Writing a Winning Resume
Tips on writing a compelling RESUME with a competetive edge
When applying for a job through a job board, have you ever taken the time to notice the metrics that most include, listing the number of applications that have been submitted? It can be quite daunting to think of the number of other applicants you are up against – especially when your resume is the first impression you will make on any organisation - and according to statistics it takes on average 6-30 seconds for a recruiter to look at your resume and decide whether it is suitable or not.
Here are some tips and best practices to write a compelling resume that will help you stand out and make a lasting impression.
Design:
- Include an up-to-date professional photo of yourself in your resume. (Do not use selfies or photos that are filtered, keep them clear and natural)
- Include your full name, phone number, email address and a link to your network profile (such as your LinkedIn)
- For security reasons, people may be hesitant to put in their personal address, but it is important for employers to know where you are located, so put in your area or state and country. For local roles, this will help the employer to know how close you are to the job location for commuting reasons and allows the employer to gauge local salary norms and expectations.
- Include a concise introductory paragraph on your resume that highlights your qualifications, unique skills, and your enthusiasm for the role. This is the first part of introducing yourself, before you list your work history - so make sure it is dynamic and powerful as this will help grab the employer’s attention and can be the key to making your resume stand out immediately when they are parsing large volumes of applications.
Helpful hints in your design format:
- Use a design template. If you are going to use a pop of colour for your header or sidebar, use professional tones, black and white, or dark blues are most effective – extremely bold colours that are bright can detract from your important information immediately, making it look less professional.
- Due to the large volumes of resume's that are received for job applications, companies often use an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) that parses resume’s to search for specific keywords and skills that are relevant to the job. Having too many images on your first page or bright colours, can cause the ATS to automatically reject your resume
- Keep your resume in both a Word and PDF format. If you are applying via an online portal that parses your resume into an online form, it is easier for the ATS system to scan the relevant information. If you are applying via an email or attachment, it is a safer best practice for protection of your information.
Structure:
Your resume is a visual presentation of your yourself and your work history. Take the time to gather your information and ensure that it is accurate and relevant.
Always work in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent (or current) position. Include your Title/Position and work on the rule of the thumb that your resume should date back to the last 10-15 years at maximum. Ideally your resume should be 1-2 pages.
Your resume should be concise, yet informative, so list the tasks and responsibilities that are relevant
to the job you are applying for.
- If you are new to the job market and have had a part-time job or Internship whilst you have been studying, use transferable tasks to highlight your experience (customer service or sales). Include volunteering and any club activities that you have initiated or achieved in.
- If you have been in the job market for more than two years, include the titles that are most relevant and highlight the quality of the contributions to your company alongside your tasks. (Still bear in mind conciseness and relevance) Include any awards or achievements.
- Once you have reached the 10-year mark in your career it is helpful to include any continuing education classes you have done, such as LinkedIn Courses, Part-time courses, or company courses that you have completed. At this juncture in your career, you can still include your education and qualifications at a more concise level and start to remove earlier job roles (over 15 years old), that will give you room to include career highlights as you list your tasks.
- Make sure job tasks and skills are true and not over-exaggerated or made up – integrity and honesty are key. If you progress to the interview stage or are hired, it takes very little time for an employer or recruiter to realise that you have misrepresented yourself.
- Include 1-2 references. (Always ensure that you have requested permission from the referee about whether they are comfortable providing a reference and their contact details – never assume that any person or company is comfortable with providing a reference).
Did you know that using bullet points and action verbs on your resume greatly enhances your chances of
standing out to an employer? Here is a link to a list of words that are a powerful tool on your resume.
Finally, ensure you proofread your resume. A simple error can make or break your resume.
It can be helpful to take a few minutes to step away from your newly crafted resume and come back with a fresh mind to proofread it. If possible, ask a second qualified person to look at it – having a ‘second set of eyes’ can help give you additional perspective on how your resume comes across.
Maximise Efficiency and Minimise Costs: The Power of Outsourcing for Recruitment Businesses In today’s difficult market, small businesses face numerous challenges; tight budgets, limited resources, and the constant pressure to innovate. Outsourcing has emerged as a transformative solution to address these challenges, allowing businesses to stay competitive while maintaining efficiency. By outsourcing tasks to skilled professionals from South Africa, smaller businesses can unlock new opportunities for growth. This article explores how outsourcing can be the perfect strategy for your business in these uncertain times. The Benefits of Outsourcing 1. Time Saving to Focus on Business Development For small businesses, time is one of the most precious commodities. Outsourcing allows you to delegate time-consuming tasks such as customer support, administrative duties, and IT management to skilled professionals. This frees up time for yourself and your in-house team to focus on higher-value activities like business development, networking, and forming strategic partnerships. In a competitive market, these are the activities that can drive your business forward and open doors to new clients and candidates. 2. Optimise Costs Without Compromising Quality Small businesses often face budget constraints and must carefully prioritise spending. Outsourcing to South Africa allows you to save on operational costs, while still receiving high-quality services. By redirecting these savings, you can invest in areas that promote long-term business growth. South Africa’s competitive labor costs combined with a highly skilled workforce offer businesses the best of both worlds: affordability without sacrificing quality. 3. Access a Rich Talent Pool South Africa is home to a diverse, well-educated, and multilingual workforce with expertise across various industries, from Recruitment Consultants and Resources to HR, Marketing and IT professionals. For smaller businesses, this means access to a pool of talent that would be difficult and expensive to find locally. Whether you need specialised skills for a project or additional staff to handle growing demand, outsourcing gives you the flexibility to scale your workforce as needed. With a talent pool that rivals any global market, you can ensure that your business is always equipped with the best talent. 4. Scale Your Business with Ease Outsourcing allows you to scale quickly, which is especially crucial for smaller businesses that need to stay agile. As your business grows, outsourcing enables you to increase or reduce your workforce on demand, without the complexities of hiring, onboarding, or training new employees. This means you can allocate resources more efficiently and direct your energy toward activities that contribute to business growth. 5. Reduce Administrative Burdens Managing employees comes with numerous administrative responsibilities, from handling payroll to ensuring compliance with local labor laws. Outsourcing can take these administrative tasks off your plate. This is particularly beneficial for small businesses that lack the in-house resources to manage HR and compliance effectively. By outsourcing administrative functions, you not only reduce the time spent on paperwork but also ensure that your business remains compliant with all necessary regulations, particularly in international markets. Beyond Administrative Support: Specialised Roles in Recruitment Outsourcing recruitment roles is a smart solution for agencies looking to scale their team. Whether you're in need of 180 ° recruiters (focused on sourcing candidates) or 360 ° recruiters (handling the entire recruitment process), outsourcing offers flexibility, efficiency, and access to international talent. 180° Recruiters: By outsourcing this role, your agency can quickly build candidate pipelines without the need for additional in-house resources. These recruiters are experts at attracting high-quality candidates through various channels, saving your team time to focus on higher-value tasks. 360° Recruiters: By outsourcing 360 ° recruiters, you gain access to experienced, high-performing professionals who can seamlessly integrate into your team and manage the entire recruitment process. These recruiters are equipped to deliver results quickly, often becoming fully productive within just three months, ensuring your agency meets client demands efficiently and effectively. Final Thoughts In a challenging market, outsourcing provides small businesses with the opportunity to optimise time, resources, and costs, allowing you to focus on growing your business. By leveraging the high-quality talent and competitive labor costs available through outsourcing to South Africa, your business can stay agile, scale effectively, and thrive even in the toughest times. About Infinity Staff Global Infinity Staff Global specialises in connecting highly skilled South African professionals with businesses across the UK market. Our outsourcing services are tailored to provide cost-effective, high-quality staffing solutions in the industries of recruitment, human resources, marketing, and IT. By leveraging South Africa’s rich talent pool, we help UK companies overcome skill shortages, enhance productivity, and achieve operational efficiency without the complexity of local hiring. Want to get started? Get in touch with us by calling: 020 3890 5122 or by emailing us at: info@infinitystaffglobal.com
Ace Your Video Interview: A Candidate's Guide 63% of businesses use or have recently used video interview tools in their hiring process and as technology continues to advance, more and more companies are turning to video interviews as a convenient and efficient way to screen candidates. While video interviews offer the convenience of remote interactions, they also present unique challenges that can be daunting for job seekers. From technical difficulties to ensuring a professional setting, navigating a video interview requires careful preparation and a strategic approach. In this guide, we'll delve into the key aspects of video interviews, providing you with valuable tips and strategies to help you ace your next virtual interview and land your dream job. Preparing for Your Video Interview Technical Setup Choose a quiet, well-lit space: A calm environment free from distractions will help you focus on the interview. Ensure the lighting is adequate to illuminate your face clearly. Ensure a stable internet connection: A strong and reliable internet connection is essential for a smooth video interview. Test your connection beforehand to avoid any technical glitches. Test your camera and microphone: Make sure your camera and microphone are working properly and positioned correctly. Use a headset or earbuds to improve audio quality and reduce background noise. Dress professionally from head to toe: Even though only your upper body will be visible, dressing professionally from head to toe can help you feel more confident and prepared. Research and Practice Research the company and the role: Familiarise yourself with the company's mission, values, and recent news. Understand the specific requirements of the position and how your skills and experience align with them. Practice answering common interview questions: Prepare answers to common interview questions, such as "Tell me about yourself," "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" and "Why are you interested in this position?" Use a friend or family member for mock interviews: Practice your responses with a friend or family member to get comfortable speaking and answering questions in a simulated interview setting. This will also help you identify areas where you can improve. Tips During Your Video Interview Eye Contact Look directly into the camera, not at the screen: Maintaining eye contact with the camera creates a connection with the interviewer and shows that you are engaged and attentive. Body Language Sit up straight and maintain a confident posture: Good posture conveys confidence and professionalism. Avoid slouching or leaning back, as this can appear disinterested. Use hand gestures sparingly: Hand gestures can be helpful to emphasise points, but avoid excessive or distracting movements. Voice and Tone Speak clearly and articulate: Ensure your voice is clear and easy to understand. Avoid mumbling or speaking too quickly. Maintain a positive and enthusiastic tone: A positive and enthusiastic tone can help you make a favourable impression on the interviewer. Active Listening Pay attention to the interviewer's questions: Give the interviewer your full attention and avoid interrupting. Take notes if necessary to help you remember key points. Ask clarifying questions when needed: If you're unsure about a question or need more information, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. This shows that you are engaged and interested in the conversation. Common Video Interview Mistakes to Avoid Technical Difficulties Be prepared for potential technical issues and have a backup plan: Technical difficulties can happen unexpectedly. Be prepared with a backup device or internet connection to avoid disruptions. Distractions Minimise distractions in the background: Ensure your background is free from clutter and distractions. Consider using a virtual background to create a more professional setting. Overtalking Allow the interviewer to finish their questions before responding: Interrupting the interviewer can be seen as rude and disrespectful. Let them complete their questions before you begin your answer. Lack of Enthusiasm Show genuine interest in the role and the company: Your enthusiasm for the position can be a major factor in the interviewer's decision. Research the company and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role. Follow-Up After the Interview Send a Thank-You Note Express your appreciation for the opportunity: Thank the interviewer for their time and for considering you for the position. Briefly reiterate your interest in the position: Remind the interviewer of your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. Highlight a specific point from the interview: Refer to a specific point from the interview to show that you were paying attention and are genuinely interested. Conclusion Video interviews have become an essential part of the modern job application process. By understanding and addressing the unique challenges they present, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to: Prepare thoroughly by researching the company, practicing your answers, and ensuring a professional technical setup. Project confidence through your body language, voice, and eye contact. Active listening and engage in thoughtful conversation with the interviewer. Follow up with a thank-you note to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest. By practicing these tips and strategies, you'll be well-prepared to ace your next video interview and take a step closer to your dream job. Infinity Staff Global If you're a candidate looking for a new role, please reach out to us via info@infinitystaffglobal.com , submitting your CV here or calling us on +61 9037 7257 .
How to Make Your Company More Desirable to Candidates In today's competitive job market, attracting top talent is crucial. Finding qualified candidates is challenging due to skill shortages and increased competition, especially in the Construction, Manufacturing and Engineering sectors. When looking for a new role, candidates consider company culture, benefits, career growth, and reputation. This article explores strategies to make your company attractive to top talent: cultivate a strong culture, offer competitive benefits, invest in development, promote inclusivity, and maintain open communication. Cultivating a Strong Company Culture Company culture is the unique set of beliefs, values, and behaviours that define an organisation. It shapes the way employees interact with each other and with customers. A positive company culture can differentiate a company from its competitors, making it a more attractive place to work. A strong company culture is built on shared values, beliefs, and behaviours. These elements create a sense of unity and purpose among employees. When employees feel connected to the company's mission and values, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. To create a positive and supportive work environment, companies should: Encourage teamwork and collaboration: Team-building activities and cross-functional projects can promote a sense of camaraderie and cooperation among employees. Promote a sense of purpose and shared values: By communicating the company's mission and vision, employees can understand the bigger picture and feel more connected to their work. Celebrate achievements and recognise contributions: Recognising employees' hard work and accomplishments can boost morale and employee engagement. Create opportunities for social interaction and networking: Social events and company outings can help employees build relationships and strengthen team bonds. Offer Competitive Benefits and Compensation Competitive compensation packages are essential for attracting and retaining top talent. Salaries and wages should be in line with market rates to ensure that employees are fairly compensated for their work. Offering competitive compensation can help a company attract the best candidates and reduce turnover. If you’re not sure what the current market rates are, reach out to us for a discussion. In addition to competitive salaries, companies should also offer a comprehensive benefits package. This may include: Health insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance can help employees cover the cost of healthcare expenses. Retirement plans: Pension plans can help employees save for retirement. Paid time off: Vacation, sick leave, and personal time allow employees to take breaks and recharge. Flexible work arrangements: Remote work and flexible hours can help employees achieve a better work-life balance. Employee assistance programs: These programs provide support for employees' mental health, well-being, and personal challenges. Additional perks: Gym memberships, commuter benefits, and company-sponsored events can enhance employees' overall experience and satisfaction. By offering a competitive compensation package that meets the needs and expectations of employees, companies can create a more attractive and desirable workplace. Invest in Employee Development and Growth Investing in employee development is essential for creating a high-performing and engaged workforce. Professional development opportunities can help employees grow their skills, expand their knowledge, and advance their careers. When employees feel supported and invested in, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to their work. Investing in employee development also benefits the company as a whole. It can lead to increased productivity, innovation, and employee retention. When employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, they can be more effective in their roles and contribute to the company's goals. To provide growth opportunities for employees, companies should: Offer training and professional development programs: These programs should be tailored to individual needs and career goals. Encourage mentorship and coaching: Mentorship and coaching can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights from experienced employees. Create clear career paths and opportunities for advancement: Employees should understand the potential career paths available within the company and have opportunities to advance their careers. Provide opportunities for employees to take on new challenges and responsibilities: This can help employees develop new skills and grow in their roles. By investing in employee development, companies can create a positive and supportive work environment that fosters growth, engagement, and success. Embed Inclusivity and Diversity Creating an inclusive and diverse workplace is essential for promoting a positive and productive work environment. Diversity brings a variety of perspectives, experiences, and skills to the table, which can lead to better decision-making, problem-solving, and innovation. When employees feel valued and respected, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to their work. To promote diversity and inclusion, companies should: Implement fair hiring practices and eliminate bias in the recruitment process: Ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and that hiring decisions are based on qualifications and merit, not on personal biases. Create employee resource groups: These groups can provide support, networking opportunities, and a sense of community for employees from diverse backgrounds. Encourage a culture of respect and inclusivity through training and education: Provide training to employees on diversity and inclusion topics, and create a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Ensure that diversity and inclusion are reflected in company policies and practices: Review and update company policies to ensure that they promote diversity and inclusion. By embedding inclusivity and diversity into their workplace culture, companies can create a more equitable, innovative, and successful organisation. Embrace Transparency and Open Communication Open and honest communication is essential for building trust, improving employee morale, and building a positive work environment. When employees feel informed and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. Transparency and open communication can also benefit the company as a whole. Increased employee engagement and reduced turnover can lead to higher productivity, better customer service, and a stronger company culture. To build trust and transparency, companies should: Encourage open dialogue between employees and management: Create regular communication channels and opportunities for employees to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Share company information and updates regularly: Keep employees informed about company news, developments, and goals. Provide feedback and performance reviews: Regular feedback and performance reviews can help employees understand their strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement. Create a culture where employees feel comfortable sharing their opinions and concerns: Encourage open communication by setting a positive example and demonstrating respect for different perspectives. By embracing transparency and open communication, companies can build a stronger, more trusting, and more successful organisation. Conclusion To attract and retain top talent, companies must create a desirable workplace that meets the needs and expectations of today's job seekers. The key factors that make a company attractive include: A strong company culture: A positive and supportive work environment that has a sense of belonging and purpose. Competitive benefits and compensation: Fair pay, comprehensive benefits packages, and opportunities for growth. Investment in employee development: Opportunities for professional growth, training, and career advancement. Inclusivity and diversity: A workplace that values and respects individuals from all backgrounds. Open and honest communication: A culture of transparency and trust that encourages open dialogue and feedback. By implementing these strategies, companies can create a compelling employer brand and attract the best talent available. Investing in a positive employee experience not only leads to higher job satisfaction and retention but also drives business success. Infinity Staff Global If you're a candidate looking for a remote or hybrid role, please reach out to us via info@infinitystaffglobal.com , submitting your CV here or calling us on +61 9037 7257 .
