Ask-A-Recruiter: How Can You Ensure Your Resume Is Seen?

Contributed by Caroline Ceniza-Levine of SixFigureStart

What can I put in the resume to guarantee an interview? How do employers decide who to invite from the resume pile? What keywords can I use to make my resume stand out online?

I get a resume-related question at every workshop. I have written before and say in every workshop response that there is no magic bullet. What you put in a resume needs to be two things:

1. authentic and true to you; and
2. tailored to the employer you are targeting.

As you can see, these two attributes are different for everyone. Furthermore, even for one person, there may be a case for different resumes if the person is targeting very diverse employers.

The best way then to ensure your resume is seen is not by perfecting your resume, but by perfecting your job search. The best job search is proactive, so you are out in the market meeting people and talking to people. Your resume is one part of that campaign (resumes do lead to meetings) but never the only part. In fact, sometimes the best job leads result from a verbal pitch, and the formal resume is an after-thought after you have already started meeting with people.

So the best way for your resume to be seen is for you to be seen. Make sure the resume is a powerful and accurate depiction of your background, skills and experience. Use language and examples that engage your target sector. But do not rely on your resume for the heavy lifting in your job search.

Caroline Ceniza-Levine is co-founder of SixFigureStart, a career coaching firm comprised exclusively of former Fortune 500 recruiters. Prior to launching SixFigureStart, Caroline recruited for Accenture, Time Inc, TV Guide and others. Email Caroline at caroline@sixfigurestart.com and ask how you can attend a free SixFigureStart group coaching teleclass.