The Secrets to the Top Third of Your Best Resume Yet (Plus a Free Resume Template)
How to write the top third of your resume so you get noticed.
Resume template link at the bottom!
Want to know how you write a resume that is ATS-friendly and includes all of the information needed to get you noticed by employers? Or What is a resume template that is working great right now to get hired?
When it comes to job hunting, your resume is your first impression with potential employers. It is the document that summarizes your skills, experiences, and achievements in a concise and compelling way. So, it is crucial to make sure that your resume effectively showcases your strengths and makes a lasting impact on hiring managers. One of the most critical parts of your resume is the top third, which can determine whether or not your application makes it to the next round.
Why is the top third of your resume so important? Here are a few reasons:
It’s what most recruiters see
In most applicant tracking systems (ATS), recruiters only see the top ⅓ of your resume when they click on your application. If that part doesn’t stand out to them and give them a reason to keep looking, they won’t even bother opening the rest of your resume to read anything else.
First impressions matter
Hiring managers often spend only a few seconds scanning resumes before deciding whether to keep reading or move on to the next applicant. This means that the first part of your resume needs to grab their attention and make them want to learn more about you. The top third of your resume is the first thing that recruiters see, so it is crucial to make a strong first impression.
It sets the tone for the rest of your resume
The top third of your resume should be a summary of your most relevant qualifications and experiences. This sets the tone for the rest of your resume and helps recruiters quickly understand your value proposition as a candidate. If your top third is weak, confusing, or doesn’t highlight your assets, it will be difficult to recover in the later sections of your resume.
It highlights your most important skills and achievements
Recruiters are looking for candidates who have the skills and experiences that match the requirements of the job. The top third of your resume should highlight your most relevant skills and achievements to show that you are a strong match for the position. This can include a summary of your career objective, a list of key skills, or a brief overview of your most impressive achievements.
It can make your resume stand out from the competition
Recruiters often receive hundreds of resumes for a single job posting. A strong top third can help your resume stand out from the competition and make a lasting impression on hiring managers. This can increase your chances of being invited for an interview and ultimately landing the job.
To make the most of the top third of your resume, here are 4 great tips to keep in mind:
Keep it concise: Your top third should be no more than a few sentences or bullet points. This is not the place to include lengthy descriptions of your work history or education.
Customize it for each job: Tailor your top third to the specific requirements of the job you are applying for. This will help show that you are a strong match for the position.
Use strong action words: Use strong action words to describe your achievements and experiences. This will help show that you are proactive and results-driven.
Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences: Focus on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. This will help recruiters quickly understand your value proposition as a candidate.
The top third of your resume is crucial to making a strong first impression with potential employers. Follow these tips and focus on your most relevant qualifications and experiences, you can create a top third that effectively showcases your strengths and increases your chances of landing the job you want.
Note- the rest of your resume need to be pretty awesome too (just like you) to get you in the door for an interview. If you want my free resume template, download this free resume guide.
I hope you’ve found this helpful and I wish you the best of luck in your writing process. If you are looking for more information, please visit my website- Higher & Hire. If I can be of assistance to you, please reach out to me here.
Many Thanks!
Valerie Palmer
