How important is data on a resume’? It’s a question people do not ask themselves often enough when creating or updating their resume’. Think about it. If the average hiring agent spends less than 6 seconds scanning a resume’, what catches their eye? What creates meaningful impressions to move you forward in the process?
- Data is king and can provide power for how you communicate and substantiate information.
Back in 2008 when the stock market tanked and millions were left without jobs, hundreds and even thousands were applying for the same jobs. It became prevalent to embellish a resume’ with non-factual information. Anything to get a foot in the door. It backfired on thousands of people.
- Authenticity is the name of the game today and understanding yourself and how you fit with a company is vital.
Regardless of whether there is a pandemic, market crunch, or any other influencing factor on the employment rate, a factual and well communicated resume’ wins the game. So how do you influence your chances to win the game? Use your data.
First, for those of you who have taken a Highlands Ability Battery, your profile has key information for you based on the job you are applying for and specifics in the posting for that position. Matching your data to a company’s needs and verbalizing that in a Summary Statement can power you ahead in the applicant pool. Using that information in an interview can demonstrate your ability to understand self, working with others, the mission of a company, and relate it directly to outcomes. Boom!
Second, review your resume’ and consider any of the bullet points you have identified and whether there is a relevant number associated with that responsibility? If so, include it! Including numbers in your resume’ helps guide the eye of the hiring agent and it provides a data point for which they can verify your performance both with you and potentially with a reference check.
Third, have someone else review your resume’ before you send it. Yes, you can spell check on the computer, but does the information make sense? Always have a second set of eyes look it over before you jump into the pool!
Need more resume’ help or want to take a Highlands Ability Battery? Contact me.