Introduction
As a job seeker, crafting a resume that catches the eye of hiring managers can be a challenging task.
With so much competition out there, it’s important to know what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for in a resume.
To help you out, we’ve compiled some expert advice from hiring managers on what they look for in a resume.
1. Tailor your resume to the job posting
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending the same generic resume to multiple job openings.
However, this approach can do more harm than good.
Hiring managers are looking for candidates who have the skills and experience that match the requirements of the job posting.
So, take the time to tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for.
Use keywords from the job posting, and highlight your relevant skills and experience that make you a great fit for the position.
2. Keep it concise and easy to read
Hiring managers are busy people and may have dozens of resumes to review.
They want to quickly scan through your resume and get a sense of your qualifications.
So, it’s important to keep your resume concise and easy to read.
Use bullet points, short sentences, and clear headings to organize your information.
Avoid using long paragraphs or dense blocks of text that can be overwhelming and difficult to read.
3. Showcase your achievements and results
Hiring managers want to see evidence of your past successes and accomplishments.
Instead of just listing your job duties and responsibilities, focus on highlighting your achievements and the results you’ve delivered.
Use specific examples and metrics to show how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles.
For example, if you increased sales at your previous job, include the percentage increase you achieved.
4. Keep it professional
Your resume is your professional representation to the hiring managers.
Therefore, it’s important to keep it professional.
Avoid including any personal information that’s not relevant to the job, such as your marital status, religious beliefs, or political affiliation.
Use a professional email address and ensure that your voicemail message is appropriate.
5. Use the right format
There are different types of resume formats, such as chronological, functional, and combination.
It’s important to choose the right format for your experience and the job you’re applying for.
Hiring managers prefer resumes that are easy to read and follow a logical flow.
Make sure your resume is well-organized and has a clear structure that highlights your skills and experience.
6. Check for errors and typos
Hiring managers expect resumes to be error-free.
Even a small typo or grammatical error can send the wrong impression and affect your chances of getting hired.
Take the time to proofread your resume carefully, or ask a friend or colleague to review it for you.
Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to help you catch any errors you may have missed.
7. Include relevant education and certifications
If you have relevant education or certifications that are required or preferred for the job, make sure to include them in your resume.
This can help you stand out from other candidates and show that you have the necessary qualifications for the role.
Include the name of the institution, the degree or certification you earned, and the date of graduation or completion.
8. Be honest and transparent
It’s important to be honest and transparent in your resume.
Avoid embellishing or exaggerating your skills or experience.
Hiring managers will likely conduct a background check, and any discrepancies between your resume and your actual qualifications can
damage your reputation and affect your chances of getting hired.
9. Use action verbs
To make your resume more engaging and dynamic, use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities.
Instead of using passive phrases like “responsible for” or “involved in,” use strong and specific action verbs that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Examples of effective action verbs include:
- Achieved
- Analyzed
- Created
- Delivered
- Developed
- Executed
- Improved
- Managed
- Resolved
- Spearheaded
Using action verbs not only makes your resume more engaging, but it also gives the hiring manager a better sense of your skills and accomplishments.
However, be sure to use these verbs honestly and accurately, and avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting your abilities.
A well-crafted resume that uses strong action verbs can make a powerful impression and increase your chances of landing an interview.
In addition to using action verbs, consider including quantifiable achievements in your resume.
For example, instead of simply stating that you “increased sales,” provide specific details such as “increased sales by 30% in the first quarter.”
This demonstrates your ability to achieve measurable results and provides concrete evidence of your accomplishments.
Overall, the key to using action verbs effectively is to choose strong, specific verbs that accurately reflect your skills and experience.
By doing so, you can create a dynamic and engaging resume that showcases your strengths and impresses hiring managers.
10. Customize your resume for each job application
Hiring managers receive countless resumes for each job opening, so it’s important to make yours stand out from the crowd.
One way to do this is by customizing your resume for each job application.
This means carefully reading the job description and tailoring your resume to match the requirements of the job.
Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position, and use keywords from the job description to optimize your resume
for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
11. Keep it up to date
Your resume should be a living document that evolves and grows as your career progresses.
Even if you’re not actively looking for a job, it’s a good idea to keep your resume up to date.
This way, you can quickly apply to any job openings that catch your eye, and you’ll be prepared if a recruiter reaches out to you with an
exciting opportunity.
Set a reminder to review and update your resume at least once a year or whenever you have a major career accomplishment or change.
Conclusion
Writing a winning resume requires attention to detail, a focus on the employer’s needs, and a professional and concise presentation of your skills and experience.
By following these expert tips from hiring managers, you can create a resume that impresses potential employers and sets you apart from the competition.
Remember to customize your resume for each job application, keep it up to date, and always be honest and transparent about your qualifications.
With a well-crafted resume, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job.
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