If you think that your resume is just one small part of your job search, you’re missing out on a lot. Thanks to its versatility, this document can serve as an awesome job search hack tool with these resume tips.
You already attach your resume to the emails you send to employers, but how else can you use it in your job search? Consider these five ways your resume can be working harder for you and your job search:
The Ultimate Introduction
When you meet someone new, it’s always easier to get the ball rolling if you have a friend there to say “Hi Joe, have you met Barack?” Just like that friend, your resume should be able to make that oh-so-valuable introduction for you.
Consider the different ways people learn about each other for the first time (*cough* the internet *cough*) and put your resume out there. If you have a personal website or are part of an industry-specific community, your resume needs to be on there. Optimize it by inserting hyperlinks and relevant keywords.
Interview Cheat Sheet
You wouldn’t go into a speech without reviewing your index cards, would you? Before your interview, pull out your trusty resume to refresh yourself on your own qualifications. Not only does this technique help you remember the most important points you should hit, but focusing on something like a resume is a great way to banish pre-interview butterflies.
Interviewers love using your resume as a cheat sheet, too. So bring in an extra copy (or three) to share with the interviewer.
ATS Code Breaker
For those not in the “know”, ATS stands for “Applicant Tracking System”. In other words, this is the software that employers use to process applicants. While this is super convenient for the employer, it also means that your resume might never be read by human eyes.
Break the ATS code by using current search terms, using numbers liberally, and adopting the employer’s language.
Social Media Profile
If you didn’t know already, just about half of all employers use social media to screen potential hires. That means, if you’re Tweeting, sharing, Tumbling, Stumbling, and whatever else without that in mind, you might be missing out!
Obviously, you don’t want to copy and paste your resume in the “about me” section of your social media profile, but use some of your resume’s elements in your profile so that you can better blend your personal life and professional life harmoniously.
Portfolio
Do you have a copy of your resume in your portfolio? You should. After all, what else is a better table of contents for your portfolio? Try organizing your work chronologically to show potential employers the evolution in your work.
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What do you think? Got more resume tips to share?
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