Are you qualified for the position advertised but are not getting an opportunity to be interviewed?

“Your Resume is Your Advertisement!”  Before you can impress a potential employer during an interview, you must first create an impression on your resume that separates you from other qualified candidates.  Since, your resume is your advertisement then you should be aware that a successful advert must be clear, engaging, interesting and informative.

What separates equally qualified candidates from one another?

Most resumes get lost in the back burners when it is vague and does not communicate clearly, goals and career direction. Time is money and employers would like to have an opinion of each candidate at a glance of their resume.  If the information is not presented clearly and effectively, that resume may never be reviewed.  Or, if it is reviewed the way the information is being presented may communicate a negative effect to the employer. 

Although some employers use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage and process candidates during their hiring process.  The first step remains with a resume being attractive enough to be selected for the process.

I have created a guide to writing CLEAR and effective resumes –

• Communicate precisely what is relevant and necessary for the position.  A resume is a summary of skills and qualification not a life story.  Potential employers need only be convinced that the required skills and qualifications are attained. Keep it on one page if possible! Your photo is not necessary, leave it out if there isn’t space for it.

• List your information in a chronological order, separating information with a header and the most recent qualification or employment at the top of the list.  Present this information using a FONT that is easy to read (Times New Roman or Calibri for example).

• Effectively communicate the years of certifications, years of employments and date of birth etc.  This is necessary as it confirms the information presented.  Eliminate any short-term position that does not relate to the position you are applying for.

• Additional skills – This may not be necessary for the position but it can separate one candidate from another. However, ensure that it is a complement to your present skills and is of interest to the organisation before including it.

• References:  Providing references voluntarily on your resume communicate to an employer that you have a good rapport with other organizations.  Some candidates tend to put “upon request” which may indicate that there is something to hide.

Wishing you all the success in your further applications.

Your Resume is you Advertisement!

By: Kelly Ann Rodriguez

06.06.2024