Ten Signs Your Resume Is Submission-Ready

1. It's Personalized

Even though it lists your career highlights, a resume is a living record. This indicates that it is evolving and increasing continuously. The greatest approach to get your application past an applicant tracking system (ATS) and into the hands of a hiring manager, in addition to updating your CV frequently, is to adapt it to the job you're applying for. While it does take time, a CV that is specifically tailored to the position and the business aids the hiring manager in seeing you in the position.

2. It's been edited and proofread

Although you might have used spell-check when writing your CV, you can't always rely on it. Additionally, make sure to give your resume careful proofreading because mistakes in syntax and spelling make it simple for hiring managers to reject your application. To check for any unexpected problems, try reading your resume from bottom to top backward or reading it aloud.

Likewise, read it aloud to a family member or trusted acquaintance to see if they pick up on anything. You might find that "their" was used inadvertently in place of "there" or "they're." Or you might discover that some of your bullet points conclude with a period and some don't.

3. It Is Not Like Your LinkedIn

Your LinkedIn profile, like your CV, is a history of your professional achievements that you may (and should) update on a regular basis. However, unlike your resume, your LinkedIn cannot be altered for each job application. A well-optimized LinkedIn profile, however, complements and strengthens your application; it never serves as a carbon copy of your resume.

You may, for instance, include references to outside publications as well as recommendations and support from previous coworkers and superiors. And your past activity shows how knowledgeable you are about your sector. Having said that, your LinkedIn profile and resume must coincide. The recruiting manager may reject your application if your resume lists specific dates you worked there, but your LinkedIn page lists a different time frame.

4. It Shows You Fit the Role Well.

If a candidate fits the company's culture or even adds to it, that is one of the qualities many employers seek in candidates. And it should be clear by looking at your resume. Will you enjoy your work and be motivated by it? If you don't, you won't likely love your work, which will affect your performance and likelihood of long-term employment.

5. It Can Be Scanned

Recruiters and hiring managers frequently review resumes for just seven seconds before deciding whether to give them a closer look (and schedule you for an interview). The decision-making process might take less than seven seconds if the business uses an ATS. Make it simple for both people and machines to scan your resume and locate the data they need. Use basic layouts and typefaces that are easy to read. Use section headings (Education, Experience, Skills) to let the reader decide whether to continue reading.

6. It isn't overly long (or Short)

Resumes often range in length from one to two pages. If you include anything else, your resume is not prepared for submission. Think about only including the most recent 10 to 15 years of relevant work experience to assist you to reach the "perfect" length for your resume. And just draw attention to the top three to five crucial abilities you want a potential employer to be aware of.

7. The Bullets Are Accurate

Just because your experience section has bullet points doesn't mean your resume is ready to send. You've created excellent bullet points, so it's ready to send! Use an action verb to start each bullet point on your resume. These compelling, engaging languages make it easier for the hiring manager to visualize you carrying out the work you're describing. A single line should be all that each bullet point is! This frees up space on your resume that might be used for another bullet point.

8. It Has An Accomplishment Focus

Each bullet point should begin with an action verb and discuss successes and results rather than tasks. This will make it easier for the hiring manager to understand your qualifications and how you plan to apply your expertise to their business. Additionally, showing the hiring manager how your accomplishments will impact their bottom line with results-based evidence (such as facts and numbers) will help you land the job.

9. Relevant Keywords Are Used

Utilizing keywords from the job description in your resume is one of the finest ways to make sure it is prepared for submission. Many ATSs are programmed to scan the job posting for particular words. Your resume will rank higher in the automated system if you use as many pertinent keywords as you can without stuffing the text. Using keywords from the job description in your resume might assist the hiring manager in better understanding how your talents are a fit for the position and the business, even if the employer doesn't use an ATS.

10. You have read the job description again.

Finally, when you have reviewed the job description again and are comfortable that you are adhering to all of the instructions, your resume will be prepared for submission. Does the term "pineapple" have to be on your resume? Ensure that it is present. Do you need a PDF resume? Put it in that format.

Tap "Submit"

While it is possible to spend too much time creating and updating your resume, you can be sure it is ready to submit if it meets the aforementioned 10 criteria!