Branding your resume and cover letter so you stand out
The average recruiter reads through hundreds of resumes and covers letters for a job opening. With the competition in the job market getting tougher, knowing how to brand your resume and cover letter can be the difference between landing your dream job and getting a regret email. If you want your documents to stand out, here are some effective ways to brand your resume and cover letter.
Use keywords: Before anything else, make sure you incorporate keywords into your resume otherwise it won’t be read by the interviewer. Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter out resumes that don’t contain certain words from the job description. If your resume doesn’t make it through this stage, it’s unlikely that your resume will be read even though you’ve invested plenty of effort into it.
Use a summary statement: Want to immediately grab the attention of the reader? Include a simple, eye-catching summary statement at the very top of your resume that describes who you and what you offer. You should think of this summary as a branding statement on a billboard. That is, it should entice the reader to learn more.
Find a great font: It is okay to want to be creative in your choice of fonts but do keep in mind that most applicant tracking systems find it hard to read these fonts. Consider going for common fonts like Calibri, Cambria, Arial, or Times New Roman. Steer clear of fussy or dated looking fonts like Comic Sans as they can make your resume and cover letter less visually appealing. In addition, keep the font size between 10 points and 12 to improve readability and maintain a professional look.
Use some colour: Colour is one of the most important tools you can use to get the attention of any recruiter and make them want to take an extra moment to consider your resume. A black and white resume is the norm, but adding a splash of colour can set your resume apart. The key to effectively using colour is to make sure you choose the ones that are neutral and not gender specific.
Use a logo or symbol: The human mind automatically responds to images and symbols, so consider including a branded symbol or logo in your header to make your resume more appealing. Branding your resume adds colour and consistency to your resume and cover letter and let’s the reader easily identify your documents.
Wrap-up
While it’s okay to want to demonstrate your creativity, resist the urge to overdo any of the above. If your document looks overly cluttered, it can be a real turn-off to any recruiter. Always remember to keep things simple and attractive.
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