When applying for a job, you spend tons of time tailoring your resume and your cover letter to the position until both documents are perfect. But how long do employers look over your well-crafted resume and cover letter? 6.25 seconds. That's all it takes for someone to determine whether you're right for the job, according to a study conducted by TheLadders. Therefore, you have a lot of impressing to do in a small amount of time. But how do you do that? Well, by using the right words.
There are certain buzzwords that employers recognize that can actually boost your chances of landing the job, or at least an interview. Here are the terms that you'll want to include on your resume before sending it out:
1. Volunteered
This word expresses that you're willing to selflessly donate your time to something that means a lot to you. Volunteering is a great way to show off certain skills that you may not have been able to demonstrate in a past job or internship. After all, just because you weren't getting paid for your volunteer position doesn't mean you weren't good at it.
Do a bit of research on the company to figure out how much emphasis they place on philanthropy and helping the community. There may even be a specific cause that they support, and you can list your volunteer experiences accordingly.
2. Improved
Saying that you've improved on something shows potential employers that you work hard to be successful. You could mention how you came into a past job position not knowing about a particular computer program, but within just a few weeks you improved your skills and mastered the program. This simple word says a lot about your work ethic.
3. Negotiated
No employer wants to hire someone who doesn't know how to get along with others. Having the word negotiated on your resume says that you're a reasonable person who can converse well with co-workers and come to a solution. Being able to problem solve is a sought-after quality in a potential employee.
4. Achieved
Never be afraid to toot your own horn on your resume, because if you won't, then who will? Tell the employer about all of the accomplishments from your last job. Be specific about your achievements. For instance, if you saved your previous company money, how much did you save? Or if you improved annual sales, offer figures to showcase your accomplishment.
Be sure to send out a paper version of your resume as well to get yourself noticed in the job market. Use custom embossers to personalize your resume and cover letter.