Most job seekers still use the same old methods of applying for jobs and complain of not getting interview calls even after sending several applications. We need to understand that recruiters have thousands of applications to screen through. You need to stand out from the rest in order to be noticed by them. Let me show you what you need to do, to make recruiters notice you so that you get more interview calls.
1. Keep your resume to 1-2 pages:
Recruiters don't have the time to read several pages to decide whether they should contact you or not. Hence, keep your resume to 1-2 pages. Refer to the job description and elaborate only on the latest skills and experience that are relevant to the position. Use keywords from the Job description. They should see what they are looking for right at the beginning of the resume.
2. Avoid Jargon:
Most companies have recruitment executives screen the resumes for relevant skills and experience, after which they are sent to senior recruiters or recruitment managers, who then decide whether to shortlist you for the interview or not. If you use jargon in your resume and these executives don’t understand it, they may not shortlist your resume to share further. Thus, it won’t reach the senior recruiter or recruitment manager at all.
3. Use the space at the top of the resume effectively:
Most of you still write “Curriculum Vitae” or “Resume” in bold letters at the top. Instead, utilize that space to write your 'Full Name' followed by your Contact Number and Email Address for the recruiters to use when they want to contact you. You can also include links to your LinkedIn profile, blog, or any other social media you might want your employer to check out.
4. Objective statements won’t help, write summaries:
Stop copying those old-fashioned objective statements that you find on the internet. Instead, write 3-4 lines of summaries stating how you are suitable for the role. If you email the resume, mention the same in the body of the mail or send it as a cover letter.
5. Prefer Reverse Chronological Order:
Write your experience, education, project, etc. details in reverse chronological order. Recruiters want to know about your recent experience and not what you did in your very first job years ago. They (if at all) are more interested in your highest educational qualification or specialization than what you did in high school or as an undergraduate. The same goes for projects and certifications.
6. Customize your resume for different job applications:
Recruiters are interested in resumes that showcase the skills and experience that match their requirements. When you customize your resume according to the job description given in the advertisement, you increase your chances of getting shortlisted by almost 90%.
7. Rename your resume:
When recruiters download your resume, they shouldn’t have to rename the file with your name. It’s a basic courtesy to name a resume like this: your First Name + Last name - Resume / Profile.
e.g., Peter Parker – Resume; John Cena – Profile.
You may also consider adding the position you are applying for.
e.g., James Anderson - Profile for Software Engineer.
8. Proofread your resume:
Use a spell checker like Grammarly to check for any errors. You may not be able to point out your own mistakes, hence have someone else read your resume for context, design, vocabulary, grammar, typos, etc. Spelling mistakes, double words, out-of-context sentences, and flowery language can be a big turn-off for recruiters. Proofreading your resume helps you avoid these mistakes.
9. Do not send the resume as a Word file:
Different computers read Word files differently. This results in the alignment, spacing, or the entire style of your Word document (.doc / .docx file) going haywire on someone else’s computer. Recruiters wouldn’t waste their time reading such resumes. Hence, start sending it as a PDF file. PDFs are primarily meant for viewing and not editing, which keeps the original format intact and makes them look the same on any computer.
10. Specify in the email which profile you are applying for:
Sometimes recruiters advertise for more than one position. While screening they want to download and sort the resumes based on the profiles. If you don’t mention in your email what position you are applying for; they will find it difficult to sort it out and may just delete it.
11. Networking and Referrals increase your chances:
If possible, find someone who is already employed with the company you wish to work for and ask them to refer you. Employers tend to prefer referred candidates. LinkedIn will help you find such people. Network with people who work in similar industries or positions and connect with recruiters. They can refer or give you leads when needed.
12. Call or Email the recruiter:
Call or email the recruiter if they have mentioned their contact details in the advertisement. Smart candidates always do this to get noticed by the recruiters rather than waiting for the recruiters to contact them.
13. Regularly update your profiles on job portals:
Keep updating your profiles on different job portals. Follow their profile guidelines to ensure all the relevant details are up to date to appear in the recruiters' searches. Many job seekers have incomplete profiles that are of no use. Include all the details, keywords, and experiences that are relevant to the kind of job you are looking for.
14. Respond to recruiters' emails and calls:
Candidates often fail to respond to recruiters' emails or return their calls. Do remember that every interaction you have with the recruiters increases your chances of getting a job. It's also an opportunity to network with them.
If you follow these steps, the recruiters will certainly find you and you will get more interview calls.
Sawan is a Learning/Training consultant with over thirteen years of rich experience. He has been associated with companies like Amazon, Various Multinational and Domestic Companies, Leading Training Organizations, and prestigious Educational Institutes. He is a go-to person for setting up and leading training teams, managing training programs, and creating and curating content for online and offline learning. He is passionate about helping companies revitalize their training strategies.