Your resume is your key to getting an interview. It’s the first thing an employer sees and forms an opinion on. So what do employers look for in a resume?
There are some common things that employers look for, like relevant experience and skills. But there are also some less obvious things.
In this article, we’ll talk about all the different things employers look for in a resume. So if you’re currently job hunting, this article is for you.
Employers Resume Search
In today’s job market, employers are increasingly turning to resume search databases to find qualified candidates. Such databases sift through thousands of resumes and present employers with a list of matching resumes.
For job seekers, it’s more important than ever to have an online presence. Posting your resume on job boards and social media sites makes it much easier for employers to find you.
In addition, there are specific keywords employers look for on resumes. Therefore, including the ones that match the skills employers are looking for will also help your resume come up in more searches.
By making yourself more visible online, you’ll increase your chances of being contacted by potential employers.
What Do Employers Look for in a Resume?
Resume Appearance: Format
It’s essential to ensure that your resume is formatted in a way that it’s easy to read and scan. Use simple, clear language and concise bullet points to highlight your skills and experience.
Stick to a traditional format with your name and contact information at the top, followed by a summary of qualifications, work history, education, and relevant skills or certifications.
You can also use keywords from the job posting throughout your resume to ensure that you’re meeting all the requirements.
Top Things Employers Look for in a Resume: Grammar
A resume is the first thing an employer sees. If it’s full of grammar mistakes, it won’t reflect well on the person who wrote it.
Impeccable grammar on a resume shows that a person is detail-oriented and able to communicate clearly. It also indicates that the person is familiar with the rules of standard written English, the language in which most business communication is carried out.
In today’s global economy, being able to communicate clearly in writing is more important than ever before.
If you need a little help, Resume Writing Lab is a great company offering help with resumes.
Things Employers Look for on Resume: Accuracy
If an employer sees that you have listed inaccurate information, they may assume you are not detail-oriented, which could cost you the job.
Furthermore, suppose an employer decides to contact one of your references and discovers that the information on your resume is incorrect. In that case, it will reflect poorly on you and may damage your hiring chances.
In short, accuracy is vital in a resume, so be sure to check everything before sending it off.
What Are Employers Looking for in a Resume? — Work Experience
There are several reasons why work experience is essential for landing a job.
First of all, it shows that you can actually do the job. In addition, it demonstrates that you can work well with others and handle day-to-day responsibilities.
Finally, work experience allows employers to see how you handled difficult situations in the past and how you responded to challenges.
What Do Employers Want to See on a Resume? — Signs of Progression in a Candidate’s Career
Many employers place great importance on signs of progression when reviewing resumes. This is because they want to see their employees developing and moving forward in their careers.
By seeing signs of progression, employers can feel confident that their employees are always looking to improve their skills and grow. Additionally, employers often view progression as a sign of commitment and dedication.
They want to see that their employees are willing to put in the extra effort to learn new things and advance their careers.
Education and Training
Education can provide a candidate with the theoretical knowledge needed to do a job, while training can give a candidate the practical skills necessary to be successful.
By including education and training on a resume, employers can better understand a candidate’s ability to execute a particular task.
Skills Employers Look for on a Resume
When employers review resumes, they are looking for candidates with the skills and qualities necessary for a particular role. Some of the key skills for an HR recruiter in a resume include:
- Communication. Employers want to see that you can express yourself clearly and concisely, both in writing and in person.
- Problem-solving. Employers want to know that you can think critically and find creative solutions.
- Time management. Employers want to see that you can prioritize your tasks and meet deadlines.
- Teamwork. Employers want to see you as a team player who can collaborate effectively and contribute to a positive work environment.
Good Additional Information for a Resume
It’s important to include information that will help you stand out from the crowd. Aside from listing the things we already mentioned, you may also want to include a brief overview of your professional goals.
If you have any relevant hobbies or interests, you can mention these in your resume. Including this additional information can give potential employers a better sense of who you are and what you can bring to the table.
Resume Tips from Recruiters
Here are five short pieces of resume advice from recruiters that will help you get your resume noticed:
1. Keep it clear and concise
2. Highlight your accomplishments
3. Use keywords wisely
4. Tailor your resume for each job
5. Proofread it carefully
TIP: Many employers prefer to see both a resume and a cover letter because it gives them a better sense of who you are and how you can contribute.
However, if you only have one document, you can still submit it, and employers will still consider your application. If you have multiple documents, you can combine them into one file before you submit them. Learn how to combine PDF files here.
Recruiter Resume Tips: How to Name a Resume File
The name you choose for your resume file is the first impression you’ll make on your potential employer. Here are a few tips on how to choose the perfect name for your resume file:
- Use your full name. This is critical to making your file name searchable and recognizable.
- Use keywords. Include relevant keywords for a recruiter in a resume file name, such as “resume,” “CV,” or “cover letter.”
- Keep it simple. Avoid using special characters or long strings of numbers in your file name. Keep it simple and easy to remember so that employers will have no trouble finding it when needed.
Resume for Employers: What Not to Include
We’ve mentioned what you should mention on your resume. Let’s see what you should leave out.
- You should avoid listing any political or religious affiliations, as these could alienate potential employers.
- In addition, there is no need to list references on your resume; if an employer wants to contact your references, they will let you know.
- Any personal information that is irrelevant to the job should be omitted. This includes things like your marital status or Social Security Number.
- All in all, don’t include any false information. It’s important to be honest about your qualifications.
What Do Employers Look for in a Resume? — Summary
Employers are looking for resumes that stand out and are easy to skim. They don’t have time to inspect your resume in detail, so make sure it’s concise.
In order to grab a recruiter’s attention, use specific keywords related to the position you are applying for and make sure your skills match what they are looking for. Here’s a selection of the best free resume builders to help you.
Our article covers all the resume’s dos and don’ts. If you follow these guidelines, you’re sure to create a resume that stands out from the crowd and shows employers that you’re the right person for the job!