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Things that might be missing from your résumé

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Job descriptions aren’t just a synopsis of experience and skills; they also show prospective employers what you have accomplished in the positions you’ve held. How to give your cv a boost by being more selective about what you include?

 

First of all, keep in mind that you don’t have to include every single duty for each role. Group similar tasks (e.g. “supervised teams”, “improved productivity”) and determine the most relevant information by putting yourself in the employer’s position.

 

Second and most importantly, list metrics of accomplishments, not just responsibilities. Lack of measurable results is one of the employers’ biggest pet peeves (e.g. Sales volume, number of items sold, contracts won, size of teams led) This kind of information is far more valuable than merely saying you had a job before.

 

Be sure you’ve listed all of your professional skills, both hard and soft (like leadership, problem-solving, analytical thinking…). At the same time, consider removing some dated or basic skills (such as Microsoft Office), already assumed for most roles in today’s digital environment.

 

Include as many industry keywords as possible in your profile and job descriptions. And remember to keep them updated. The latest jargon changes in no time, and with it, the words recruiters and applicant tracking software look for when scanning through your curriculum.

Finally, make sure that people who want to search for you online will find you. Many employers screen job candidates through social networks and search engines, so include links to your website, blog, social pages, and so on. Attaching a portfolio with all your work, both digital and physical, is also advisable.

 

Keeping your resume as concise as possible is always a good strategy. However, make sure you don’t fail to include any of these fundamentals’ recruiters want to see; you’ll increase your chances of being selected for the interview.