Discover the top 15 things that employers and recruiters look for in a resume. Learn how to make your resume stand out and get noticed by potential employers.
Introduction
Creating a resume that stands out is a crucial step in landing your desired job. In today’s competitive job market, your resume needs to make a lasting impression within seconds. Recruiters and hiring managers sift through hundreds of resumes for every job opening, and only those that catch their eye make it to the next stage. 40% of recruiters say that they have hired a candidate based on their LinkedIn profile alone- HBR. To ensure your resume gets noticed, it’s essential to understand what employers and recruiters look for in a resume.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 15 things that employers and recruiters look for in a resume. By incorporating these elements, you can enhance your resume’s effectiveness and increase your chances of securing your next job.
What Do Recruiters Look for in A Resume?
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to recognize that recruiters are typically looking for a blend of technical skills, relevant experience, and cultural fit. A resume that effectively communicates these aspects will capture the attention of recruiters. Let’s explore these 15 key elements.
1. Contact Information
Your contact information is the first thing recruiters see on your resume, so it must be accurate and up-to-date. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Ensure that your email address is professional, preferably using your name. Avoid using outdated email providers or unprofessional email handles. A clean and organized contact section sets a positive tone for the rest of your resume.
2. Professional Summary
A well-crafted professional summary serves as the introduction to your resume. It’s your chance to make a strong first impression by summarizing your career, skills, and what you bring to the table. This section should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for, highlighting your most relevant experiences and achievements. 63% of recruiters like to get resumes that are personalized to the job position –Glassdoor. Keep it concise, focused, and impactful to grab the recruiter’s attention.
3. Relevant Work Experience
Your work experience is the core of your resume, and recruiters pay close attention to this section. Highlight your relevant job roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments that align with the position you’re applying for. Use bullet points to clearly present your experience and quantify your achievements with numbers and metrics. This approach helps recruiters quickly assess your qualifications and potential impact.
4. Skills Section
Recruiters look for a strong skills section that showcases both your hard and soft skills. Hard skills are technical abilities relevant to the job, such as programming languages or software proficiency. Soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, demonstrate your interpersonal abilities. Ensure your skills align with the job description and industry standards. Highlighting the right skills can make your resume stand out in a crowded field.
5. Education
Education is a critical component of your resume, especially for entry-level positions or specialized roles. Include your degree(s), the institution(s) attended, and graduation dates. If you have completed any certifications or professional development courses, list them here. For experienced professionals, it may be beneficial to place this section after your work experience, but for recent graduates, it should be featured more prominently.
6. Keywords
With many companies using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes, it’s crucial to include relevant keywords. These keywords are often specific to the industry and job role. Carefully review the job description and incorporate terms that match the skills and qualifications required for the position. This increases the likelihood of your resume passing the initial screening and reaching a human recruiter.
7. Accomplishments and Achievements
Recruiters are drawn to candidates who can demonstrate their value through accomplishments and achievements. Use this section to highlight specific successes in your previous roles, such as projects completed, awards received, or significant contributions to your company. Quantify these achievements whenever possible, using metrics like percentages, dollar amounts, or other measurable results.
8. Consistency and Format
A well-formatted resume with consistent fonts, headings, and spacing is more likely to be read by recruiters. A clean and organized layout not only makes your resume visually appealing but also enhances readability. Use bullet points, clear section headings, and a uniform font style throughout the document. Avoid clutter and unnecessary graphics that can distract from the content.
9. Customization for Each Job Application
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending out a generic resume for every application. Recruiters can easily spot a resume that hasn’t been tailored to the job at hand. Customize your resume for each position by aligning your experience, skills, and professional summary with the job description. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and increases your chances of being selected for an interview.
10. Professionalism and Tone
The tone of your resume should reflect professionalism and confidence. Avoid using casual language, slang, or jargon that may not be familiar to the recruiter. Focus on clear and concise language that conveys your qualifications and achievements. A well-written resume with a professional tone leaves a lasting impression on recruiters and sets you apart from other candidates.
11. Volunteer Experience and Extracurricular Activities
Including relevant volunteer work and extracurricular activities can add depth to your resume, especially if they demonstrate skills or experiences related to the job. These experiences show that you are well-rounded and engaged in your community. They can also highlight leadership, teamwork, and initiative—qualities that recruiters value in potential hires.
12. References
While it’s not always necessary to include references on your resume, some recruiters appreciate having them readily available. If you choose to list references, include the name, title, company, and contact information for each. Make sure to inform your references ahead of time and provide them with context about the roles you’re applying for. Alternatively, you can include a statement like “References available upon request.”
13. Online Presence
In today’s digital age, recruiters often search for candidates online. Including your LinkedIn profile and other relevant online portfolios or profiles can enhance your resume. Make sure your online presence is professional and consistent with the information on your resume. A strong LinkedIn profile with endorsements and recommendations can further validate your skills and experience.
14. Certifications and Licenses
Certifications and licenses can set you apart from other candidates, especially in fields that require specific qualifications. List any relevant certifications and licenses, along with the issuing organization and date of completion. This section demonstrates your commitment to professional development and your expertise in your field.
15. Attention to Detail
Recruiters expect a high level of attention to detail in resumes. This includes proofreading for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, as well as ensuring all information is accurate and up-to-date. A polished and error-free resume reflects your professionalism and dedication. It also shows that you take pride in your work, which is a quality that recruiters look for in potential hires.
Get a Winning Resume with Our Free Resume Builder
Crafting a resume that stands out in today’s competitive job market requires careful attention to detail and an understanding of what recruiters and employees are looking for. By focusing on these 15 key elements, you can create a resume that not only captures attention but also showcases your qualifications and experience in the best possible light.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What do recruiters look for in a resume?
Recruiters look for relevant work experience, skills, professionalism, and a clean, consistent format in a resume. They also pay attention to customization for the specific job role and the presence of industry-specific keywords.
- What kind of resume do most recruiters favor?
Most recruiters favor resumes that are tailored to the job description, highlighting relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments. A professional tone, clear layout, and attention to detail are also essential.
- What strengths do recruiters look for?
Recruiters look for strengths such as leadership, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. They also value technical skills relevant to the job and the ability to demonstrate impact through past achievements.
- What are three items that should not go into a resume?
Three items that should not go into a resume are personal information (such as age or marital status), irrelevant job experience, and overly casual language or slang.
- Do recruiters like pictures on resumes?
In most cases, recruiters do not prefer pictures on resumes, as they can introduce bias. It’s better to focus on content and professionalism. However, some industries like modeling or acting may require a photo.
