Blog Post: Will Your Resume Pass the 10-Second Scan?

How can you tell if your résumé will make the cut? Unfortunately, some résumé flaws are so fatal that I can GUARANTEE they will fail to get interviews. See if any of these apply to your situation:

Your résumé uses that Microsoft Word template. At least one third of all the millions of Word users probably created their résumés using this style.

Standing out isn’t just a matter of words—it’s also in the presentation. Bottom-line: use an attractive style that reflect your UNIQUE qualifications.

You are facing challenges in your job search (such as a job that ended last year, lack of a degree, etc.), yet your résumé skips RIGHT to your job history. This can be a killer—since it quickly gives the reader LESS reasons to call you for an interview.

This is where résumé strategy comes in. I recommend developing a plan BEFORE writing the résumé that can put your best foot forward to meet these kind of challenges.

Your wording is weak. Did you write “responsible for” on your résumé? If so, you are missing some fantastic ways to sell your skills. Try “power verbs” (achieved, revitalized, captured, etc.) instead.

You’ve used an objective statement to top it off. Funny thing about that objective – it really ISN’T objective! While this was a standard for the résumé of yesteryear, using this will nearly ENSURE you get passed over today.

A better idea: summarize your unique credentials in a profile or summary.

You’ve borrowed phrases. There must be hundreds of “self-motivated team players” out there. If you’re guilty of copying some great-sounding phrases, give some clear thought to this one.

Your résumé should present your personal “brand”—meaning qualities that describe your capabilities PRECISELY. To get started, ask colleagues or friends how they would describe you or your work.

To sum up, refreshing your résumé can make THE difference between having your phone ring for interviews, or being passed over in favor of someone less qualified.

A unique résumé authority and former recruiter, Laura Smith-Proulx, CPRW, CIC, Executive Director of An Expert Resume, has achieved a 98% success rate landing interviews for fast-track professionals.

Laura’s newest book, “Solve Your Toughest Résumé Challenges to Win More Interviews!,” gives insider secrets to gaining an employer’s attention.

For FREE tips on how to create a knockout resume and successfully manage your career transition, visit www.AnExpertResume.com.