In the movie “Legally Blonde,” aspiring lawyer Elle Woods hands her professor a scented pink resume to help her get the position.
While a pink, scented resume is obviously over the top, it can be a good idea to make your resume stand out in a crowd, says Kristen Dressler, owner and founder of Team Builder Recruiting in Strasburg.
“Most employers see dozens of resumes for one job. So, I highly recommend adding something extra to make your resume stand out. That can be a touch of color,” Dressler says.
When it comes to putting together an effective resume, there are a few basic things you need to know. To create a resume employers will notice, your goal is to communicate the most important, relevant information about you in a clear, easy-to-read format.
It's important to show prospective employers how you are uniquely qualified for the position based on your skills and experience.
Shanna Badders is an instructor for CareerLink, with more than 11 years of experience in resume writing. PA CareerLink is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s initiative to link job seekers to sustaining jobs with employers seeking skilled candidates.
As an instructor, Badders helps job applicants tailor their resumes to help them find the right jobs, ranging from CEOs of leading companies to heavy equipment operators. She works with white- and blue-collar workers, providing the guidance they need to get the job they want.
Here is some resume advice from the experts:
Watch your words
Badders says it’s important to understand applicant tracking systems (ATS), software used by recruiters and employers to scan resumes and track candidates throughout the recruiting and hiring process.
“There are three things you need to know about ATS,” Badders says, explaining that ATS tracks keywords, skills and years of experience.
Badders advises client who take the free resume-building course at CareerLink to include the exact keywords, skills and years of experience found in the job description.
Keep it current
The old days of printing a resume and handing it to your potential employer have been replaced by resumes that are emailed or posted on sites like Indeed or ZipRecruiter. You can also print your resume when you go to an in-person interview.
Typically, a resume is done as a PDF or MS Word document. Dressler advises that applicants keep their resumes constantly updated. “Most resumes are done as PDFs, and they are initially submitted online,” Dressler says.
Choose the right format
There are essentially two ways to organize your resume. One is chronological, which can be in order of your positions from beginning to current position. The variation of a chronological resume is the reverse-chronological resume, which lists positions from current to past. This, Dressler says, is the most common way of organizing a resume.
Job seekers who are new to the workforce might list their background in chronological order, starting with education and activities, then any previous employment. Most, especially those who have significant experience, typically start with their most recent employment and move back to previous positions and then to education and activities.
“A chronological resume is a good option if your professional work history doesn’t have any gaps,” says Lisa Rabzak of Lisa Rabzak Marketing Services in Lancaster, who writes resumes for clients.
The second option is a functional resume. A functional resume emphasizes the skills section first and is a good option if you are switching careers or have gaps in your work history. It might be organized with a summary of skills and any applicable work experience.
“Most employers tend to prefer a chronological resume, because it’s easier to follow,” Dressler says.
In addition to chronological and functional resume formats, Badders adds that there is a third option that combines skills and work experience in a hybrid version of a resume. This can be especially helpful for those who are changing careers or who have career gaps. It lists skills and relates to how the applicant acquired those skills.
No matter how you organize it, be sure it is easy to read and right to the point.
“It’s very important to read the job description and use those keywords in your resume,” Rabzak says.
Emphasize results
Avoid using terms like “fantastic job skills” or “great people person.” Stick to factual terms that can be quantified. When listing your professional history, include numbers or specific results to show your accomplishments. If a job description mentions meeting sales quotas, for instance, you could mention that you met a sales quota by 100% or received top salesperson awards two years in a row.
Always keep it succinct. Employers have just seconds to review your resume, so keep your description as concise and relevant as possible. Use action words like “developed” and “achieved.”
Make a connection
Be sure to include an education section. This is especially important if you have limited job experience, such as being a recent college or high school graduate. Include relevant coursework, GPA, awards and leadership roles.
Dressler notes that this can sometimes create a connection. You never know if the employer is a Penn State alum who tends to gravitate to a job applicant who graduated from Penn State, for example.
“Any connection can be valuable when it comes to getting noticed,” Dressler says.
Limit length
Badders, Dressler and Rabzak agree that a resume should ideally be one page. Someone with considerable experience might have a two-page resume.
In some cases, a very long curriculum vitae is submitted for jobs in academia, scientific research and medical fields. It is credential-based and provides a comprehensive list of education, certifications, research experience, and professional affiliations and memberships.
Make no mistakes
“My No. 1 tip for a resume is to proofread it over and over again. This is one place where you can’t have a mistake,” Dressler says.
She recommends having as many as five to 10 people proofread your resume for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors. Think of people who will be critical and offer opinions you might have overlooked.
Follow up
Both Dressler and Badders note that it’s always a good idea to apply directly to the agency or company. Following up can be important, too. Sometimes a resume can get lost in the shuffle or may be accidentally deleted. By following up to make sure they have your resume, you show initiative and that you are interested in working for the company.
Check your social media
Dressler has another important tip for job seekers.
“Clean up your social media presence,” she says.
Make sure your Facebook, Instagram and other accounts are appropriate for anyone who might read them.
As for the jobs that are in high demand here in Lancaster County, Dressler reports that they include skilled trades like construction, carpentry, plumbing, welding, auto mechanics, HVAC, equipment repair and roofing.
There is also a demand for mental and behavioral health professionals, along with sales and marketing, business to business, project managers, bookkeepers, administrators and office managers.
“In my role as a recruiter, it is very much like being a matchmaker,” Dressler says. “And the resume is the tool used to make that first connection. Make sure it stands out.”
