the Objective!Remember, your resume should speak for itself and appeal to the masses. So regardless of the fact that you’re applying for a specific position, or trying to find a specific position title, an objective isn’t necessary
2. Instead…Start with “Highlighted Skills” or “Expertise” Section.There doesn’t ever seem to be enough hours in the day in today’s fast-paced world. Which is why I’d suggest a “Cliff Notes” version or “Topic Index” of all the things you excel in, at the very top.  Which treats the reader to a quick synopsis of your skills, and helps them see why you’re the best candidate for the job!
3. Bullet Points Are Imperative! Keep in mind that hiring authorities, HR teams, and recruiters, don’t have a lot of time in the day. So instead of writing a 5 sentence paragraph that requires them to read through, use bullet points to separate each skill.  Which allows the reader to skim through, and get a clear understanding of your experience and accomplishments, without having to read a paragraph.  Plus, those little bullets always give the resume a clean, concise, and professional look!
4. List More Accomplishments Than Responsibilities! Remember, setting yourself apart is key!  So, if you’re applying for a similar role to the one you have  now and have worked in that industry for 5+ years, it’s very likely the duties and responsibilities are the same. Which is why I suggest slimming your  it down to 3 bullets, and then have 5-7 bullets that list all of the things you’ve achieved. Trust me….IT’S OK TO BRAG!  And if you’re not sure what type of an accomplishment or success you should mention, you can always mention things like; “recruited, hired and trained 10 new employees” or “increased revenue by 20% by renegotiating contracts” or “successfully obtained 3 AAAHC accreditations”
5. 15 Years of Experience Is All That Needs To Show! If you have a position on your resume that shows you began working in 1975, take it off, because there’s no need for it in 2016. A good rule of thumb is to remove any positions you held over 15 years ago. Plus, this is the best way to prevent a hiring authority from figuring out your age. Which should prohibit them from trying to discriminate against you because of your age.
6. If It Can Potentially Hurt You, Remove It! Potential employers do not need to know about any volunteer work, religious affiliations, political viewpoints, or personal interests from a resume. So if you have a “personal”, “hobby”, or “interest” section, delete it immediately! Because if it doesn’t pertain to your experience or the position you’re applying for, there’s no reason for it to be there. Not to mention, you probably won’t know what type of hobbies, religious affiliations, interests, or political views that hiring authority has. So always err on the side of caution and be safe rather than sorry!

Now that you have a few of my key tips on how to update your resume, I’m hoping this information will lead you to a seasoned recruiter in your industry, like me, who can help you find your dream job.

And if you want you a free quote for a professionally written resume, please don’t hesitate to send us a Confidential email to [email protected], so our expert team at Sapphire Health Group can take a look!   

Source: Sapphire Health Group