14 Resume & Cover Letter Hacks from a Hiring Manager

More than 300 resumes came through Balcom’s “Careers” portal last year. I’m the one who reviews each one (somewhere between the press checks and estimates involved in my “real” job as director of production services). So which ones move me to invite you for an interview?

Here are the practical hacks most likely to give you a leg up – wherever you may be applying.

The Hacks

Content

1. Keep it professional and short. The person reviewing applicants is probably very busy (I know I am), and brevity will be appreciated.
2. Use relevant keywords. Big corporations use scanning software to search resumes for the right qualifications.
3. Use the cover letter to show your personality, but show that you understand what the job entails. Balance is essential: don't be too wacky, or it will turn off the reader.
4. At the end of the resume, list your interests, like travel experiences, language skills, social interactions such as golf, team sports, tennis, etc. This may spark a common interest with the interviewer. (As a mother of an Eagle Scout, for instance, I know the kind of skills and dedication required to earn the title, and it gives us something else to talk about.)