7 Things A Recruiter Looks For On A Resume

Your resume is crucial in your job search, serving as your first impression to a potential employer. As a corporate recruiter, I’ve reviewed thousands of resumes and have identified certain critical elements in a candidate’s resume. 

These elements help me determine if a candidate has the necessary skills, experience and drive to excel in the position they are applying for.   And more importantly, if they fit in the hiring manager’s eyes. 

What are the 7 things a corporate recruiter looks for in a resume?

It’s not uncommon for employers to receive 500+ applications for a given role. Not great odds, right? But here’s a secret. Most of those candidates are hopelessly unqualified for the job. So if you know what a recruiter looks for in a resume, you can use it to your advantage. And remember, the point of the resume is to get you the first-round interview.

So in this article, I will share the seven things a recruiter looks for on a resume and how to stand out from the competition and improve your chances of landing an interview. 

Relevant Experience

Relevant experience is one of the first things I look for on a candidate’s resume. This refers to the experience in the field or industry that the candidate is applying for. I look for hands-on experience and a track record of success in their previous positions.

Job titles, duties, and specific accomplishments can demonstrate this. Therefore, it’s essential to tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. Be sure to highlight the most relevant experiences.

This helps me understand how your past experiences have prepared you for the role and if you have the necessary skills to perform the job’s essential functions. 

By providing specific examples of your relevant experience, you can show me that you are a strong fit for the position. Don’t forget to demonstrate your value as a potential employee.

Key Skills

Essential skills are another crucial aspect I look for on a candidate’s resume. These are the specific skills mentioned in the job description and are crucial for performing the job’s duties. The candidate should have the necessary technical and soft skills to excel in the role they are applying for.

For example, suppose the job requires proficiency in a specific software or programming language. In that case, I want to see that the candidate has that skill and can provide examples of how they have used it in their previous positions. 

Matching your skills with the job’s requirements and highlighting them prominently on your resume is essential. This shows me that you are a strong fit for the position and helps me understand how you can bring value to the company and contribute to its success.

READ: Is Your Resume Holding You Back?

Education

Education is another critical factor when reviewing a candidate’s resume. While relevant experience and fundamental skills are essential, having the necessary education for the position is also crucial. This could include degrees in a related field, certifications, or even courses relevant to the job. 

I look for candidates who have taken the time to invest in their education and have a strong understanding of the industry’s fundamentals. A relevant degree or certification can demonstrate that a candidate has the foundational knowledge to perform the job effectively.

Additionally, ongoing education and professional development show that candidates are committed to their career growth and are proactive in improving their skills. Whether it’s a traditional degree or alternative education, I want to see that a candidate has made an effort to further their education and has the drive to continue learning and growing in their career.

Achievements

I also pay attention to achievements and awards highlighted in a candidate’s resume. They provide tangible evidence of a candidate’s success and demonstrate the impact they have made in their previous roles. I look for candidates who have received recognition for their contributions, such as awards for performance, customer service, or leadership.

If you have a formal achievement that industry peers recognize, it can be particularly impressive to a well-connected hiring manager.   

These achievements help me understand a candidate’s strengths and what sets them apart from others in their field. We value candidates who have gone above and beyond in their previous positions, such as completing a challenging project or exceeding performance targets.

By highlighting your achievements and awards, you can demonstrate your value as an employee and show me that you can deliver results. They also give me insight into your work ethic and level of commitment, which can help me determine if you are a good fit for the company and its culture.

Cultural Fit

Cultural fit is an often-overlooked aspect of the hiring process, but it is crucial in determining if a candidate will be successful in their role and at the company. As a corporate recruiter, I want to ensure that a candidate will perform well in their job and be a good fit with the company’s values, goals, and work environment. 

(Note:  Cultural fit does not refer to ethnicity, race, color, creed, national origin, etc.)  

Therefore, I look for candidates with similar work ethics, deals, and personality traits aligning with the company’s culture. 

This includes a positive attitude, teamwork, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow. In addition, a candidate who is an excellent cultural fit will be more likely to be engaged in their work, collaborate effectively with their colleagues, and contribute to the company’s overall success. 

By showcasing your values and interests in your resume and during the interview, you can demonstrate that you are an excellent cultural fit and will be a valuable addition to the company.

Professionalism

Professionalism is a crucial aspect of a candidate’s resume and overall demeanor that I look for during the hiring process. I want to see that a candidate professionally presents themselves, both in their resume and in person. This includes paying attention to their resume format, appearance, and communication skills. 

I also seek candidates with solid work ethics, reliability, and career commitment. Candidates who are professional in their approach to work show me that they take their jobs seriously and are committed to delivering high-quality work.

 Professionalism also demonstrates that a candidate has a good understanding of business etiquette and can represent the company in a positive light.

By showcasing your professionalism, you can increase your chances of standing out from other candidates and demonstrating that you are a valuable asset to the company.

Future Goals

Future goals and career aspirations are also important factors that I consider when reviewing a candidate’s resume. I want to see that candidates clearly understand their career path and what they hope to achieve. 

This not only shows me that they have a long-term vision for their career, but it also demonstrates their level of ambition and drive. Candidates who have specific future goals are more likely to be engaged in their work and focused on their professional development.

While this may be difficult to convey in a resume, one clear sign is someone on a career progression.   The role that they are applying to should make sense for where their career is heading.  

In other words, a senior director applying for an individual contributor role would cause some concern.   

I also look for candidates who clearly understand how the role they are applying for fits into their overall career plan. By showcasing your future goals and how the current position aligns with them, you can demonstrate that you are committed to your career and a good fit for the company’s long-term vision and goals.

Additionally, discussing your goals during the interview can help me determine if the role and company fit your career aspirations and growth potential.

READ: How to deal with office politics

Learn how to write an effective resume

If you want to supercharge your career, you must learn how to sell yourself effectively. And the first step in selling yourself is to write a great resume. I’ve created a course called Resume Rocketfuel to walk you through step-by-step how to write a resume that recruiters will love.

More importantly, it shows you HOW to use the resume strategically. Because a beautiful resume isn’t going to be enough, it has to be a resume that recruiters actually care about for the role THEY are recruiting for. If you’re struggling with how to write a resume, I’d encourage to check it out.

Final Thoughts

There are several things that I look for when reviewing a candidate’s resume. From relevant experience and critical skills to education, achievements, cultural fit, professionalism, and future goals, each aspect provides valuable insight into a candidate’s qualifications and potential. 

Of course, these seven things a corporate recruiter looks for on a resume are just a start. Many other factors come into play. But having an optimized resume is crucial to your job search success.

By showcasing your strengths and capabilities in these areas, you can increase your chances of standing out as a top candidate and securing the job you desire. So, when creating or updating your resume, emphasize these crucial factors and highlight what sets you apart from other candidates. Good luck with your job search!