Crafting a standout resume is more than just listing job history. Tell your professional story with a compelling resume to capture attention and showcase your strengths. 

One of the first steps to looking for employment opportunities is to update your resume.  

One of our BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina recruiters shares some resume tips to get yours to the top of the pile. 

1. Yes, everyone needs a resume. 

Even though you may be applying online through an applicant tracking system, you still need a formal resume. If you don’t attach a resume, you will get a message asking for one. Without a resume, you will not be considered for the position. 

Your resume gives a full snapshot of your skill set and experience. It provides an overview of how you qualify for the position you are applying for. 

2. Do you really need to update it now? 

It is important to make sure your resume is updated if you are looking for employment. 

It is a good idea to update your resume any time you gain new skills. If you have a new job or position, you should also update your resume. 

If you are in the same position, you should refresh your resume about every three to four years. 

3. OK, but is one resume enough? 

No. One resume will not work fully if you are actively in the market for a new job. 

Update your resume for each position to make sure you are capturing your skills to match the job requirements. 

For example, if the position requires experience with a particular software, make sure you include that information. For another position, that software may not be necessary, and you can remove it to add another important skill. This will help keep your resume within a reasonable length. 

Focus on providing accomplishments too, no matter how big or small. Job responsibilities are important, but accomplishments stand out.

4. Does it have to be one page? 

Sticking to one page is a common recommendation. 

If you have been in your professional career for more than 10 years, it is more acceptable to have two pages. If you’re still starting out, though, keep it to one page. 

The key is to be concise and include the most relevant information for the job you are applying for. 

5. More importantly — get it right. 

Proofreading your resume for grammar and spelling errors can be more important than keeping your resume short. Mistakes stand out when you are trying to put your best foot forward. 

The presentation matters. It can send a message that you don’t care if you are sloppy with the resume. Take the time to perfect it. Have a friend or peer review for feedback. 

Make sure you include the correct resume and cover letter when attaching your documents. Using one for another position can be an immediate red flag for recruiters. 

Your dates of employment should be correct and align properly. If you have completed a job, make sure there is an end date. 

6. The details matter. 

Your email address should be appropriate and professional.

Your voicemail message should also be professional. Check it often when searching for a new job to make sure it is not full, as recruiters may be attempting to contact you! When applying for jobs, you want to make a good impression before meeting a recruiter. That means every point of contact should be handled professionally. 

7. Get to the point. 

Our recruiters review hundreds of resumes. This means scanning for important information. Don’t include too much history that may not be relevant to the position. 

Bullet points can help keep the document scannable. As does bolding job titles, company name or years of experience. 

8. Include keywords. 

Be sure your resume includes keywords for the position you are applying for. If there’s specific software or skills needed for the position, be sure that is in your document. This is one of the most important things recruiters are looking for. 

Be direct. Include the words from the job listing. Getting fancy or using alternative words can work against you. 

9. Keep it consistent. 

Make it easy for recruiters scanning your resume by using a clear style. Keep the job titles, length of employment and skills uniform. 

Recruiters are checking to see if you have the necessary number of years of experience for the position. Listing your work history in order with the most recent at the top and ending with your oldest position makes it easier for recruiters to review your resume for requirements. 

The starting date, ending date and month will be top of mind for those reviewing resumes. They want to know exactly how long you have been in each position. 

Too many jobs that are current or listed as “to present” can be a red flag. Be sure you are accurate with the information on your work history. 

10. Don’t do this. 

A few of the things on the “Do Not Include” list: 

• Marital status
• A picture 
• Family size
• Personal information 

Don’t use first person, saying I, me or my. Don’t refer to yourself in third person. For example, you wouldn’t say, “Mrs. Smith’s experience with this software makes her an ideal candidate.”  

11. Any final formatting tips? 

If you are starting out and looking for a new job, using the built-in templates on Microsoft or online is OK. It doesn’t have to be specially designed or formatted. In fact, keeping it simple can work in your favor. 

Make sure the font you use is easy to read and isn’t smaller than 10 point. 

Avoid using too much bold font or different types, colors or design elements. Recruiters are looking for substance, not style, for most job openings.   

Your resume gives recruiters or hiring managers a snapshot of previous work experience as it pertains to the job they are trying to fill. It is the first line of marketing for yourself. Make sure you’re selling yourself! 

12. Last bit of advice? 

Apply for jobs that are relevant to your work experience. Pay attention to the job requirements. Our recruiters say that job requirements are key to qualifying for open positions, so make sure you meet the minimum qualifications. 

Once you have your resume polished, look at open positions here at BlueCross. Then find more hiring tips from our recruiters for how to land the job.