5 things to add to your resume to make it stand out

As a procurement and supply chain professional, it is vital to ensure that your resume stands out from the crowd. With competition for roles in this field becoming increasingly fierce, it is important to highlight your unique skills and experiences to make a strong impression on potential employers. Here are five things to add to your resume to help it stand out.

• Start with a Strong Statement

The first thing that a recruiter will see on your resume is your opening statement. Therefore, it's important to make sure that it's strong, compelling, and to the point. Start with a statement that highlights your skills, achievements, and goals, and make sure that it's tailored to the specific job that you're applying for.

• Quantify your achievements with numbers and statistics

One of the most effective ways to make your resume stand out is by quantifying your achievements. Rather than simply listing your responsibilities, provide concrete examples of how you have contributed to the success of previous projects. For example, if you managed to reduce procurement costs by 20% through a negotiation with a supplier, include this figure in your resume. If you increased inventory turnover by 30% by implementing a new supply chain management system, make sure to highlight this as well.

By including these statistics, you demonstrate your ability to deliver results and contribute to the bottom line. It also shows that you are comfortable working with data and can use it to inform decision-making.

• Show relevance to the company

Recruiters want to know that you're the right fit for their company. Therefore, it's important to show how your skills and achievements align with the company's culture and its goals and values. Research the company beforehand including social media channels and any media coverage and tailor your resume to show that you understand its mission and what they're looking for in a candidate.

• Use relevant keywords

Many recruiters use database software to sort through resumes, so it's important to include keywords that will get picked up by these programs. Use industry-specific terminology including specific software packages and tools and highlight the specific skills and experience that are required for the job.

• Tell the story of your achievements

Numbers and statistics are great, but they don't always tell the whole story. Consider adding some narrative to your achievements to provide context and demonstrate your problem-solving or negotiation skills. For example, if you successfully managed to source a critical component for a product that was facing production delays, explain how you identified the issue, developed a plan to address it, and implemented a solution. This helps potential employers understand not only what you achieved, but also how you achieved it.

• Promote your brand

Your resume is an opportunity to promote your brand. Use a consistent design, font, and color scheme to create a cohesive look and feel. Include links to your social media profiles or personal website to showcase your work and achievements. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and includes recent, relevant endorsements. Read these 10 easy hacks for optimizing your LinkedIn profile.

• Highlight your hobbies and interests

While it may seem counterintuitive to include hobbies and interests on a professional resume, they can help you stand out from the crowd. If you have a pastime or passion that is relevant to the procurement or supply chain field, such as an interest in sustainability or logistics, include it in your resume. This shows that you have a genuine engagement with the industry and are committed to staying informed about current trends and developments. It also gives potential employers an insight into your personality and can help you make a connection with them.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the task of creating a strong CV or cover letter, don't worry. Take your time and ask a friend or peer for feedback on the content and quality of your first draft. When it comes to meeting your prospective employer take a look at our guide on how to nail a job interview in the first five minutes.

You can also get in touch with the team at Bramwith for some help and guidance. We're always here to support you in your career journey and our team can assist with everything from crafting the perfect CV to acing your interview. We can even help you negotiate the best possible salary and benefits package. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help take your procurement and supply chain career to the next level!