Why the First Page of Your Resume is the Most Important

Resume writing can be compared to reality TV, also social media. It's all about attention, and the audience isn’t patient enough. ("Ralph Breaks the Internet" illustrates this point, which some viewers might find it strange. After all, an animated film is targeted to younger viewers.) It's the same thing with recruiters, who are likely to skim through the resumes that they come across to. Lack of time is not the reason, but (job) applicants must be aware that they have thirty seconds (or less) to catch their attention. Is it possible in such a short time? The answer is yes.

Whether you're writing a resume for the first time or customizing it (after you didn't get a call), it's important to start your resume writing from scratch. The resulting draft must be two pages long, if not three at the most. Recruiters are most interested in the first page, which is where you will spend most of your time. The information that you put in that page, as well as your preferred format, can spell success (or failure). Let's start with the basics.

You might wonder if it's necessary to include your latest photograph. This may be a matter of intense discussion, but it's really not. Your skills count the most. If you happen to be an artist, if not aspiring to be a part of a creative industry, then you may have to make an exception. (Do your own research. Make your own conclusion afterward.) You must stand out from the crowd, so your strongest points must be found on the first page (of your resume). It must be a flexible approach, as some companies are looking for something else. It's not that special X factor, but it should surprise you that experts on the same industry don't have the same opinion on everything. In other words, there will be one or two things that favor a certain applicant. It can be a specific skill that is stated in the ad. It may be something coming from you, which you must learned during your research. It can also be a particular trait, which shows promise. You can only do your best, and it should be a waste of time to think too much about it.

Focus on that first page. It shouldn't take half an hour to make a run down of your finer points.

How to Engage with Your Resume Quickly

Type the job title in bold letters. If you didn't guess this one, then you're trying too hard. If you want to be noticed right away, then make sure that the first line of your resume must be the job title that recruiters are looking for. The font size must be bigger than the subtitles and details (on the first page), but it shouldn't be too big. You will find out in a moment.

Write an original profile. It should be a short description of what makes you outstanding in your job. A profile of four or five lines is good enough. Never describe yourself as a dynamic professional. (You will be overlooked if you aren't.) And recruiters expect you to have excellent communication skills. Try to be different, but not too different. (Your favorite literary quote might backfire on you.) If you're having trouble, then recall your finest hour during your college days. It must be that certain moment in your club, where you show that you're more than a team player. If you have work experience, then you can make a short list of the skills that have made you an asset in a company. Don't get carried away.

The next part depends on you. The best thing about resume writing is there's no right template (to impress the recruiters). It depends on a number of factors, which aren't written on stone. You don't need to bring out your creative side, though. If you're a new graduate, then list down the projects that are carried out during your few years in college. It was part of your undergraduate degree, but recall the ad. It must be related to the job. If you're looking for another job, then highlight those transferable skills. Read the ad afterward.

Career history. You have the option of writing a comprehensive summary of your work experience on the first page (of your resume) or splitting it into two parts. If you want to be on the right track, then your recent work experience must be on the first page. Recruiters are more interested in facts and figures, which prove that you can perform well. Don't exaggerate the numbers, though.

What a Good Resume Must Look Like

The second page of your resume should sum up your work experience. All applicants share the same level of qualifications, which means that recruiters won’t make their decision from what numbers and figures that are found on the second page. You’re qualified or not, which recruiters will find out after skimming the first page (of your resume). If the draft has the third page, then read that page one more time. There might be a fact or two that you can include on the first page. It can prompt one recruiter to call you for an interview.

A good resume must be two pages long, where recruiters can see that you have what it takes to do the job.