Top 5 tips for writing a resume- Candidates with 5+ years of experience

1. Watch the length.There are many schools of thought on the length of a resume.  According totheladders.net recruiters on average only spend 6 seconds on each individuals resume. We believe that resumes should be fewer than 2.5 pages in length; otherwise you could be passed over.
2. Fill in the Gaps.  Many of our clients are concerned when seeing major gaps in resume of 3+ months.  We recommend doing volunteer work, or taking an interim part time job in order to fill in these gaps.
3. Avoid skills based resumes. According to forbes.com a skills based resume style focuses on specific skills you have and particular aspects of your experience, centering on those that are most transferable to the job you’re seeking. Skills based resumes often cannot be properly interpreted by a more entry level recruiter, as typically they are the first people review the resume.  Skills based resumes also do not translate very well through applicant tracking databases.
4. How far back to go in time? According to Salary.com, going back 10-15 years in experience is reasonable.  However, if you are changing career paths and need to emphasize your past experience, you may need to go outside this range.  Be sure to watch the length of the resume and keep in 2.5 pages, or under.
5. Check your resume for keywords. As candidate move up in experience level, you are typically on a very set career path.  When looking for a positon, it is essential that your resume passes the keywords test, so HR can find your resume in their applicant tracking system. According tocareerealism.com 75% of large companies are using applicant tracking systems.

For advice on your career, reach out to Bradley Staffing Group