Tips for a Résumé to Survive Screening

 
As the market has shown the signs of recovery, you must be looking forward to get a good job opportunity in testing. In the sea of résumés before the recruiter, your résumé really needs to stand out. Needless to say, that résumé can make or break your chances to get even first call.

Use these tips to boost your résumé's chance of survival in the initial scrutiny:

1. Dates are important: Don't try to cover up your age or a gap in experience by omitting dates.

2. Use specific keywords: Many HR folks look for certain keywords from the job description. The résumé must be customized to meet the requirements of the potential job.

3. Be specific in your work: Verbs like "Assisted" or "worked on" sounds vague. Alternatively, use verbs like "designed," "wrote," or "led." Be specific while quoting any action.

4. No typos: This goes without saying, but too many résumés are full of spelling errors, grammatical mistakes and wrong punctuation marks.

5. Keep it short: A five-page résumé may be justified, but you must make it clear through headings and organization why you need so much space.

Last but not the least, your résumé is your baby and must be prepared delicately. In testing you produce lots of documents, test cases and test reports. If you have left errors in your profile, the interviewer cannot regard you as a tester or test manager (whichever is applicable). You may get rejected even though you perform reasonable good in the interview.