It takes a long time to write a good resume. You need to pick and choose every word, ensuring that your resume does its best to sell you to the employer. Even skilled resume writers take at least a few hours to write their resumes, and that is when they already have a template and information in mind.
After all that work you are done. You send your resume to the employer. For all of the hours you spent writing your resume, the hiring manager is going to spend less than 10 seconds looking at it. 10 seconds. Unless you pass first inspection, it will take less than 10 seconds before the employer decides if you are someone worth considering.
If you pass that test, the hiring manager is likely to give your resume greater consideration, yet the first glance by the hiring manager makes or breaks the applicant, and if your resume does not pass the 10 second scrutiny, you are not going to get called in for a job interview. As you write your resume, keep those 10 seconds in mind, and use the following checklist to ensure that your resume receives greater consideration.
Quick Glance Resume Checklist
- Appearance – Your resume should appear attractive. Everything should be broken up into easily readable sections and bullet points. Your font, template and design should be pleasing to the eye. If the resume is printed, it should be printed on nice, clean paper. If your resume does not appear attractive, you are not going to get any further consideration.
- Sections – Each resume section should be clear for the reader, and maintain a logical flow. Sections should be without clutter and their length should be related to the type of job you are applying for.
- Bullets and Accomplishments – Your achievements should be easy to read and jump off the page. Bullet points help, as they draw in the eye and allow the employer to see your best attributes right away. The employer won’t read much on your resume at first glance, but if you write your achievements correctly, they will be the first thing your interviewer sees.
- Word Choice – Your resume needs to have a variety of words that appeal to the job you are applying for. These keywords will jump off the page for the employer, because they are relevant to the open position. That is one of the reasons that writing your resume specifically for the employer is so important. Everything needs to be targeted to the employer to pass first inspection.
Getting the Second Look
Once you have passed this first glance by the employer, your resume will get a greater level of consideration. That is where the specific content of your resume is important for winning the job. If you do not pass the first inspection, however, you stand no chance at getting the job.
Take Away Tips
- Ensure your resume passes the quick visual inspection.