Getting the best job opportunities demands two things: having the required skills and a good resume. This article shows you how to use Kickresume to craft resumes that will qualify you for your dream job.
For starters, Kickresume is a leading online AI tool for creating Resumes, Cover Letters, and a comprehensive suite of tools needed for career advancement. In this article, first, we will explore the features and capabilities of Kickresume in comparison with what recruiters look out for in Job applicants.
How Kickresume Can Help Land Your Dream Job
Remember we agreed you need two things to land your dream job; having the required skills and a good resume. Well, Kickresume saves you from the dilemma of repeated rejection emails, by creating simple and professional resumes.
So what features make Kickresume a powerful tool for creating simple and professional resumes?
Full Features of Kickresume (Plus Benefits)
1. Resume Builder
With the right descriptions and prompts, Kickresume helps you create a professional and effective resume tailored to your specific job applications. It guides you through the process, ensures your resume is ATS-friendly, and highlights your key qualifications.
Kickresume has an array of 40+ resume templates and this allows you to choose from a variety of professionally designed resume templates to create a visually appealing and appropriately formatted resume. Kickresume is an AI tool so it also helps you eliminate grammatical errors and proofreading mistakes.
2. Cover Letter Builder
Cover Letters give you the opportunity to pitch your skills and experience. Kickresume helps you create exceptional cover letters that meet the expectations of job recruiters. Kickresume also helps you create compelling cover letters that complement your resume and increase your chances of getting noticed.
3. Website Builder
Portfolios are crucial for standing out and showcasing your expertise. Kickresume helps you build a professional online portfolio to showcase your work. A strong online presence can impress your potential employers and help you land your dream job.
4. Career Map
Young Professionals will find this feature invaluable. Kickresume’s Career Map provides valuable insights and step-by-step guidance on your industry, helping you make informed decisions about your career path.
5. ATS Resume Checker
Your resume needs to be more than just good; it needs to be ATS-optimized. With Kickresume’s Resume Checker, you get recommendations and feedback for the right keyword placements in your resume. This helps you identify areas for improvement and boost your chances of landing an interview.
What Recruiters Look Out For in Resumes
Elby James, a seasoned resume consultant answering the question of what recruiters look out for in job applicants says “We like plain and simple resumes. We like resumes that are easy on the eyes. We like short resumes. That’s not to say if you have an interesting resume we won’t want to read more . . . but that is rare. Personally, two pages, maybe three.”
He shares his insights on what recruiters look for in a resume. We will juxtapose each of the key points:
1. Clear and Simple Formatting
Recruiters skim through countless resumes. A clean format with easy-to-read fonts makes your resume stand out. As Elby James puts it, “If the resume had some kind of funny-looking or unconventional formatting it went in the bin.”
Kickresume offers a variety of professional and easy-to-read font styles, allowing you to create a resume that’s clear and visually appealing without sacrificing functionality.
2. Professional Look
Avoid unnecessary graphics, colors, or fonts. Keep it simple and professional. Kickresume understands this, offering professional resume templates designed to make a strong first impression.
As Elby James recalls: “I remember getting one resume which was in multiple colors…and had multiple columns and his picture in the upper left-hand corner. If he was applying for a graphic design position then maybe…I would give it a look…but he wasn’t.”
3. Proofread Meticulously
Typos and grammatical errors can leave a negative impression. Elby James reinforces this by stating: “First thing, I abhor typos, there is no need for typos; there are two reasons I say this. The first reason is spell check…IT’S FREE! The second reason is a resume is an important document.”
Kickresume integrates a powerful spell-checking tool to catch any errors before you submit your resume.
4. Contact Information
This might seem obvious, but including clear and professional contact details is vital. Ensure your resume includes your full name, phone number, and professional email address (avoid usernames like “hottotrot123@gmail.com”). Kickresume provides dedicated sections for your contact information, guiding you toward a professional presentation.
5. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Tasks
Recruiters want to see what you’ve accomplished, not just the day-to-day tasks you performed. As Elby James puts it: “Are they just telling me what they did? Or are they telling me how they helped the company? Are they telling me what they brought to the table?” Kickresume helps you frame your experience by focusing on achievements and quantifiable results using strong action verbs.
6. Action Verbs and Strong Bullet Points
Use strong action verbs to start your bullet points and keep them concise (ideally 4-5). Recruiters appreciate concise and impactful descriptions of your experience. Kickresume offers guidance on crafting compelling bullet points that start with strong action verbs and highlight your key contributions.
7. Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description
Ensure your experience and skills are relevant to the specific position you’re applying for. A generic resume won’t stand out.
Kickresume helps you to tailor your resume for each position by allowing you to easily highlight the specific skills and experience mentioned in the job description.
8. Positive Social Media Perception
Recruiters often check social media profiles. Maintain a professional online presence that reflects well on you. Elby James advises: “Remember to self-censor when you post to Facebook or Twitter, or any social media outlet for that matter.” While
Kickresume can’t manage your social media directly, it provides valuable reminders to help you maintain a positive online image.
9. Keywords
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often scan resumes for relevant keywords. Including keywords from the job description increases your chances of getting noticed. Elby James acknowledges this: “The company I worked for never scanned resumes for keywords…If you don’t have a job description…you can always find a similar job posting…Keywords help tremendously.”
Kickresume helps you identify and incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume strategically.
11. Cover Letters
While cover letters were once standard, their importance has lessened as job applications shift online. Elby James notes: “Since job searching is pretty much completely done online, cover letters kind of faded away…Everyone I worked with in HR pretty much ignores cover letters altogether.”
Kickresume allows you to create cover letters if required by a specific job posting but focuses on crafting a strong resume as the core of your application.
13. Honesty is the Best Policy
Avoid exaggerating your skills or experience. Recruiters can spot exaggerations easily.
14. Template Trap
Consider avoiding generic resume templates. Recruiters can often identify them and they might not showcase your individuality.
In summary, Elby James believes recruiters appreciate resumes that are:
- Easy to Read and Navigate: Clear formatting and concise bullet points make it easy for them to find the information they need.
- Concise (Ideally 1-2 Pages): Keep it focused and relevant to the position you’re applying for.
- Professional and Well-Presented: A professional tone and presentation create a positive first impression.
Now that you understand what recruiters look for and how Kickresume aligns with those expectations, landing your job has just gotten easier and you can easily move on to the next step of your career. With Kickresume, you’re not just building a resume; you’re building your career.