I agree with the overwhelming response of careerists to spend time networking and doing company research as a job seeker, instead of posting resumes. The facts are there: online job applications account fro 2-5% of job offers.

That said, if you find a suitable company through your networking and research, chances are they are going to ask you to apply online, even if you claim an inside contact. So you’re stuck being just one more needle in the hiring person’s haystack. Here are some quick tips to make your online resume stand out from the rest of the chaff:

• Make sure it’s clear your objective lines up with the job requisition, and within the first few lines of your resume. With online applications, there’s a lot of “misfire” candidates due to the ease and safety of the application process. You want to show respect for the hiring manager and their organization by helping them see you’re on target.
• If you’re short on qualifications, be honest about where you are short and explain why the hiring person should still consider you. For example, if you don’t have a degree but have double the years experience plus professional training, make sure you state this early and clearly.
• Create an ASCII or “text only” resume, especially if the online application process involves cutting and pasting your resume into a web form. This will make your resume easier to read. For more on ASCII resumes, read a quick article on what they are and why they’re essential.

In following these three guidelines, you’ll win some good will from the often overworked, blurry-eyed hiring manager who’s tired of sifting through poorly formatted, unfocused, and irrelevant resumes.

Be the breath of fresh air amongst all that online resume pollution and you can beat the odds.

Stay on the BrightSide.

• I am too old
• I’ve never managed anyone directly
• I don’t have Microsoft Excel experience
• I have a job gap from 2002-2004

You’ll never see these above items on a resume because the purpose of the resume is to put your best foot (or feet) forward and to downplay your potential weaknesses.

Adding an easy reference to your age is the same thing as saying “I am an older adult.” Unfortunately, this can be viewed as a weakness by many hiring managers and recruiters.

Let me be clear: Don’t put your graduate date down unless it’s within the last 10 years or will be obtained within the next 2 years. As long as you have dates for your experience, your candidacy will not be dismissed simply for leaving out a graduation date.

Recruiters may tell you to include the graduation date and to “just be direct and honest about your age” but they don’t have as much to lose–that being the interview, your interview. And your interview is your chance to help the hiring manager get past his/her prejudices. Everyone limits him or herself through stereotypes–which originate as part of basic survival skills. People—all people—generalize and categorize to make their life easier (and in some cases safer). And we all miss out on great opportunities by holding to these beliefs.

Recruiters succeed because of their talent in matchmaking, which is why they’ll encourage you to include your age (so that you can find an employer who prefers hiring older workers and a true-love match can be found). Just remember, that some employers may need a little more help in seeing the match. Oftentimes older workers’ enthusiasm, loyalty, and work ethic far exceed that of the younger competition but it’s only in the interview where these attributes can truly shine.

As long as your skills are updated, your mind is open, your ego is checked, and your health is satisfactory–you’ll win the employer over in the long run.

Stay on the BrightSide.

There’s plenty of other ways to fill space on a resume aside from listing paid work experience. Furthermore, if you’re applying for an entry-level job, it’s expected that you’ll have a slight if not non-existent job history. In fact, having less experience often works in the favor of entry-level candidates–since they’re viewed as open, ambitious, hungry, and above all else trainable employees.

Nevertheless, here are some ideas to fill an entry-level 1-page resume with more than just action verbs:

EDUCATION

Start with this section first, making sure the degree/certification you received is front and center. Then list relevant coursework, key projects/papers, commendations from teachers, research, on-campus memberships, event contributions, honors, awards, scholarships, sports (intramural, varsity, junior varsity), unit load (if impressive), and jobs used to help pay your way through school. And that’s just off the top of my head.

Even if all you did was sit in the classroom, you can list coursework, theses, and favorite classes/projects.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Admittedly this section may be quite lean but don’t forget to list internships, volunteer work, hourly jobs, and non-paid tasks such as childcare, elder care, contributions at a friend or family member’s business, or assistance to a teacher.

Even unrelated, unpaid work, at the very least will show you have a solid work ethic and are eager to learn new things and support others.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

Always include a list of soft skills such as Dependability, Good Listener, Punctual, Dedicated, Reliable, Meticulous, Organized….

These words will help inject your personality into the resume. Remember, when hiring people are trolling for an entry-level professional, they’re mostly interested in finding someone who is dependable, committed to helping the organization, and willing and able to learn new business processes and featured products.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

For recent grads these days, it’s almost a no-brainer to include computer skills but you should still make a list. The most commonly sought-after skills are Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), PC and Mac Skills, and sometimes Adobe Creative Suite (Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign). But don’t forget to include database knowledge, typing speed, and any industry-specific software skills.

If you’re actually pursuing a position in technology, this section may be one of your biggest. Go crazy; just use subcategories to break up extremely long list.

INTERESTS

This list should often go at the bottom of the resume, since it’s more about what you’re looking for than about what the employer needs. Nonetheless, list your geniunine interests related to your target job and target field.

In doing so, you’ll attract like-minded people. Also, should you land a job that aligns with your interests, it’s inevitable you’ll do well, impress people, and advance more quickly and deeper into areas you’re passionate about.

That should get you started. Again, there’s always something to say. And Congrats to you for embarking on a new career.

I love working with recent graduates and people in the midst of life transition. My background in Career Counseling really comes in handy, in this regard.

If you’re looking for some ideas,have a look at some easy-view resume samples here.

Or just give me a ring so I can help you realize just how much you have to offer.

Stay on the BrightSide.