Searching a job in a down economy can be a tough task! You not only need to upskill and work harder to get noticed by recruiters, but need to work smarter to pass the 6-seconds resume test by a hiring manager.
With lesser job opportunities available, you would surely not want to miss out on any opportunity to get shortlisted by recruiters.
Creating a perfect resume during these uncertain times can save your job application from going to the trash.
Here’s a checklist of what you should not include in your resume to keep up your game during the unprecedented times.
1.Statement of objective
Job seekers usually focus on highlighting their objective or profile summary that mainly focuses on their expectations from the job.
However, in the current scenario of the uncertain job market, the focus should be more on what a job seeker can offer to the employer so that chances are more of getting shortlisted.
After all, your goal is to market yourself to the hiring manager for reasons they are looking for in a candidate.
2.General descriptions of duties
Adding the entire list of duties you performed in your previous role doesn’t make your resume look unique or catchy to employers.
What you need to do is mention how you added value in those roles as employers are more interested in seeing that. What skills you developed during the time and how you utilized those skills to deliver performance is what is more fulfilling.
So, instead of just increasing the length of your resume with ‘n’ number of duties, focus on quantifying your achievements.
3.Reason for leaving your job
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, many companies are laying-off employees. Whether you have faced the same situation or left the job to get a better job opportunity, your resume is not the right place to mention the reasons for leaving your last job.
Leave this question for the discussion during the interview if the interviewer asks you specifically.
In a face-to-face discussion, you can easily explain the situation in a much better way.
4.Hobbies or interests
Adding your hobbies do not add much value to your resume. Similarly, mentioning interest areas is not beneficial unless it is relevant for the job you are applying for.
Instead, save the space on your resume for more relevant information like work experience, skills and achievements.
5.Information in long paragraphs
This is the worst way of representing information to an employer.
Feeding all the information without bullets in long paragraphs is not only less appealing to employers; it is also difficult to understand.
Recruiters need to see important information in crisp bullets that are easy to understand at a glance.
Employers want to see what is enticing for them to shortlist a candidate over others.
Therefore, customize your resume for their open position and prepare a resume that catches employers’ eyes.
Do you follow a technique in particular to boost your morale amid COVID-19? Join us in our Step Up campaign & tell us all about it.
All the best!
