Selling Yourself: 5 Resume Language Tips to Land Your Dream Job

You've been looking for a new job, but your resumes don't seem to be doing the trick. Sure, you're getting interviews, but you haven't yet landed that dream job. You haven't even landed anything that pays more and has a better commute.

Part of the problem might be luck. Sometimes, it takes a while to find the right match. You might also have stiff competition.

But you're not helpless. You can also look at the materials you're sending out. For instance, your resume language could be holding you back more than you know.

Keep reading for five tips on how to write a great resume.

1. Mimic the Job Posting's Language

One of the best resume tips is to sound like the job you're applying for. That's easier than it sounds on the surface. It doesn't mean you have to completely rewrite your resume every time you apply for a job.

Writing a good resume first means reading the job posting at least a couple of times. Don't just skim it, either. Read it and absorb it.

Then you're ready to look at your resume with new eyes. Let's say the job posting mentions project management. Luckily, you have experience with that.

But your resume doesn't mention the phrase "project management" anywhere. Add the phrase to let recruiters know that you're paying attention, and you've got what they want.

2. Keep It Readable

Resume language should be clear and readable. Now's not the time to get bogged down in a lot of industry buzzwords and jargon.

A little of that goes a long way. You don't want to sound like you're speaking gibberish.

You might think it's important for people to know that you understand the lingo. It is, but not right now. Right now, your ability to communicate clearly is more important.

3. Look at Other Resumes

There's no shame in asking friends for help. Sometimes, knowing how to put together a resume is a matter of looking at a good example of how someone else does it.

It's not cheating to do that. After all, you're not going to steal their experience and claim it as your own.

But pay attention to their resume language. That's especially true if your friend works in a similar field as you.

Also, now's a good time to look at a template. Ask if they created their own template or used a resume creator. Neither approach is wrong.

4. Skip the Objective

Most employers are not looking for an objective at the top of your resume. Skip it and use that space for something else.

Space is important because your resume should fit on one page. If that's hard, then remove some jobs that aren't as relevant.

Remember that a resume is not a complete biography if your work life. It's a highlights reel, not a five-book volume.

5. Nailing Your Resume Language

Your resume language may not seem like a big deal, especially if you aren't applying for jobs with writing. But almost every employer wants someone who can get their point across efficiently.

You don't have to always use the fanciest word. More syllables don't make you any more likely to get hired.

Curious about how to use the best words? We can help, as our website has tons of tools to boost your vocabulary. Bookmark our site to ensure you're up to date on the latest lingo.