In today’s competitive job market, it’s crucial to have a resume that stands out. However, crafting the perfect resume can be a challenging task.
When applying for jobs, one of the biggest hurdles is distinguishing yourself among potentially hundreds or thousands of candidates.
Your resume is often the first impression you make on recruiters, making it a vital part of the hiring process. Many hiring managers have their own strategies for enhancing your resume’s appeal.
There’s one particular element that might lead to your application being dismissed immediately, and it could be something you were previously advised to include.
Stacie Haller, who serves as chief career advisor at Resume Builder, states, “If I see a picture, that’s going in the ‘no’ pile.”
With over 30 years of experience in the recruitment industry, she explained to CNBC why including a headshot is now discouraged.
Haller points out that a picture might unintentionally lead to ageism or judgments based on appearance. Furthermore, it can indicate that the applicant is not up-to-date with current resume trends.
Recruitment managers tend to dislike resumes that seem outdated or include information that could introduce bias into the hiring process.
Haller also suggests avoiding an ‘objective’ section on your resume. Instead, use that space to showcase your qualifications relevant to the position.
She advises against listing your street address. This might lead to discrimination based on socioeconomic status or assumptions about commuting distance.
Having an AOL email address can also be a disadvantage. Haller recommends switching to a Gmail account.
If you’re a recent graduate, you should place your education section prominently, but as your work experience grows, prioritize it along with a detailed list of your achievements at each position.
Maintain a separate listing for skills and certifications, and aim to keep your resume concise, preferably to one A4-sized page.
Once you secure an interview, there are certain mistakes to avoid to improve your chances of landing the job.
According to Tessa White, a career coach with over two decades of HR experience and founder of The Job Doctor, understanding your value proposition is crucial.
This is the first step she takes when assisting her clients.
White noted that overemphasizing your previous tasks during an interview can be a common misstep.
She emphasized that your value proposition should not solely be based on past tasks but rather on the outcomes and results you achieved, as this enhances your negotiation leverage.