Does Your Résumé Pass the 8 Second Test?
With so many people
crowding company recruiting sites looking for opportunities, it’s vital that
your resume stands out.
By Shane ChristopherPosting your résumé on
employer websites is a common tool used to transition from the military. From
remote places, candidates can find options in a specific job market and tune
into trends in a particular field. Posting your résumé on employer websites is
cost
effective and should be a part of any job search strategy. With so many
people clamoring for limited opportunities, it’s vital to use your profile and
posting to market your skills. However, many candidates complete the
application and attach their résumé, then fail to edit the final version to
maximize its impact.A Comparison
Military review boards
use a sophisticated process for promotion, often looking at hundreds of records
in a limited time. Military evaluations, pictures and school transcripts are
combined in a file for review. Corporate recruiters often use the same
approach. They look for specific skills and identify keywords, credentials and
locations. Once they hit “search,” recruiters scan individual results,
typically spending just seconds on each person’s listing.
Eight Seconds
If you can’t
distinguish yourself with the headline and items that reviewers spot in the
first eight seconds, chances are you won’t be seen. Candidates can bolster
their “clicks” by applying some simple ideas.
Remember to be Active
Keep in mind that
posting your résumé on an employer’s website is a passive means of searching
for a job. Don’t be fooled into thinking
that by simply putting your “bait” in the water and falling asleep on the shore
that employers will come calling. You must network, follow-up via phone and
e-mail, and communicate your value to the company.
6
Tips for Making the most of your online résumé:
- Create a headline
that has impact and does not confuse the reader. Examples include “hard
working,” “ready for next challenge” and “fully trained.”
- Be careful not to
use words that cast a shadow, such as “retired,” which can make you seem older and less prepared to
enter a changing workplace. Try
“experienced.”
- Make contact
information clear and in a plain format (one line for name, one line for street
address, one line for city, state, phone, e-mail, etc).
- Avoid using excess
verbiage from military evaluations. Be brief and to the point.
- Use bullets to
highlight skills. A narrative format
takes too long to read.
- Spell out clear indications
of results, excellent performance and active leadership. Use active voice such
as “directed” or “ran” instead of “responsible for.” And mention the number of
people, dollar amount and action
completed.