7 Tips to Get from Resumé to Interview
Don’t stall your job search before it really gets started
It’s no secret that applying for a new job can be stressful and time-consuming. Searching for positions, researching potential employers, updating your resume, and, of course, actually applying, all take time and can feel like a full-time job in itself. And while we can’t make the process easier for anyone (or do it for you), we can share with you a few tips to help make sure your resume doesn’t get passed over before it even makes it to a hiring manager’s desk.
- Use spell-check! If you’re unsure of how to spell something, don’t guess … check a dictionary or Google it. There’s nothing worse than getting a resume with spelling mistakes or having a company name spelled incorrectly or with the wrong capitalization.
- The same goes for grammar. Use Grammarly, read your resume out loud, and have someone else read it over. Simple mistakes you’ve looked past a dozen times can jump right out to someone looking at your resume with fresh eyes.
- Vary your words. No one wants to read a resume that says ‘responsible for’ or ‘worked with’ over and over again.
- Provide a link to your portfolio. If the position is a design/creative role or writing position make sure to include a link to your portfolio on your resume. More than likely, for creative roles, this will be required as part of the application process.
- Take the time to include a customized cover letter. While we don’t require a cover letter at EPIC as part of our application process, it can help set you apart—especially if you need to bridge the gap between your experience and the position you’re applying for, or if you’re looking to change careers or relocate. Remember hiring managers, HR professionals, and recruiters aren’t mind readers, so help us out a little!
- Keep your LinkedIn profile current and accurate as well. Make sure the details of your resume and LinkedIn profile match. The titles and dates for each position should be the same. When they differ, it can give the impression a candidate is trying to hide something.
- Don’t over-share. This one may seem obvious, but apparently it isn’t obvious to everyone. Don’t put your age or GPA on your resume. While your major or degree may be relevant to the job your applying for, your age and GPA are not.
Remember, your resume is the first impression you make on a potential employer so, while some of these tips may not seem like a big deal or you may think are common sense, they really can make all the difference in whether or not you get through the gatekeeper and invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
And if you’re looking to join the EPIC team once you polish up that resume, you can view our open positions here!
Recommended
