Completing a job application nowadays can be as easy as clicking a simple “quick apply” button on a job board, like CareerBuilder.com, and shooting off your pre-prepared resume to a recruiter’s inbox. It’s fast and simple, but can lead to a whole lot of trouble if you don’t double-check your work.
A majority of HR and hiring managers spend less than a minute on each resume that is reviewed – 43 percent say under a minute and 24 percent say less than 30 seconds. You need to make a quick, lasting impression, but for the right reasons.
Here are five things HR managers say would make them more likely to pay attention to your application in a positive way:
-Resume has been customized to their open position: 63 percent
-Skill sets are listed first on the resume: 41 percent
-A cover letter is included with the resume: 40 percent
-Application that is addressed to the specific hiring manager: 22 percent
-Resume that includes a link to a candidate’s blog, portfolio or website: 16 percent