Job seekers are always in a search for how to make their resume better to enhance their chance for getting hired but in a world of huge competition only 6 seconds are given to a single person’s resume. You have to make it stand better than others in order to get selected in those 6 seconds.
1. Should you write your resume with ChatGpt
As we all know that we can put prompts or detailed
information in chatgpt to obtain a well formed answer and in the same way
resume can also be built by chatgpt, but you can notice the difference between
a chatgpt resume and a resume made by a person. Although you can get your first
draft of resume from chatgpt but you have to go in details and improve it. Enhancing
resume by yourself will give it a human touch and the HR manager will also
notice that. This method is recommended by Robb Wilson
2. Is it okay to send same resume for multiple
openings
For different openings there is always different job description given. In the job description there are multiple clues that would help to cater your resume for that particular position so no it is not okay to send same resume for multiple openings as even same position in multiple companies can have different roles and responsibilities. Few clues from Joel Schwartzberg that are in job description that really helps in drafting favourable resume-
- Work responsibilities are generally shown in verbs in job description such as coordinating, analysing, presenting, etc.
- Area of expertise can be found in nouns in job description such as consumer needs, competitive markets, insights, and newsletter.
- Companies generally give their list of desired skills in job description in sequential order such as “required”, “desired”, “preferred”, highlight your skills accordingly.
- Highlight these job responsibilities and required skills in professional summary and in bullets beneath job titles.
3. How to explain a gap in resume
Gap in resume can be there for multiple reasons such as parenting reasons, caring for sick family member, travel, etc. the main issue is how to make these gaps more favourable in getting the job. Following tips are given by Marlo Lyons a career coach to make gaps favourable in getting the job –
- Stay at home parenting – “I dedicated time to caring for our children,
but I also kept my skills sharp by volunteering for the kids' sports league. I
worked on setting fundraising goals and contributed to the team's success in
meeting those goals. This enabled us to provide financial aid to those in need
within the league.” It will showcase your skill in fundraising.
- Caring for a sick
family member – “I dedicated time to
caring for my father, during which I effectively communicated with various
healthcare providers and organized meetings with his financial planner,
brokers, and legal representation. This brought him peace of mind. I aim to
utilize these problem-solving skills and my ability to stay composed under
pressure in this role.”
- Travelling the
world – Try to include the skills you
gained during travelling such as efficient travel planning and
budgeting, critical thinking to determine travel destinations, etc.
- Going back to
school – Relate the skills that you learn
in school or college in the current job you are applying it will give a better
edge compared to other candidates
- Terminated
employment – Termination generally
have three underlying causes
- Layoff – You can even reframe the unfortunate situation positively: "However, it has turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I was contemplating seeking out a new challenge."
- Terminated for performance - In this situation, you can describe how the job didn't align with your initial expectations and didn't allow you to fully utilize your skills and abilities. It's important to reflect on what you learned from this experience and how you're actively striving to ensure that your next career move aligns more closely with your expectations.
- Toxic environment - If you left a toxic environment or decided to quit for other reasons, avoid bringing negativity into job interviews. Instead, focus on a positive perspective for your departure. For instance, you could say, "I needed dedicated time to search for a job that aligns better with my values. Working 60 hours a week didn't allow me that opportunity."
4. Add new sections
Although it is not advisable to make a lengthy resume but if you have a space, you can add new sections in your resume to next level. Some examples are given to consider
- International work
and living experience - International work
experience will make the hiring person think of you as a person who will bring
something new to the team and will bring diversity.
- Artistic experience or practice - If you've been refining your artistic skills, such
as playing a musical instrument, creating visual art, or mastering animation,
be sure to showcase your creations along with the timeframe of when you made
them.
- Self-education –
It will showcase you as a learner or a person with progressive mindset. Hiring
managers are attracted to such candidates as they show potential for growth.
5. Beware to add these in your resume
There are some elements that downgrades your resume and reduces your chances of getting selected –
- Don’t mention Microsoft office - Avoid listing
proficiency in commonly used software like Microsoft Office on your resume.
Employers typically assume familiarity with such programs. Instead, focus on
highlighting technical skills and proficiencies that are less common and more
specific to your role.
- Don’t list references for just sake of it
- Don’t put the word “RESUME” or “CV” at the top
- Don’t worry too much about the old one-page resume
rule, especially if you have a lot of experience or are using more of a CV
format. But make sure that the first page can stand alone if the pages get
separated
- Don’t repeat the same action word over and over
again. Find different ways to say the same thing.
- Don’t use a lot of acronyms or jargon
Resumes
can evolve over time to meet changing company needs, but certain aspects endure
because of human behaviour. In the end, emotionally assess your resume by
asking yourself, "On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most energized,
how emotionally engaged am I with my resume?" If you rate it below a seven
or eight, continue refining it until it reflects your professional journey with
depth and emotional connection. If you lack enthusiasm, chances are others will
too. For resume templates you can go to resume.io
Resources –
1.Harvard Business review
2.World Economic Forum - https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/05/heres-how-you-can-shorten-your-resume-and-make-it-stand-out/
3.World Economic Forum - https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/02/your-cv-the-all-time-classic-dos-and-donts/