by Haley Martin, Creative Recruiter & Hembree Monk, Technical Recruiter

When it comes to the perfect resume template, there’s no “one-size-fits-all.” And with a multitude of industries and available roles in the job market, resumes tend to look vastly different from person to person. Historically, job hunters have been taught that the golden rule in resume building is the “one-page” rule. We beg to differ.

Rather than the primary focus being on length and brevity, we argue that content, organization and style are much more important in resume building. Here at Synergis, our recruiting team is built out of two important categories: IT and Creative. Our IT & Creative recruiters review very different types of resumes that are all equally effective depending on the types of roles these candidates are looking for.

In this blog, we will outline tips and tricks to help you create the most effective resume and get the job of your dreams.

1. Know your readers

A great starting point is to know your audience. As recruiters, we analyze keywords and skills in a resume. Highlight your areas of expertise throughout your resume. And this is what we look for when we source candidates. It is highly important to have an understanding of the position so that you can cater your resume to hiring managers and recruiters that view it.

2. Word choice is important 

Take the time to streamline your resume and make it easy to read. Highlight your background, skills and knowledge of tools. One of the most important things recruiters look for in a resume is clarity. You must sum up your skills and experience concisely while hitting all the bullet points. And of course, these points cover what makes you more special and more qualified than anyone else for the position.

3. Mention your prior accomplishments

Including statements surrounding your accomplishments is the best way to show recruiters you are skilled and proficient in a certain area. This should go further than simply listing duties and responsibilities. Recruiters want to know what you accomplished in previous positions because it gives them a better idea about what you can do for their clients. These are noteworthy accomplishments that help you stand out from other applicants.

4. Don’t miss important data points

Crucial data points such as length of a job, company name, dates and job titles are very important details that recruiters take into consideration when reviewing resumes. Without this information, it’s unlikely your resume will pass on to the next person in line responsible for making the hiring decision. Remember, yours must stand out, so don’t exclude these.

5. Appear motivated and enthusiastic

When writing your resume, try to come across as excited or inspired by the company you’re applying to. Make it sound as though you want the position more than any other applicant. A good place to demonstrate your interest in the position is in the summary statement of your resume. Summary statements help demonstrate how you qualify for the job and why you would make a better fit than anyone else.

6. Consider your style

Now, here is where our advice is going to differ depending on whether you are applying for an IT role or a Creative role.

Because information technology is such a broad field with countless specialties, it is important to focus mainly on highlighting your technical abilities and certifications. And you must be specific. IT recruiters perform “keyword” searches in a variety of databases to find the right candidates. These candidates must possess the necessary skills for the job they are recruiting for.

To better stand out, including “buzz words” and specific technical capabilities will increase the chances of a recruiter reviewing your resume. In addition, IT recruiters are not looking for resumes to be a work of art. Adding different fonts and stylized graphics to your resume does not increase your chances of coming up in a search result. In reality, content is most important.

On the other hand, creative recruiters are looking for personal style and creativity in their resume reviews. Adding creative fonts and graphics to show your style is a great way to get noticed by a creative recruiter. This applies not only to your resume but to your portfolio as well.

Because creative roles tend to be centered around visual design, creative recruiters must be able to SEE your design rather than only read about it. Also include design samples with your resume for recruiters to notice you. As a creative recruiter, it is so important for me to look over your design process and what you have worked on!

When it comes to writing the perfect resume, quality and quantity are both important. Focus less on summarizing yourself on one page and focus more on highlighting your strengths. In the end, market yourself as the most qualified applicant you can be. And if you need help with your resume, reach out to us!

About the authors

Haley Martin serves as a Creative Recruiter in our Atlanta office. Haley earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication with a minor in Marketing from Georgia College & State University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. As a new Atlanta local, she enjoys trying new restaurants in the city.

Hembree Monk serves as a Technical Recruiter in Synergis’ Atlanta office. Hembree earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Sociology from the University of Georgia. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and being with friends and family.