You’d be surprised to learn that people still submit resume’s with grammar, spelling and typographical mistakes, and then wonder why after submitting resume after resume they get no response!
Often after years of updating and reading your own resume your eyes will pass over noticeable mistakes that you missed. Perhaps you don’t list the area code with your phone number? Maybe that old college hotmail account “CampusBeerKing” needs to be traded in for a simple first and last name at Gmail.
Here are ten fast edits you can do to your resume to get noticed by human resources during your quest for a job in Atlanta.
Use A Minimum of Personal Information
Even though it may be illegal to discriminate on the base of race, age or religion it can and does happen and by including this information you can create bias among potential employers. This goes for outside of work interests as well. Perhaps your rock climbing weekends would be seen as a liability and could cause problems at work. Instead stick to academic, social and professional accomplishments showcasing your skill set and work ethic.
Make Sure To Use Correct Dates and Titles
With today’s modern background checks it has become quite routine for employers to know your entire work history, often more complete than you even know your own work history! Make sure to use correct titles and dates when listing previous jobs. Nothing looks worse on paper than looking disorganized and sloppy about details or even worse having your resume and background check not match up and be perceived as a liar.
Reconsider Objective Statements
When looking for new hires in Atlanta GA the most common mistake on a resume is a selfish objective statement. A resume is like an introduction and you would never introduce yourself telling people what you want and expect. A better alternative is to focus on accomplishments and qualifications.
Do versus Did
Employers want to know what you did, not what you do or were responsible for. If you were a supply manager don’t list that you managed supplies. Showcase that your department came in under budget and reduced use and waste to get noticed by someone looking to hire you in Atlanta GA.
Spell Check is Not a Cure All
Spell check doesn’t know what your email address is or what your correct phone number is. Have a friend read your resume to you with special detail being put on the contact information to ensure that you can contacted! Those who are hiring in Atlanta need to be able to reach you and one number wrong in a phone number or typo in the email address could make your job search very long.
Neatness Counts
Don’t change fonts when writing your resume. Pick one and use just one. That goes for bullets and sizing as well. I’d suggest finding a resume template for word and using that. If I’m looking to hire someone for my office in Buckhead and their resume is neat and clean I’m going to assume their work ethic is of similar muster.
Stay On Topic
If you washed golf carts in High School but are looking for a job as a paralegal you don’t have to include it. Employers are interested in job experience that is relevant to the position you are applying for. You might think you come across looking like a hard working with a long work history but it reads as irrelevant extra and detracts from the focus of your resume. If your resume is starting to go over two pages this is a great place to start to look for items to remove.
KISS The Copy
In the writing industry people are often told to “Keep It Simple” in other words “kiss the copy”. Don’t go overboard with graphics; print your resume on decent white paper stock, not cardboard. Emails should be short and to the point, you’re looking for a job not to waste people’s time, including yours. Keep it simple!
1st, 2nd, and 3rd
Seems so obvious but often applicants will move from first, second and third person in their resume as if its natural. Don’t make this same simple grammar mistake! You sound really full of yourself when submitting a resume in third person even it wasn’t your intention. 
Follow UP!
The best resume can often get lost in the shuffle leaving you wondering why you didn’t land your dream job in Atlanta? Small personal touches can help you get noticed like a short email 4-7 days after submitting. You can also call but always ask if they are busy if you reach a live human and keep voice mails short, articulate, and sincere. Even if you don’t get the job you applied for making a personal connection can help recruiters remember you in the future.