How to Write a Resume That Gets Interviews: Resume Help in PA for Every Job Seeker

Today's job market still uses resumes as a valuable tool, whether you're building out your LinkedIn page, submitting an online application, or walking into an interview with a paper resume. A great resume highlights your relevant job skills and experience in a way that appeals to hiring managers and recruiters—and the AI they might use. Start with these job application tips for Pennsylvania jobs so your resume helps you thrive in the market. 

 

Start With the Right Resume Format and Sections

Instead of just updating your existing resume, we recommend starting from scratch so you can strategically develop the document. Traditionally, chronological resumes have been the default. But depending on the role and your job history, a functional or hybrid resume may be a better fit. Also, block out space for these essential sections:
 

• Contact information
• Summary of your objectives, focus, and fit for the job (many successful applicants customize the summary to suit every new role)
• Skills
• Experience
• Education

If you're newer to the job market, emphasizing your higher education in the document can be a great strategy by placing it at the top of your resume, along with relevant courses and accomplishments. If you have a long history with different positions, selecting the most relevant or the most recent can help you use the space wisely.
The formatting itself also plays an important role in your resume's success. Most employers start evaluating applications through an applicant tracking system (ATS). These programs can pull out text, look for keywords, and perform other checks as a pre-evaluative step. The ATS also reformats the text into fields. To aid the software, it's best to use standard formatting. Use pre-made header defaults and clearly label each section with text like "Work Experience" or "Education." Write out dates in a consistent format, and make sure all your information is in the body of the document, not the headers or footers.
 

What to Avoid on Your Resume

It's just as important to know what not to add. Avoid images, complex formatting, and vague or descriptive phrases that don't provide value. You want your resume to be concise, well-organized, and easy for everyone (including computers) to read.
 

Use Keywords and Achievements to Stand Out to Employers

Whether your prospective employer uses smart software or has recruiters glancing over resumes, they're likely looking for keywords. These keywords might correspond to specific software, technical skills, or even their preferred phraseology. Job application tips across Pennsylvania focus on figuring out what those keywords are. In many cases, it's a matter of reflecting the language in the job description back. Explicitly outline how you meet or exceed role requirements and desired skills, such as five or more years of experience with a certain software or ten or more years in the specific industry.

Also, make your achievements stand out with concise, action-oriented bullet points. Write in results-based language that emphasizes your success, including points like:
 

• "Reducing monthly operational spending by 2%"
• "Improving NPS scores from 6.7 to 8.3."

 

Resume Review Tips and a Job Application Readiness Checklist

For easy resume help in PA, use this quick checklist once you have a resume draft:
 

• Look for spelling errors.
• Remove repetitive phrasing or extraneous detail.
• If you do tailored resumes and cover letters, make sure details for other applications have been thoroughly removed or replaced. 
• Give your resume to someone else to review.

Once your resume is in good shape, make sure you have the rest of the application information ready. This often includes a cover letter and at least three references. Also, make sure your online profiles, both LinkedIn and personal social media profiles, show you in a professional light.
 

Get Free Resume Help in PA With Carbon County Workforce Training

Looking for more job application tips in Pennsylvania? Carbon County Workforce Training is here to provide resume help in PA, application resources, and support as you navigate the job market. Reach out today to schedule personalized sessions for resume help in PA and to find your dream job.