Resume: Communicate Your Value at a Glance.

I see too many resumes that are challenging to read, prompting me to write this post.

Why your resume must be in a clean and easy-to-read format:

✅ Recruiters spend 6 seconds on average per resume. Yes, just SIX seconds to decide whether you are a potential fit.

✅ Companies receive hundreds of resumes. If your resume is not easy to scan, it will likely end up in the trash bin. Recruiters do not have time to dig for details.

✅ Eye movement patterns matter. When reading, eyes naturally scan from the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner, jumping between keywords and key points.

What does this say to us?

💡 Your resume must grab attention and communicate your qualifications effectively in such a short time. Look at your resume again and evaluate it using this checklist:

☑️ Does it easily display your key qualifications and most relevant accomplishments?

☑️ Are there long paragraphs that feel like reading a book?

☑️ Have you listed the industry next to the company name (e.g., education, marketing, retail)?

☑️ Is your resume divided into two columns? (Hint: DON’T!)

☑️ Is there plenty of white space for readability?

☑️ Are you using a professional font like Arial, Garamond, or Calibri, sized 10–12 pt?

☑️ Do you have dedicated sections like Core Qualifications and Technical Skills?

☑️ Is it cluttered with numbers and percentages? (Balance is important!)

☑️ Do your dates include both month and year?

✍ Make relevant changes accordingly.

💠 Test the 6-second rule:

Ask a friend to review your resume for six seconds and share what stood out. Adjust based on their feedback.

💠 Use keywords strategically:

Sections like Core Qualifications and Technical Skills are perfect for adding relevant keywords. This helps you avoid tailoring your resume for every single job, which saves you precious time.

💠 Avoid two-column resumes:

They might look stylish, but they are harder to read/scan and ATS systems may struggle to analyze the information. Stick to a clean, single-column format.

Your resume is your first impression. A little effort in formatting and clarity can go a long way in catching a recruiter’s eye and landing that first interview.

What strategies have worked for you in creating a standout resume?

If you need assistance with your resume, job search strategy, and interview skills, I'll be happy to help! 

📅 Visit the "Work With Me" page.

✍ DM me if you have any questions!