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Top 10 Things Recruiters Look for in Resumes
Adam Smith
Certified Professional Career Coach
August 11, 2022, 11:56 am

Top 10 Things Recruiters Look for in Resumes

Some people have such a diverse career that it is hard to condense it into a one or two-page resume. Many people prefer getting into details about their role in the company and most notable contributions which also make resumes lengthy. However, many recruiters confess that after scanning resumes through recruitment software, they only skim the selected ones in search of several particular things.

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Here is the list of 10 things you should especially pay attention to while writing your resume.

Recent Employment

Your latest position or the first position in your employment section gets the most attention. Recruiters often find it most informative and characteristic. Your latest employment can tell specifically what you are trained to do and why you search for new employment. Therefore, we suggest paying the most of your attention to your current position or the most recent one to provide an excellent first impression. Also, if you happen to have a career gap or your employment is so diverse that it allows you to pick what position to rank as the latest one, choose the job which is most relevant to your target position.

Company Matters

It is not a surprise that the name of your employer plays a critical role. If you have worked for Microsoft, Google, LinkedIn, or Deloitte, you have a higher chance of landing your target job compared to candidates that worked for less reputable companies. Some employers serve as brands in the labor market. It’s a fact. So if you have any reputable employer in your career, try to highlight its name in your resume.

Experience

It is not only about the years you have spent building your career. It is also about the quality of your experience. Try to mention your career progression in brief in your summary section for recruiters to catch the idea of who they are dealing with at first sight.

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Keywords

This paragraph is not about recruiters but about the software they use. Your resume will not make it to the recruiters’ table if you are negligent about keywords. Read the job description to find keywords your prospective employer is looking for and address each of them in your resume.

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Career and Educational Gaps

Educational gaps do not matter as much as they did not so long ago. Today, many employers believe that they can teach - and sometimes it is even better to teach - a talented and aspiring leader. However, the absence of a college degree may be a hurdle to getting the position you want. At the same time, career gaps are more serious issues. Recruiters should have a clear understanding that you are willing to work hard to make up for the time you lost.

Social Media

It is hard to believe, but many recruiters do bother themselves with social network spying. Your profile on Facebook or posts on Twitter can tell a lot about you as a person. Therefore, filter what you have online in public access, including texts and pictures, and provide some links in your resume or online career profiles.

Location

Many people hesitate to mention their addresses. However, it may tell a lot to your potential employer. For example, if you live in Texas but apply for a position in New York; it may be perceived as a mistake. However, if you mention that you are willing to relocate, your resume starts looking different. Also, if you are a foreigner who worked for a reputable company, but is now searching for a new job, do mention that you are eligible to work in the U.S. For many recruiters, it matters because not everyone is willing to handle huge paperwork associated with ex-pat employment.

Formatting

Please do not neglect the overall look of your resume. Your writing style, grammar, and font play an important role. Many recruiters will not bother themselves trying to understand dubious phrases or wrong formatting.

Personal Projects

The good idea is to place your personal projects and make them noticeable in the resume. They may cover your career or educational gaps as well as speak of you as a specialist more than any of your previous employment. However, pay attention that they should look natural and logical because you are applying to a specific position where a professional is expected.

Personality in Resume

For a recruiter, it takes 25 seconds to search for the details above. However, it is your personal branding that makes your resume interesting. You may write such a great story that recruiters will forget even your career gaps or company names. Catch their attention by being YOUnique.

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Why Should You Put in The Effort to Develop A Decent Resume?

If you are just starting your career, there is no better time than now to start building a strong resume that will get you the job that you want. Many people do not realize that they need to create a professional resume and how important it is to get one right.

If you are interested in learning more about why creating a good resume is important, keep reading.

A good resume can help you land more interviews and get more offers.

If an employer finds out that they want someone who has strong work experience, they may be more likely to hire you over someone who only has experience with part-time jobs or volunteer organizations. A good resume shows potential employers that you have been actively involved in their community and that you are willing to take on responsibility by showing them your skills and talents. The best way for employers to find out about this kind of information is through your resume!

A well-written resume shows potential employers that you are professional and organized enough to keep track of all of these things at once! You do not want an employer hiring someone new only after seeing their sloppy work on paper! Make sure that your resume looks great from the first time someone reads it.

Conclusion

As with any resume, recruiters want to see a clear, concise summary of your work experience, education, and skills relevant to the position you're applying for. They want to see that you've taken the time to highlight your achievements which demonstrate your ability to perform at an exceptional level in a specific area of expertise.

A recruiter will also look for evidence that you have a work ethic and attention to detail; if you can't be bothered putting together a basic summary, then it's unlikely that you'll be able to keep up with the demands of being an expert in your field.

FAQs

How long do recruiters look at resumes?

A recruiter typically looks at your resume for no more than 5 minutes. You want to stand out from the crowd, so make sure you focus on the marketing aspect of your resume. If your resume is well-written and easy to understand, recruiters will be able to quickly scan it and determine if they want to interview you.

What do recruiters look for in resumes?

Sending a resume is like sending a postcard to someone you are trying to meet up with. That’s why most of the things employers look for in resumes are things that will help them decide whether or not they want to meet you in person, and then decide if they will want to hire you once they do meet you.

Recruiters are looking for job seekers who have a clear understanding of what they want to do, how they want to do it, and why they want to do it. They also want candidates who can communicate effectively with them, are organized, have excellent attention to detail, and have a positive attitude toward work.

What words do recruiters look for in resumes?

They are looking for someone who is:

  • Communicative - You must be able to communicate clearly and concisely. They want to know what you can say and how you say it without any confusion or hesitation!
  • Problem Solving - You must be able to solve problems quickly and efficiently by providing an effective solution that is tailored specifically to that individual situation. Remember these are smart people who want results fast!

Where do recruiters look for resumes?

Recruiters look at all different types of resumes, but they first focus on those that are targeted toward their company’s job openings. This applies regardless of whether you have recently graduated from college or have been working in your field for a long time. They also review online applications (such as those found on job boards) and alumni connections if there are any available at their company location (this may be through Facebook or LinkedIn).

How do I make my resume stand out to recruiters?

You should always be professional and well-spoken, even if you’re applying for a casual position. You don’t want to come off as a slacker or someone who doesn’t take their job seriously. Recruiters are looking for people who can do their jobs well and will fit in with the company culture.

What type of resume do recruiters prefer?

The most common types of resumes are chronological (chronological) or functional (functional). If you don't know which one to choose, try both styles to see which works best for you! Some recruiters like chronological resumes because they can see how your skills progress over time while others like functional resumes because they provide an overview of your experience without being too long or detailed. It all depends on what kind of employer you're applying to.

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