Employers do not have time to read every resume. They get dozens of resumes from professionals, inexperienced candidates, and freelancers. They spend 5-10 seconds on each resume and that’s all it takes for them to scan every resume and see if the candidate makes a good fit for the position.
After scanning each resume, they re-read the best resumes and narrow down their list to the top candidates for the interview phase. Only 3-5 applicants make it to the interview. So, how do you make your resume impactful enough to be noticed? Start with choosing the right resume template. Here are some tips for choosing the best resume template for the job.
Pick a Layout
Design matters! Whether you are applying for an engineering job at an IT company or a project manager job, the recruiter will consider the layout of your resume. Design is the first thing that grabs your employer’s attention. So, keep it as decent as possible. Alternatively, you can choose a modern and stylish layout that makes your resume stand out from other applicants. The design of the resume is really important if you are in the creative and graphic designing industry.
A Template that Highlights Your Expertise
Some jobs require freshers with a strong academic background, other jobs need a professional with experience in a similar industry. If the job requires a creative candidate who can bring transformation to the organization with their innovative ideas, choose a template that highlights your creativity.
For example, a bold resume template that leaves a strong first impression is the best for this role. If you are applying for a traditional position where your past experience and qualifications are the only things that matter, choose a decent design. A traditional-style resume will make a perfect choice for a manager or an executive position.
Choose From Chronological, Functional, and Combination Resume Formats
You can find resume templates for freshers and experienced candidates. If you have a vast amount of experience in a particular industry and a lot of skills and experience to mention in the resume, choose a template for professional applicants. There are mainly three resume formats for job seekers.
- Chronological Resume: A chronological resume is the best format for experienced candidates. The layout is designed for the professionals who want to impress the recruiter with their work history and achievements from the previous jobs. If you are applying for an executive-level or manager position, a chronological resume template is for you.
- Combination Resume: For those with reasonable experience and multiple skills, a combination resume template is a right choice. The format is for mid-career professionals who have at least two jobs to list.
- Functional Resume: A functional resume, on the other hand, is for students who have finished their graduation and are looking for a job as a fresher. You may not have the experience to showcase your talent and achievements, so your best bet is to impress the recruiter with your hard & soft skills, as well as, academic background. A functional resume is also a good template for those with gaps in the work history.
Use the ATS-friendly Template
ATS or the Applicant Tracking System is a tool designed to sort resumes by qualifications, experience, skills, and other eligibility criteria. The software is used by nearly all mid and large-sized companies in the USA. The human resource team does not have time to go over each resume, read them carefully, and conduct a background check on each applicant. They don’t even have time to skim through each application. Besides, manual errors are quite common these days. That’s why companies use ATS to filter applications by certain keywords.
It means that the applicant has to craft an ATS-friendly resume. They have to choose a format that can pass the ATS effortlessly and get in the hands of the human recruiter for further screening. There is no point in writing a lengthy resume that doesn’t even make it past the applicant tracking system. Choose the right keywords, follow a proper layout, and make sure your achievements are listed first or in the middle.
Consider the Resume as Your Sales Pitch
A professional resume isn’t the one written in 2-3 pages with a detailed explanation of the work history and qualifications. Remember that the goal is not to show off, but make a positive impression on the recruiter with your skills. Consider it your sales pitch. It’s your only opportunity to sell yourself.
A resume is also the first step to getting noticed by an employer. They don’t consider you an eligible candidate for the job until they are satisfied with your cover letter, resume, and job application. If you get the resume right, there is a good chance you will get a call back for an interview. All the Best!