Applying for jobs in today’s competitive market can feel like a marathon, not a sprint. Your resume is your starting line, but it’s not enough to cross the finish line. To stand out from the crowd, your resume needs to be in peak condition.

Why you should regularly refresh your resume

• The industry evolves: New skills and technologies are constantly emerging. Keeping your resume updated ensures you showcase the in-demand qualities employers seek.
• Your skills and experience grow: As you gain experience and certifications, your resume should reflect that growth.
• Targeted applications: A generic resume might get you past the initial screening, but a tailored one will make you stand out for a specific position.

 Here are six suggestions on how you can build that metaphorical muscle into your resume when looking in a tough market. 

1. Embrace Strategic Content

Resumes are no longer static documents. They should be dynamic and highlight your most relevant accomplishments.

• Focus on achievements, not just duties: Instead of simply listing your job responsibilities, showcase results. Quantify your achievements with metrics whenever possible. Did you increase sales by 15%? Streamline a process that saved the company 20 hours a week? Use numbers to paint a compelling picture.

 

• Action verbs are your allies: Words like “spearheaded,” “managed,” and “implemented” demonstrate initiative and leadership. Use strong verbs to portray the impact you’ve made.

 

• Keywords are key: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often scan resumes for keywords listed in the job description. Carefully review the job description and strategically integrate relevant keywords throughout your resume, but avoid keyword stuffing that sounds unnatural.

 

2. Tailor It for Every Application

We know this sounds tedious, but it is potent. A one-size-fits-all resume won’t get you very far. Take the time to tailor your resume for each specific position you apply for. This also helps you focus on roles you really want to apply for because it builds a barrier against rapid-fire applying (and burning out). 

• Highlight relevant skills and experience: Carefully analyze the job description and identify the skills and experiences that most closely align with the desired candidate profile. Then, showcase them prominently in your resume.

 

• Customize your professional summary: This section is your elevator pitch. Tailor it to address the specific needs and goals specified in the job description.

 

3. Keep it Concise

Getting past an ATS is only the first hurdle. Recruiters and hiring managers often have limited time to review resumes. Make sure yours is easy to navigate and scannable at a glance.

• One to two pages is ideal: Excessively lengthy resumes get buried in the pile. Aim for a concise document that packs a powerful punch within one or two pages. To keep information relevant, we suggest only including projects or roles from the past seven years.

 

• Formatting is your friend: Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent white space to ensure your resume is visually appealing and easy to read. Choose a professional, easy-to-read font.

 

• Proofread meticulously: Typos and grammatical errors create a negative impression. Proofread your resume meticulously before submitting it. Consider having a trusted friend or colleague review it as well.

 

4. Research and Highlight In-Demand Skills

The tech industry is a dynamic landscape. New technologies and skillsets emerge constantly, making it vital for your resume to reflect your awareness of these trends.

• Industry Research: Utilize resources like industry publications, job boards, and reports to identify the skills employers are actively seeking.

 

• Analyze Job Descriptions: Carefully review job descriptions for roles you’re interested in. Identify the skills and qualifications that are repeatedly mentioned. These are strong indicators of in-demand skills within your field.

 

• Quantify Your Expertise: Don’t just list skills; demonstrate your proficiency. Here are some ways to showcase your expertise:

 

• Highlight Relevant Certifications: Many in-demand skills have corresponding certifications you can obtain. Including relevant certifications demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and mastery of those skills.

 

• Showcase Completed Online Courses: Online courses are a fantastic way to stay updated on the latest advancements and acquire in-demand skills. List relevant online courses you’ve completed on your resume to demonstrate your proactiveness and dedication to skill development.

 

• Quantify Your Project Achievements: Did you utilize in-demand skills while working on a project? Quantify your achievements and showcase the impact you made. For example, if you used data analysis to streamline a process, mention the percentage improvement you achieved.

5. Embrace Modern Design

Incorporating a touch of modern design into your resume can be particularly beneficial in the tech space, where innovation and a forward-thinking approach are valued. Tech fields are often highly competitive. A modern design can help your resume stand out from a pile of traditional, text-heavy documents.

• Clean fonts: Opt for clean, professional fonts that are easy to read (like Arial, Oswald, or Calibri)  on both screen and paper. Avoid overly decorative fonts that may be difficult to decipher.

 

• Strategic use of white space: White space enhances readability and creates a visually appealing document. Use it strategically to separate sections and make your resume breathe.

 

• Balance is key: Avoid overly complex layouts, excessive graphics, or distracting color schemes. Keep it clean, professional, and focused on showcasing your qualifications

6. Update Existing and Consider New Sections

While core sections like work experience and education remain essential, consider venturing beyond the basics to showcase your well-roundedness and stand out.

Updating Existing Sections:

• Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties: Don’t just list responsibilities when detailing your work experience. Quantify your achievements and showcase the impact you made. Did you streamline a process, increase user engagement, or develop a new software feature? Use numbers and data to demonstrate your value to your previous roles.

 

• Tailor Your Skills Section: Rely on something other than a generic list of skills. Instead, tailor your skills section to each specific position you apply for. Highlight the technical and soft skills that are most relevant to the job requirements.

Consider New Sections

• Awards and Recognitions: Did you win any awards or receive recognition for your work? Include them in this section, especially if they showcase achievements related to your desired career path.

 

• Relevant Projects: Did your side hustle involve projects demonstrating skills relevant to the target position? Highlight these projects and their accomplishments in your resume.

Experiencing Resume Paralysis? Cordova Can Help

Whether it’s keyword magic or interview prep that gets your heart racing, Cordova Solutions will have your resume singing the praises of the perfect candidate, landing you that next step in your career path. 

Learn more about how Cordova can solve your hiring or job-seeking challenges today. Connect with us on LinkedIn or contact us now!