Thread by @BanjiAlo

I get shortlisted for at least 90% of the jobs I apply for.

Here are the 5 resume strategies that work for me every single time.

[Not your average resume advice]

#thread

1. Knowing the job of a resume

Your application process becomes easier once you understand that a resume only has one job.

-- To SELL you. @OgbeniDipo

Yes, a resume is a marketing tool.

@wakawaka_doctor

If it doesn't sell you, then forget it.

You won't smell the interview door no matter how solid your skills are or how talented you are.

You are the king, and your resume is your messenger.

It needs to represent you and convey your message properly. @ritapurity

Here's what you need to know:

For every sentence on your resume, ask yourself over again;

+ Is this sentence selling me for this role?
+ Is this information adequately conveyed?
+ Is my resume any better without it? If yes, keep, else remove

+ On reading this resume, will the hiring manager envision me as part of their team?

A clear, concise and punchy resume that will market you properly is key.

Ensure your resume is performing this task.

#2. Simplicity

I love simple resumes.

I recently removed old work experiences I acquired 10-12 years ago and bundled them into one episode.

Why?

Their days are over. I have acquired > 4 years of work experience in AU.

I doubt any Australian employer needs my Nigerian work experience to make a hiring decision in AU.

Besides, the old work experience added two more pages to my resume. I did not like it, so I bundled three employment episodes into one.

The result?

5 pages became two pages.

I love short resumes.

They are clean, simple & punchy.

- Review your resume contents especially, the ancient job episodes, and information

#3. Think about the next person

I was speaking to a client recently. He wanted me to help him review his resume.

I asked him to clarify some contents in his resume

He used confusing titles and words on this resume. He explained and told me they meant the same.

I agreed with him.

The problem is that the person shortlisting might not know.

Sadly, you won't be there to explain.

I told him:

- Imagine the hiring manager went on leave and delegated the shortlisting task to an Admin Officer.

- Would this Admin Officer shortlist you based on this information?

Maybe not.

My advice:

- Use business terms employers understand
- Use keywords they are familiar with
- Think of the person on the other side.
- Are your resume content as simple as possible?

#4. Proofreading

You will hear this a lot.

I am a writer. I never publish my articles the minute I finish a draft.

Why?

First drafts are NEVER perfect. You might think otherwise, but they aren't the best.

I finish the draft and read it at least twice again. I typically pick it up the next day or so.

It helps me spot silly mistakes or improve sentences.

You should do the same.

You might ask:

Why go through all this trouble for a simple resume?

I will tell you:

- Your resume is your intellectual property.
- You own it - 100%
- If you can't avoid simple grammatical errors on your resume, how do you expect an employer to trust you with a job and clients? @ritapurity

Show me your resume, and I will tell you who you are

Take care of it

#5. Confusing content

A job application is not about you. It's about the employer.

Why do I mean?

You need to write for the job (the employer), not just about yourself.

Find a "common" ground.

Example:

- Paul worked as an Admin, Procurement and Logistics Officer at XYZ Company.

He found a job online seeking an Admin Officer and intends to apply.

On his resume, he listed "Admin, Procurement and Logistics Officer at XYZ Company"

He thinks the employer will like his job title and his "add-ons".

Sadly, it might cause problems.

Why?

He wrote for himself, not for the employer.

They are looking for an Admin Officer.
Write Admin Officer and detail your Admin duties as it relates to the tasks they want.

That's all.

Remember, it's about them, not about you.

Like I said earlier, the job of a resume is to get you an interview.

Any other information can wait.

Keep your resume focused and avoid confusing the hiring manager with irrelevant info.

You can share your "bonus" skills at the interview if asked.

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https://twitter.com/BanjiAlo/status/1542040177090056192

https://twitter.com/BanjiAlo/status/1542040177090056192