If you're finding you're sending out more and more resumes but getting fewer and fewer results, and you know your resume is error-free, then most likely your resume is NOT showing off your best potential for that particular job.
First, make sure your current resume passes all these suggestions found in How to Get Your Resume Noticed. If you think it still looks too crowded, get rid of unnecessary details – just the facts, ma'am. Now go over for readability.
Readability
Readability here means how well the reader can actually read, understand, and pick out the salient points of your resume to the particular job you applied for. And the more the reader has to read, the less s/he will be able to pick out those points. Your resume must do the pointing for the reader. That means you must highlight particular skills as stressed in the job advertisement, as well as point out other skills you have.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to use action verbs to describe your previous or current work. Action verbs give the impression of action, of course – they show energy. Where you place these action verbs that are relevant to the job advertised are also important. If the advertised job asks for team work, ensure you highlight or post the line that pertains to team work at the top of the list of your details for past work.
Match Your Resume to the Job Advertised
More importantly though, is to have many different resumes – each highlighting specific skills and re-arranged to show off particular talents. You may want to consider using a functional or hybrid style of resume, which will not limit you to a hard-and-fast-reverse-chronological order. If you feel you must use the standard reverse chronological style, then just ensure you change the order of talents within each chronologically listed job as necessary.
Use similar words to the advertised job – don't be afraid to use the exact words, but in a different phrase or setting: often resumes are sent through a scanner to search for particular words – so help your resume get the most scanned words!
Keep it Honest
Whatever you do, do NOT embellish to the point of dishonesty. It's okay to be proud of your work and accomplishments; it's NOT okay to lie or expand on your work to the level of lying. If you get an interview by lying, you'll be found out in no time at the interview – and have now lost credibility and a chance at the job.
Bottom Line
Having different resumes and tailoring your resume to an advertised job will get you noticed and get you an interview. You are helping the reader to see your suitability to the job. Just keep it honest. The idea is not to pretend or present something you are not, but to showcase how your talents match the position!
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