Top 3 Things Recruiters Look For On a Resume
Are you in the process of sending out resumes to potential employers? As students in online degree programs probably know, making the resume stand out is an essential part of the application process.
Understanding how recruiters think will go a long way toward securing that coveted in-person interview, which is the primary goal of submitting a resume. With that in mind, here are the top 3 things recruiters will look for when they read your resume. Focus on the following areas while composing and editing the document. Happy job hunting:
1. Qualifications
Sure, your skills and experience are important, but their relevancy to the desired position is just as significant. Typically, hiring managers will compare an applicant’s resume against a job description. If there is nothing in your resume that indicates a match between the two documents, then you can kiss that job goodbye. Your best bet to secure an interview is to spend time analyzing a job description and matching it with your qualifications before submitting your resume.
"I look at job titles. If they don’t match the job description, your resume goes in the trash," an anonymous Human Resources manager said.
With this in mind, military members enrolled in online degree programs that have trouble translating their military titles to civilian titles can visit O*NET’s Military Cross Walk to obtain an accurate translation of their military experiences (in addition to checking out this blog). Users simply enter their military occupation code and O*Net provides a list of similar or equivalent job titles.
2. Format and Interesting Achievements
According to an April 9 article by Business Insider, recruiters spend an average of six seconds before they make the initial 'fit or no-fit' decision on candidates.
That's not a lot of time.
With this time constraint, you might be wondering how in the world your resume will be read and considered.
Two suggestions:
- Showcase your major accomplishments that set you apart from other candidates.
- Structure your resume that makes it easy to skim.
For example, if you are a graphic designer applying for a graphic designer position, it would be prudent to incorporate some of your professional graphics into your resume. But be sure not to over–do it, as catchy resume styles and designs may detract the recruiter from reading your significant achievements and qualifications.
For more tips and resources on constructing effective resumes, students enrolled in online degree programs can visit Grantham Pathways Resume Builder.
3. Grammar and Spelling
Perhaps the worst thing you can post on your resume is 'paying great attention to detail' with several misspelled words or incorrect sentence structures littered throughout the document.
As a strategy, take a break after you’ve written your resume so you can avoid speed-reading when you proofread. Print out your resume and have a friend proofread it as well. Reading aloud will help you catch many spelling errors or incorrect sentence structures.
Remember, having a well-crafted resume is important in today’s fast-paced and competitive job market. Be sure to take the time to consider proper resume format, relevant work experience/accomplishments and proper writing composition. Your resume is the first thing recruiters’ will use to size you up. You want to be sure to make a good first impression.
About the author: Michael Rae Bermudez joined Grantham University in May 2011 and is the Career Services Coordinator in the Grantham University Career Center. Michael facilitates academic and career advising within the United States Air Force Reserves. Prior to joining Grantham University, Michael served as an E-5 in the United States Air Force.
