Make Your Resume Pass the 6-Second Skim Test

In today’s competitive job market, recruiters are flooded with numerous resumes for each open position. During the masterclass “5 Pitfalls That Can Hold You Back”, Cecilia Bydlowski, Profile Expert at VH Academy mentioned recruiters spend about 6 seconds skimming through a resume during the initial review.

As a tech talent job seeker, this information might seem discouraging, however it highlights the importance of making a strong first impression.

In this article, we will explore the significance of passing the 6-second skim test and provide valuable tips to help your resume stand out.

Separate information

To facilitate quick and efficient reading, break down your resume into easily digestible sections using clear subheads. Use bullets to highlight your responsibilities, skills, and other pertinent information. This formatting approach ensures that recruiters can quickly identify the key details and qualifications that match the job requirements.

Optimize space

The top half of the first page is crucial real estate on your resume. This prime space should showcase your strongest qualifications, such as your most recent role, key skills, and relevant certifications. By front-loading your resume with compelling information, you capture the recruiter’s attention and entice them to explore your qualifications further.

Eliminate unnecessary information

Less is often more when it comes to crafting an impactful resume. Remove any irrelevant details that might distract the recruiter from your key qualifications.

Some elements you should consider eliminating include:

High school education, unless it is your highest level of education.
Achievements and accomplishments from your high school days.
Jobs that are not relevant to the role you’re applying for.
Outdated volunteering or community experience.
Personal information, hobbies, interests, political leanings, and personal opinions.

Keep your resume on one page

Whenever possible, aim to keep your resume to a single page. If necessary, extend it to two pages, but avoid excessive length. Long resumes tend to contain outdated or unnecessary information that dilutes the impact of your qualifications. If your resume exceeds three pages, it’s time to trim the content and prioritize the most relevant details.

Use simple, clean formatting

Your resume should be visually appealing and easy to read. Stick to professional fonts like serif or sans serif, using a 12-point size. Avoid decorative fonts, handwriting styles, or excessive stylization. Use one or two accent colors sparingly, and incorporate white space to ensure a clean and organized layout. Remember, images, including your headshot, should not be included unless specifically requested.

Eliminate space wasters

Space wasters refer to information that occupies valuable resume space without adding substantial value. Some common examples include:

Objective statements: Skip them unless you have something truly unique to offer.
References upon request: It is expected that you will provide references if requested.
Personal bios unrelated to your professional experience.
Microsoft Office proficiency: Unless it directly relates to the job, omit generic skills like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Listing generic soft skills: Showcase your skills through achievements rather than simply stating them.

Passing the 6-second skim test is essential to progressing to the next stage of the hiring process. By optimizing your resume with clear formatting, relevant information, and a concise layout, you increase your chances of catching the recruiter’s attention.

Remember, your resume is a powerful tool that should communicate your qualifications effectively at a glance and in-depth. By implementing these tips, you can create a compelling resume that will help you stand out from the competition and land your dream job.

Get a profile review

Cecilia is part of VH Academy team of experts and she will be responsible to evaluate your profile when you sign up to become part of this amazing community.

Discover VH Academy, the VanHack learning program designed for tech professional who wants to boost their skills to land a job abroad.

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Source:

VH Academy
https://www.randstad.ca/

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VANHACK, LinkedIn Talent Awards Winner 2021, is Canada’s most respected recruitment company. With more than 1,900 hires, VanHack is on a mission of increasing diversity and creating a borderless world. So if you are a software developer looking for a job abroad, in Canada, the US, or Europe, join VanHack today. 100% free for candidates, plus you will get all the preparation you need when your profile is shortlisted.