Your resume is your first chance to make a great impression—but since employers can receive hundreds of resumes, it can be a challenge to stand out.  Here are some tips to help you avoid the Human Resources black hole.  

• • Limit your resume to 1-2 pages, since employers will often scan resumes quickly.  A succinct resume always makes an HR manager happy.

• • Provide context for your skills and qualifications in your description of your employment history. For example, if you think you have superb multitasking and organizational skills, use your employment history to demonstrate your claims.

• • Be honest and avoid exaggeration. If you are hired based on the information in your resume, you will be required to demonstrate those skills on the job.

• • Try to stand out by highlighting qualities that are unique to you and your experience, or by listing some of your hobbies and interests.

• • Be meticulous about grammar, writing style and punctuation. Ask somebody with strong writing skills to review your resume before sending it out.
  • Be ready to explain the contents of your resume and provide additional details in an interview. Think about the questions that could arise based on the information you provide.

Got the perfect resume, now looking to write a great cover letter?
Stay tuned for our upcoming article on how to write a cover letter
that opens more doors!

Omar Castro-Garcia is an Account Manager with Loren Nancke. His passion for helping others succeed is evident in the time he devotes to supporting his community and coworkers. You can reach him at 604-904-3807 in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia.

Kate Jessup is responsible for human resources, training and client services. As a Senior Account Manager, her work focuses on the human side of the equation. You can reach Kate at 604-904-3807 in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia.