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Resume not getting noticed? Check out these tips

15/01/2018BY: Tracey Mesken

​You submit your resume and wait.  And wait.  And wait.  So why isn’t anyone calling?

A resume is an important tool in your job search.   It is the key to helping you to get hired for a position, yet many blue-collar workers pay little attention to this important document.

Your resume is a chance to make a great first impression; it is a way to stand out in today’s competitive job market.  Follow these tips to create a resume that gets that phone ringing.

1. Open with a punch 

The first section of your resume should pack the strongest punch.  Many resume’s handed in are just a list of jobs, but you need to go beyond that and write a summary of your most important skills that are relevant to the jobs you are chasing.  Think about what the employer would be looking for and then match your existing skills and qualifications.  Include things like;

• Your trade
• Licenses’, tickets & certifications
• Medicals & Inductions
• Years of experience
• Equipment or machinery you can operate
• Important skills & industry knowledge

2. Your Work History 

Your work history is where you have a chance to prove your skill level.  You might find it difficult to identify your achievements because you feel you were just doing your job.  Have a think about the responsibilities and achievements you take for granted and include these in your resume, ask yourself questions like;

• Did you win any awards of receive incentives for work performance?
• Did you train new employees?
• Did your work enable a project to be completed on time and/or on budget?
• Did you complete any special training?
• Did you complete jobs with zero harm?
• Did you submit all your reports on time?
• Did you implement or recommend processes that improved productivity or efficiency?

3. Training 

A stand out resume needs to include hands on education and training related to your trade or skill.  Use this section to list courses attended, vocational training, further education, certification, licenses completed, signed skills matrix & equipment competencies.

4. Proof Read  

Spelling and grammatical errors are very common in blue-collar resumes.  Avoiding these common mistakes can make all the difference in your resume being put forward to possible employers.  Make sure you show your resume to a few people to double check it is error free.  You need to think of your resume as an advertisement of your services, that extra attention to detail will make all the difference.
The job market today is extremely competitive.  If you apply for a position that you don’t meet the specific requirements & qualifications, the cold hard truth is that you are not going to hear back.  There is possibly someone else who has the required specifics for the role just as eventually there will be a role the suits your skills.

5. Application process

Every employer will have their own specific application process that you must follow.  This may be anything from an online application form to an ability test. If you want your resume to be noticed, it is important that you pay attention to what the process is, and double check you have completed all the necessary requirements.

6. Follow up

Following up in a courteous, professional way can make you stand out in a positive light,  making it more likely that you won't be overlooked.  Let the employer know how interested you are in the position, and how eager you are to meet for an interview and thank them for reviewing your resume. You can also take the opportunity to add or clarify any information about your qualifications that you would like to highlight.  If the company is not ready to make decisions or interview people, ask when they plan to begin the interview process or when they plan to make hiring decisions, so you will know when to follow up again.  It is usually best to wait a week or so before making an inquiry giving the employer enough time to review job applications.

 

Most importantly don’t be disheartened and don’t give up! There are so many roles out there and so many people applying you are not likely to find the perfect job on your first go.

So use the tips above, create that stand out resume and make sure you set time aside each day to sit down and search for new positions and apply, apply, apply.