How to write a resume to get invited to an interview: 5 recruitment tips

Finding a job can be a daunting task, especially when the economy is recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. But certain knowledge can improve your chances of a successful interview. Say, pay special attention to resume recommends Air force.

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Let's start with the basics: Your resume should include your name and contact information, information about skills, work and volunteer experience, education, and people who can give you references. There are a few more points that experts advise to pay attention to.

1. Adapt your CV to the vacancy

Recruiters receive hundreds of job reviews every day, so you need to make sure your resume stands out. You can apply for several vacancies at the same time, but do not send everyone the same resume. Adapt it to your specific proposal.

“It would seem that writing a resume is very simple,” says Corinne Mills of the consultancy Personal Career Management. - But this is not at all true. If it is not relevant to the position you are applying for, the employer will assume that you have not understood the essence of the job.”

According to her, the key to success is study and analysis.

“Get detailed information about job openings, talk to employers, recruitment agencies and people who work in these positions. You must have a good understanding of who exactly they are looking for. And only after that start writing your resume.”

Identify the skills the recruiter is looking for and list them first. This will help ensure that your resume is at the top of the pile. And don’t forget to match your resume with your LinkedIn profile: recruiters will check.

Darain Faraz, LinkedIn Career Expert, advises making sure your online profile shows your personality while remaining professional.

“If you don't wear a suit at work, skip it in your profile photo. Share articles that are relevant to your interests and industry, add volunteering information or preferences that are important to you.”

On the subject: 8 blunders in US interviews and in preparation

2. Be concise

Your resume should be no more than one or two A4 pages.

“If it's hard to read, a potential employer won't waste their time on it,” says career consultant Sarah Archer. - There is no need to describe all professional experience - only what is relevant. Remember: less is better. Make sure the CV is not overloaded with text. Leave enough white space on the pages to make it easy to read.”

Don't write a lot about your previous work, present the key information briefly. Remember that your resume is just the first step. Save your detailed explanations for the interview, during which you don't just list your job titles, but give specific examples. It is important to show your abilities and what you have learned from your previous job.

3. Explain the career break

List all career gaps with appropriate explanations. Incomprehensible breaks will make future employers think about what you did, what you want to talk about.

“If you have been unemployed for a long time, it may be better not to write about this on your resume. Do this in your cover letter, advises Michael Cheery of job search site Reed.co.uk.

“A cover letter is the perfect place to explain why you haven't worked and show that you're ready to get back to work. Take the initiative, look for online courses or volunteer. Show that you are willing to learn,” he says.

4. Test literacy

Unfortunately, often an illiterate resume is one of the main reasons for refusing a job. Check every word. Ask someone to review your resume. A fresh look will help you see flaws.

Reread the CV again. This will help you identify spelling and grammatical errors, as well as inaccuracies or incomprehensible points that you did not notice.

“People make mistakes because they lack experience,” says Corinne Mills. — 90 percent of resumes contain errors. If, for example, you say you have an eye for detail and yet you miss mistakes on your own resume, that significantly reduces your assets.”

Sarah Archer advises paying attention to resume style.

“Abandon passive sentences. When describing your accomplishments, use active constructions to enhance the impact of your resume,” she explains.

“Avoid clichés. Recruiters regularly read phrases like “I enjoy hanging out with friends” or “I’m a good team player.” They won’t say anything about you and won’t add much value,” recommends Michael Chiri.

On the subject: What social skills should you include on your resume to get a job?

5. Don't credit yourself with fake skills

Always tell the truth about your skills and experience, because at some point you will be exposed.

“If you make something up on your resume, you're more likely to fail the interview,” says Sarah Archer. “If a job requires skills that you don’t think you have, show that you can use similar experience or that you’re a quick learner.”

Don't lie "because you'll lose trust," agrees Corinne Mills.

“Applicants often underestimate themselves. For example, if you are 18 and looking for a job for the first time, and all your experience is a learning experience, write about it. But show that you were able to learn something. Companies are looking for people who value their entire experience,” the specialist advises.

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