Career Advice

Resume Design | Simple Tips To Knock Out Before 30

September 19, 2018 By Simple Resume Team

Your twenties is a pivotal time when setting up a foundation that could potentially blossom into a lucrative and rewarding career. While many young job seekers spend their twenties job hopping and finding their rightful place in the workforce, top performers in their industry gain momentum by choosing positions that will allow them to acquire the proper experience and develop relevant professional accomplishments. Great accomplishments and career growth in your twenties can be all for nothing if it is not presented properly. To assure that you have the best professional resume design optimized for your thirties, use these 4 simple resume tips to set you up for success.

1. Drop Your Resume To One Page

Before the age of 30, it is common to have anywhere between 1 to 10 years of experience to write about. This means that a simple one-pager will be best suited to represent your professional skills and development through the course of your career. One of the most important reasons behind using a one-page document is to keep the resume simple and diminish the possibility of being passed on by hiring managers that sift through hundreds of applications.

It is important to remember that hiring managers are looking to find the right candidate during their search that will fill the position with precision within a small time frame. A short and basic design loaded with valuable information are always sought out by recruiters and hiring managers. Be concise in your basic resume writing and highlight your best accomplishments in one page.

2. Use A Text-Based Simple Resume Format

Although the idea of a heavily stylized simple resume design may seem enticing, statistics show that these graphics-driven simple resume designs do not perform well against applicant tracking systems (ATS). Applicant tracking systems assist human resources and recruitment efforts by strategically pulling candidate background information into specific fields in a specific order.

Applicant tracking systems significantly decrease the amount of time it takes to successfully hire someone for a role by filtering out basic resumes that are not a match. Research performed by Jobscan has shown that 98.2% of Fortune 500 companies implement applicant tracking systems in their hiring processes. According to a Kelly OCG survey, it is estimated that 66% of large organizations and 35% of small organizations rely on ATS software to effectively screen applicants.

Don’t risk losing out on a position because your writing is not parsing properly into ATS. Skip the creativity and devote time to preparing the content of your writing as well as ensuring that you are using a clean, text-based format. Resumes that work seem to focus on your technical skills and professional accomplishments to help hiring managers see your value immediately. Keep in mind that this also doesn’t mean your resume design needs to be bland. Check out how our Simple Resume Design Team has optimized formatting for the modern-day job market by downloading our sample.

3. Work On Your Professional Summary

A professional summary is a short description at the beginning of your professional resume format that briefly details your title, experience, and skills. A succinct and attractive professional summary that provides hiring managers with a snapshot of your skills, background, and technical abilities is the best way to start.

Recruiters typically only spend roughly 6-7 seconds to read an applicant’s writing and will only look to read the professional summary before scanning for your current position and company. For this reason alone, it is highly important to invest time and energy into getting your professional summary well-developed. Optimizing your content to immediately detail your career accomplishments within the initial 6-7 second scan is critical.

4. Develop Professional Affiliations And Take Courses

Your twenties should consist of engaging in activities to invest in your professional network and skills. It is beneficial to consistently attend professional networking events to network and make professional connections even prior to looking for a new position. Build relationships and consistently follow up with your connections. At the end of the day, you never know who you might know that will have opportunities for you to take in the future.

Start by affiliating yourself with working professionals who share the same ideals and aspirations. This has been proven to open the door to many employment opportunities for young working professionals. Seek to join industry-related groups through social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook and attend trade shows and conferences.

While you are building your professional network, look to pursue additional education and training in specialized courses. Use any opportunity to further educate yourself to help take your professional skills to another level. By doing so, this will work to separate you from fellow job candidates by proving that you’re driven, motivated, and eager to better yourself.

Simple Resume Layout Techniques To Beat The ATS

October 29, 2017 By Simple Resume Team

Understanding how to formulate a simple resume layout that can successfully beat applicant tracking systems (ATS) comes with one having intensive knowledge of ATS functions. It is of critical importance to not only have knowledge on how ATS works, but also how to design your content for optimization and performance.

ATS technology is used by most large organizations and a growing number of smaller operations to help hiring managers filter out unqualified candidates and make the hiring process more efficient.

Applicant tracking systems scan resumes for relevant keywords pertaining to the job description and will come up with a list of qualified candidates that internal hiring teams can reach out to. On record, applicant tracking systems eliminate 75 percent of them from the job candidacy pool. This stat alone is alarming to jobseekers as only 25 percent of job applicants are successfully able to get their documents in the hands of actual human eyes!

There are numerous techniques available that can strategically help you perform better against an ATS, such as getting a cost-effective resume by hiring a professional resume writer. Not only will you be getting a cheap resume from an affordable simple resume writing service: Our certified writers are skilled at making sure all best practices are followed and implemented. If you’re not confident in your ability to beat an ATS, we specialize in offering low cost services to ensure your writing reaches a hiring manager. Aside from a hiring a writer, here are a few tricks that you can use to BOOST the appeal of your simple resume layout right away.

Optimize Your Simple Resume Header

Applicant tracking systems are computers that are designed to strategically scrutinize and filter simple resume layouts. It is important to format your header in a clear manner so as not to confuse the ATS, which can result in your professional document being filtered out immediately. Take extra care in making sure that your header lists your first and last name followed by your address, phone number, and email.

We are often asked by clients on whether or not it is proper etiquette to include their entire addresses (street names, unit numbers, etc.). The answer is yes (unless you’re looking to relocate for a role. Click here to learn more)! Applicant tracking systems are designed to geo-filter resumes by location. Including your complete location allows these systems to see where you are located and determine whether or not the position is a fit for you. After all, there is very little point in interviewing for a position that is a 4-hour commute from your home, especially if you’re not looking to commute!

Include A Professional Summary

A key area to optimize for maximum performance against the ATS is the professional summary. A professional summary is the short paragraph at the beginning that briefly details your title, experience, and skills. Every simple resume layout at the very minimum should contain a professional summary for optimization. Lead in with two to three sentences describing yourself as a professional and include as many pertinent keywords from the job description as possible. This signals to the ATS that you possess all the requisite skills for the job.

Insert An Areas Of Expertise Section

Compiling a list of 9 to 12 areas of expertise that most closely align with your skillsets and the type of positions you are looking to pursue is a great idea for applicant tracking system optimization. Areas of expertise are specific skills that are needed in order for you to carry out the daily responsibilities of the role. Not only is it a great idea to have those keywords on hand, but by listing them neatly on the document itself, you are giving applicant tracking systems the chance to parse your resume for those words and pass it along in the ‘good’ pile!

Understanding how to write a document that beats applicant tracking systems is pivotal in today’s age of the computerized application process. Although the ATS can sometimes eliminate candidates that are indeed well qualified for the role, hiring managers have very little time to scan through hundreds of professional documents and are relying more and more on the feedback they receive from these systems to make informed hiring decisions.

Taking the time to ensure that your document has all the elements necessary to beat applicant tracking systems and impress hiring managers is key to landing interviews for the positions you wish to pursue. Download our simple resume layout to see our format that is optimized for both applicant tracking systems and hiring manager eye appeal!

Simple Resume Design Strategy | Not Everything Matters

October 1, 2016 By Simple Resume Team

One of the most notorious misconceptions for basic resume writing is that the document itself needs to disclose everything you have ever done during the duration of your career. The job you had at the shoe store, your role as an overnight stock associate in college, or that one time when you worked for Walmart for a couple of months. You would think that every employer would want to know of every job for verification and extensive background check purposes, right? WRONG!

For those beginning their journey for a new position, it is beneficial to be strategic in your simple resume design to bring focus to the important aspects of your career history. This will help the any potential hiring manager understand the value that you can bring to the specific role you’re applying to.

Let’s face it. When was the last time you actually sat down and read any one’s 3-page resume word-for-word? How about a 1500-word over-stuffed essay squeezed onto 2 pages? Time is of value for most hiring managers and recruiters looking for new candidates. Considering the large amount of resumes they receive for one job posting, hiring managers only take 6-7 seconds to look over a candidate’s simple resume design before moving on to the next.

This is why it is essential to be strategic.

The first and most essential tip to having an effective document is to avoid listing irrelevant positions on your simple resume. Many may believe that the more work experiences you show, the more you present yourself as a dependable, trustworthy, and hard-working candidate. This is typically may be considered acceptable when you’re applying for an entry-level job. However, this should not be practiced when searching for higher levels jobs or positions looking for distinctive technical skills. Due to the nature of entry-level positions, employers may be giving you a “pass” since it’s not considered a specialized role.

When you’re speaking specifically of higher-level, salaried positions, mistakes such as oversharing can completely ruin your chances of getting the job. The ultimate goal for any job seeker is to get a call for an interview. Choosing to go with a simple resume design will assure that it becomes a personal marketing tool. To put it in perspective, a recruiter or hiring manager will not contact a candidate for an engineering role when they market that had sliced meat in the deli department when they were 18.

Insights from various recruiting firms tell us that upon an initial scan, most hiring managers and recruiters are only looking at three main factors in a simple resume design: the candidate’s current position, his/her tenure, and education.

Here’s how you capitalize on your writing efforts:

First, make sure that your simple resume design strategically places your job history in the limelight, with a resume simple enough to ensure the dates are clear and easy to follow. Formatting is critical to the development of your professional document. Although it can be tricky, our cost-effective resume writers are certified professionals who can meet all of your formatting needs.

Next, be sure to place heavy emphasis on the professional accomplishments you have garnered in your previous and current positions. Show case as many quantitative and tangible wins as possible. Highlighting your accomplishments will immediately broadcast that not only are you qualified to get the job done, but you’re able to successfully do it well. Process of improvements and efficiencies are key items to speak about, as they will boost your credibility and ability to exceed metrics.

Finally, make sure your education is listed clearly – highlighting the school you have attended, your major, and degree obtained. There is a common belief that job seekers who have obtained four-year degrees from higher education have highly developed skills and are considered more fitting for specific roles than other candidates. Though it is just as important to have professional experience, including your education for recruiters or hiring managers will almost always work in your favor during your job search.

Remember, most job positions will require applicants to have a certain level of education and you don’t want to miss out on an opportunity because you didn’t take the time to list your education properly.

Strategizing to keep your resume simple will ensure that you are putting out the best information for the employer as you possibly can. Not everything job-related will matter in your search for a career. Leave off the unrelated work experiences that are unrelated to the position or is outdated. If you have made calculated decisions about your career, your current position should follow a practical progression toward the position you are applying for.

Between your current position, your loyalty (as shown by your prior job tenure), and your education, hiring managers will be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not to invite you for an interview.

Simple Resume Cover Letter | Relocation

October 1, 2016 By Simple Resume Team

infographic summarizing relocation tips for simple resume and simple resume cover letter writing

So, you’ve got your eyes set on the big city. Perhaps you’re looking to start a new life, a new career, make new friends, uncover better opportunities, or just looking for a change of pace. When you find a position during your job search that immediately sparks your interest and also allows you to relocate, it is critical to develop a simple resume cover letter suitable for the position. Though your experiences will eventually determine the chance of successfully of landing the job, it is important to utilize the following tips to allow you the best chances.

Slow Down

You’ve created a simple resume format that is optimized and built-for-performance, your simple resume cover letter is polished, and your LinkedIn profile can’t seem to keep hiring managers away! Before you begin to apply for the new position, take a second to look over the information you are about to provide the hiring manager. A tiny slip up can completely obliterate your chances of landing your dream job in your dream city.

When approaching the topic of relocating to a potential employer, there are a few different methods you can use to broach the topic during the job application process. In the initial stage, when you are creating your resume draft, the best practice is to be tactical about your current address on both your simple resume and simple resume cover letter. Taking a tactical approach with your address will prevent your document from being filtered out geographically by Applicant Tracking Systems.

Avoid Adding Your Current Address

DO NOT include your current physical address . Instead, provide a location that is in the general vicinity of where the job is located or where you are looking to relocate to. If you have a physical address belonging to friends or family, ask to use their address until you can obtain a more permanent one.

Keep in mind that if you are looking to relocate to a new city, you will need to have the flexibility of traveling to the desired destination with short notices for interviews. In case of this, make sure that you have travel funds ready or means to get to the location when needed!

Implement Relocation Strategy In Your Cover Letter

In addition to including the city and state you want to relocate to in the header of both your simple resume and cover letter, you’ll want to mention your relocation in the body of your cover letter for consistency. To properly design a simple resume cover letter for relocation, add a brief declaration of your interest in the role and use this section to explain that you are looking to move to the area.

In your explanation, be sure to provide a timeline of your expected move-in date as well. This is considered to be a strategy to avoid any concerns of a late start in a new position. If you know the employer is looking to hire on someone within the next month, be certain to state that you will be relocating within the next month and that the transition will not affect the hiring process.

Although it is important to mention the fact that you’re looking to relocate in your simple resume cover letter, remember to keep the focus on the value that you will bring to the organization. It is of critical importance to put more attention and emphasis on this rather than where you are currently located.

At the end of the day, there isn’t a single employer who would dare to hire someone who is unqualified for the position. Your qualifications alone will determine the process of gaining employment for a new role in a new location and company. Because of this, be sure to focus your efforts to highlight your strengths and accomplishments making them the focus of both your cover letter and resume.

Expect Nothing

You may have heard of some cases where employees receiving a special relocation package from their companies to assist with their relocation expenses. There are even many cases of employers paying the full expense of relocating including unpacking, finding temporary housing, and travel reimbursement.

However, even though you may be looking for relocation jobs, do not expect any help with your relocation. Companies are not obligated to pay relocation expenses. Thus, the company of interest can actually negate your job candidacy and find someone who is truly local to limit the costs of paying to relocate an employee.

Now that you’ve successfully brought up your moving plans briefly in your simple resume cover letter and your cost effective resume, you’ve essentially covered the bases. You didn’t hide that you were looking to relocate, you gave the employer an ideal timeline for your move, and you’ve prioritized highlighting your skills and qualifications to ensure that you’re a good hire. Once you have all of this information ready, it’s time to bring it home and allow your application to speak for itself!