How to use neuroscience to create a timeless resume — Part 2

If we, then, have an average of 6 seconds to impress with our resumes (if you are lost with this statement, read Part 1 of this article), how to “fill” this time with the good information we want the recruiter to see?
1 — The Nudge Theory
First things first, have you heard about Nudge Theory? You will be surprised by how much this theory is present in our lives. “Nudges” are psychological triggers that help you to influence people towards a specific behaviour. When, for example, you go to a restaurant and check the menu, you can usually find a super expensive meal, maybe a more affordable one and some items in between, which are the ones that people order the most. In the instant you find that super expensive one, your perception changes towards the rest of the options. The “in between meals” are perceived now as more affordable (a bargain) in comparison to the super expensive one(s) than if they were the only ones offered by the restaurant. This behaviour lies under the “Decoy Effect”.

But, how can we use this theory to build our resume/CV?
According to this theory, people have tendency to:
a. Respond to evidence of expertise (authority)
Include in your resume/CV evidence of leadership and expertise: awards you have won, responsibilities you have taken on, areas of expertise you have come to on, ROI metrics of a project you have led.
b. Follow crowds (social proof)
If you have Linkedin, recommendations in your profile or any other evidence of engagement and positive responses you have received in general (for both online and printed versions) make you more “hireable” for that position (there is a “social proof” you are a good employee). By the way, this is the trigger some travel websites use for attracting people. The “X people have already booked this room in the last X hours” statement might not be true.
c. Develop a fear of missing out or FOMO (loss aversion)
This one is a bit more trick and I can see its application more when negotiating or how your recommendations are structure than in the information you include in your resume/CV, but it is still important to be pointed out. Probably you know what FOMO is (Facebook News Feed? Instagram? Stories all around?) and more than probable you have already booked a room in a hotel and in the main page of your search you have seen “only X rooms available”. Well, it might be true, but I would bet that the marketing team knows about Nudge Theory.

The difficulty in applying this to your resume/CV structure lies on your “availability” to that application. FOMO only happens when you run the risk of loosing something, but a candidate has to show 100% of interest in that position (even if behind the scenes applying for another 50 jobs). Yet, your recommendations can be structure in a way that your specific qualities and strengths are so endorsed that you become an unmissable asset for the company. Do your best, strengthen your network and be a good colleague and worker everywhere you go.
2- Layout — ATS
Opt for the clean and intuitive design and headings (remember: 6 seconds to impress). If you are applying online, be aware that your document might be analysed by ATSs (tracking systems; find more info in the topic 4), so keep headers basic as “skills”, “work history” and “education”. For the same reason, fancy element designs that might distract and not be ATSs (tracking system) friendly are not recommended.
3- Content — validation
It is good to have a list of achievements, qualities and all that, but how can you validate them?
Your success is far more important than the words in your resume. What is your results statement? Give number-driven examples and tell a story underneath the words. I would suggest as well to consider this topic when writing your cover letter. What a better way to capture the recruiter’s attention if not with results?
4- Trends
a. As already mentioned, ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is a trend. If a resume/CV is not ATS-compliant, it is unlikely to ever be selected as a match, regardless of the candidate’s actual qualifications for a role.
The system is trained to scan vertically — documents that are aligned down the center are a safe bet.
b. Choose a layout that naturally guides a reader’s eye. Not distractive enough to redirect eyes from content, but one that works hand-in-hand to produce impact.
c. CV/resume should look good both in screen and printed paper. Rethink the use of italics, bold and all-caps
d. Times New Roman is considered “sweatpants of font”. Boring , yet easy to read and clean. Among the favored fonts, Helvetica was chosen. The font “is beautiful,” said Matt Luckhurst, the creative director at brand consultancy firm Collins. Definitely stay away from Comic Sans and Courier typewriter styles.
e. Format your resume/CV so the most important parts are up top (just to make sure that the most relevant parts will be read by the recruiter).
5 — Be unique, yet relevant
Work your resume/CV in order to combine your personality + recruiter’s and company’s personality. It is not an easy task but it is worth it.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
ps: don’t forget to read the part 1 of this article.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Have something to say? Wanna talk? Shoot me an email at talktoanag@gmail.com
Follow me:
https://talktoanag.wixsite.com/neurobits
Neurobits.anag [FB]
neuro.bits [Instagram]
neuro.bits.port [Instagram]
Ana Carolina Garcia [Youtube]
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Sources:
https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/resume-design-eye-tracking-study-6-seconds_n_1503037
https://www.robertwalters.com/blog/5-ways-to-use-the-science-of-influence-to-refresh-your-CV.html
https://www.myperfectresume.com/how-to/6-resume-trends-you-should-follow-in-2018/
http://time.com/money/5053350/resume-tips-free-template/
Youtube: