How to create a resumé that will land you a job interview

If your resumé doesn’t work, you won’t either. It’s simply not enough to compile a list of everything you’ve done in your career. The days of a one-size-fits-all approach are over.

When you apply for a job, your resumé automatically enters a database alongside countless others. To have any chance of being read by a human being, it needs to be discoverable.

Having relevant keywords on your resumé will help you rank within the top 20 search results. These terms should appear in your list of core skills and then be repeated elsewhere.

Find around six job postings for the kind of role you’re seeking. This gives you an insight into the employers’ mindset. Notice how the deliverables are described. These are the keywords.

The next hurdle to clear is whether your resumé can pass a six-second scan by a human. If it’s relevant enough to tick the boxes, they’ll take a closer look to see if you’re an appropriate fit.

Your resumé needs to be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for. What makes you the ideal candidate? Quantify your achievements in terms of their relevance for the position.

If you meet over 70% of the job’s requirements, you’ve got a shot. But if you’re summing up everything you’ve accomplished without any clear focus, you will be passed over.

The next stage is making it onto a long-list of candidates seen by the hiring manager. This person won’t want to waste time deciding who to interview, so make it as easy for them as possible.

All jobs, in every industry, come down to the same thing: identifying problems, coming up with solutions, and getting results. The story of your resumé must reflect this pattern persuasively.

Make sure to put the target job title right after your contact info, followed by your performance profile (highlighting your capabilities) and core skills. Employers usually have a clear picture of who they want to hire. The quicker you fit the bill, the better chance you have.