3 Steps to a Relevant Resume
If you’re like me and more than a little on edge with all this talk of an upcoming recession, then settle in for a hot minute.
Whether you like your current position or not, you may be in the market for a new job soon. So it’s best to keep your options open. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Who else’s momma used to say that all the time?
Stay sharp. Stay aware. And keep that resume relevant.
Let’s go.
#1: Know Your Audience
Every piece of writing is directed to a specific audience, and your resume is no different. Always consider who will be reading your resume and tailor the document to their specific needs. You want them to see the perfect team member when they glance over your document.
Remember they’re fielding dozens, sometimes hundreds, of resumes for a single open position, so yours needs to stand out quickly and clearly.
Here are a few best practices for creating a resume that catches the eye.
Craft to the Job Post. More details about your CV vs. one-pager can be found here, but suffice it to say you need multiple versions of your resume. You need a complete copy (your CV) that’s the rough draft for everything and includes literally everything you’ve ever done. Yes, even your Eagle Scout and college track scholarship. Plus, a one-page copy that’s crafted specifically for each application and interview.
Key Words. The reason I got a call out of the blue from Google last year isn't because I'm so amazing, even though I’d like to think so. It's because I'm accessible, searchable, and relevant. I’m easy to find and the keywords on my LinkedIn profile and resume are chosen to attract my dream job. What keywords attract your ideal interview? Scour job posts to see what recruiters are looking for then mirror their wording in your online presence and resume.
Always Include Metrics. Numbers draw in the reader. They break up the document in an interesting way. If you’ve overachieved in your current position, articulate it in your resume. Did you close at 115% last quarter? How do your actual numbers stand up with projected numbers? If you’re knocking it out of the park, say so. Resumes that include numbers, data, and facts are an automatic draw for certain recruiters and HR folks. Get their attention!
#2: Practice Self-Elevation
Keril, what’s “self-elevation”? Oh, it's just a little phrase I made up. So let me explain.
When I say “self-elevation” I mean practice finding ways to elevate your career outside of your current position. Listen, we’re not all in a job that best showcases our skills right now. I get it. Searching for your dream job can be difficult if your resume doesn’t show some of the key skills and proficiencies you need to succeed.
So get those skills somewhere else! Think of it as adding extra-curricular activities to your resume.
Need leadership experience? Volunteer locally. Serve on a board. Run for office!
Need production experience? Create a podcast or YouTube series.
What to sharpen your writing skills? Start a blog. Write a newsletter.
There are a million ways to create these days. So, take advantage of the wide world of the internet and build your skillset OUTSIDE of your current position.
A stellar example of this tactic is Chris Hood. This guy is a BOSS. If your resume comes up alongside his and they search you both online who do you think is going to be put through to the next round of interviews? No offense, but it ain’t gonna be you.
Because you better believe an HR recruiter who likes your resume will be Googling you ASAP. And what they find could make or break your chances at an interview.
#3: Don’t Brag, Solve Problems
If you’re looking for a job, let’s be honest, you’re not in a position of power. You’re unemployed. You’re the one who needs a job. You may be the smartest genius on the planet, but your resume is not a “brag book”.
Your momma may care that you graduated summa cum laude but the HR rep you’re trying to persuade to grant you an interview? They don’t give a flying f***.
They care about one thing: Can you solve their problems?
And this isn’t just an opinion, science backs it up quite nicely. Our brains are only able to take in a certain amount of information at a time. And it’s less information than we might assume we’re capable of. “The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a bundle of nerves at our brainstem that filters out unnecessary information so the important stuff gets through” (Tobias van Schneider, 2017). And suppose your resume is full of unnecessary information (or too long to begin with). Whoever is reading on the other end will be overwhelmed immediately, which isn’t a good place to start an interview process.
Biologically, we’re looking for ways to protect ourselves and be successful. The RAS helps us do so by filtering out unnecessary information. And recruiters or hiring managers are no different. When they’re reading your resume, they're looking, biologically, for people that can help them be successful. While you may think you’re writing your resume about yourself, it’s really a coded proposal to the receiver. Include intentional words and phrases to show your reader how you’ll be an asset to them, not just how awesome you are.
What’s Next?
Now that your resume is in ship shape and the perfect job is headed your way in no time–lather, rinse, repeat the steps above and it WILL find you–a perfect next step is to join a community of tech sales professionals who are building a better world through empathetic selling and problem-solving.
Lissen, I know that everyone doesn’t have the budget for another monthly membership—although this Patreon is pure gold so you may wanna give it some thought—so y’all know I’ve always got a freebie or two ready for instant download and implementation.
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