Top 5 Things Hiring Managers Look for on Resumes
As Seen In:
Whether you’ve been actively job hunting, or just dipping your toes into the market, you likely will be making updates to your resume. But how can you be sure that yours will stand out? From crafting a clean, well-organized resume to properly highlighting your achievements, we’re going to walk you through the top 5 things hiring managers look for on resumes. Let’s get started.
Key Takeaways
Ensure your resume is clean, well-organized, and easy to navigate. Use clear headings, bullet points, and ample white space to guide hiring managers through your professional experience effortlessly.
Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Balance technical and soft skills, and include relevant certifications to stand out in a competitive job market.
Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your success and impact in previous roles. Specific metrics provide tangible proof of your capabilities and make a compelling case for your candidacy.
According to hiring managers, there are the…
Top 5 Things Hiring Managers Look for in Resumes:
1) Easy to Read
First impressions matter, especially when you’re on the job hunt. A resume that’s easy to read instantly sets a positive tone. Hiring managers often sift through hundreds of applications for a single position, and a cluttered or confusing resume can easily end up in the rejection pile.
A well-tailored resume should resonate with hiring managers by aligning with their specific needs. This means showcasing your unique value through relevant keywords and adapting your professional experiences to fit the job description. Tailoring your resume to the job description not only improves your chances with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) but also helps hiring managers quickly see you are a great pick for the role.
Optimal Layout and Design
An effective resume layout guides the reader’s eye and highlights your most important attributes. Ample white space enhances readability and helps hiring managers navigate your work history and achievements.
When creating your resume, focus on a layout that highlights your key qualifications and makes it easy for hiring managers to find necessary information. This includes clear headings, bullet points, and a logical structure guiding the reader through your professional experience.
Tailoring your resume’s layout to the position’s needs creates a standout document that effectively communicates your qualifications. This attention to detail helps make a lasting impression and increases your chances of landing an interview. Remember, your resume reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, so ensure it is well-designed.
✨Tip: You may be wondering, should you limit your resume to one page? If so, you’re not alone. Squeezing your experience into a single page can be daunting, but it’s not always necessary. Check out our blog that delves into the details of resume length and best practices.
2) Clear Career Progression
Your work history tells a story – one that hiring managers need to easily comprehend from the start. Think of your resume as a map that guides the hiring team through your career journey, highlighting all the best stops along the way.
A steady career path portrays reliability and long-term commitment to potential employers. Show how your roles and responsibilities build upon each other, highlighting professional development. Consistency indicates adaptability and growth potential, making you more attractive to hiring managers.
Focus on job titles and responsibilities that illustrate logical progression in your work history. This helps hiring managers understand your journey and see your evolving skills and experiences. For example, if you transitioned from a junior role to a management position, clearly outline the steps and achievements that facilitated this advancement.
By detailing your career path clearly, you help the hiring manager see your evolving experiences and responsibilities, making it easier for them to envision you in the role.
3) Demonstrate the Right Skills and Experience
Showcasing the right skills and experience on your resume is absolutely essential. Think of your resume as your personal billboard – it should highlight the skills and experiences that make you the perfect fit for the job.
Recruiters are looking for resumes that clearly demonstrate a candidate’s ability to meet job demands. Showcasing the right skills and certifications sets you apart from other applicants and increases your chances of landing an interview. Tailor your resume to mirror the job posting, reflecting the skills and experiences sought by the employer.
Focusing on both technical and soft skills can make a significant difference for job seekers. Technical skills show you’re capable of performing core functions, while soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork demonstrate you can thrive in a collaborative environment. This balance makes you a strong match for the position and indicates that you can handle diverse workplace challenges.
✨Tip: Where applicale, be sure to use industry-specific terminology. This not only shows that you’re familiar with the field, but will help on the ATS side of things, and aligns you with hiring managers’ expectations.
The Impact of Certifications
Incorporating certifications into your resume balances technical and soft skills, complementing your overall abilities. Certifications also enhance a resume’s credibility and set candidates apart in competitive job markets. Relevant certifications demonstrate your genuine interest in professional development and showcase your commitment to staying current with industry standards – which can make a lasting impression on hiring managers.
Certifications validate your skills and knowledge, making you more attractive to potential employers. They signal to hiring managers that you are well-prepared to meet the specific needs of the position and contribute effectively from day one. Whether you’re looking to break into a new field or advance in your current career, certifications can provide the edge you need to stand out.
4) Display a Track Record of Success
A resume is more than just a list of past jobs – this is your chance to showcase your success and how you’ve added value in previous roles.
Quantifiable achievements are crucial for showing off your successful track record. Including specific metrics and results gives hiring managers tangible proof of your impact and effectiveness in previous roles. This approach not only sets you apart but also makes a compelling case for your candidacy. Clearly articulating your value proposition can make a lasting impression on hiring managers and increase your chances of landing the job.
👉 For example, instead of stating “Improved sales performance,” you could say, “Increased sales by 20% within the first quarter, resulting in an additional $50,000 in revenue.”
👉Another example could be upgrading “Reduced customer complaints” to “Reduced customer complaints by 30% through the implementation of a new feedback system, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.”
By presenting quantifiable achievements, you provide hiring managers with clear indicators of your capabilities and the value you can bring to their organization.
5) Clear of Grammar and Spelling Mistakes
Attention to detail is a must-have skill that hiring managers are always on the lookout for, and your resume is the first place they check. Proper grammar and spelling are key elements that can make or break that crucial first impression. Even a few mistakes can tarnish your professional image and potentially cost you the job, no matter how qualified you are.
💡Your LinkedIn profile should reflect the same level of professionalism and accuracy as your resume. Consistency across your resume and LinkedIn reinforces your credibility and makes a stronger impression on hiring managers. Focusing on error-free content demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
To ensure your resume is spotless, it’s essential to review your document multiple times and, if possible, have someone else look it over. Fresh eyes can often catch errors that you might have missed. Additionally, consider reading your resume out loud; this can help you identify awkward phrasing or overlooked mistakes.
Remember, a resume with perfect grammar and spelling reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. It shows hiring managers that you care about the quality of your work and are serious about the job opportunity. This level of diligence can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of making a positive impression.
✨Tip: When it comes to spell-checking and grammar, AI can be your best friend. But you might wonder, should you use ChatGPT to write your resume? Check out our blog to explore the do’s and don’ts of leveraging AI to your benefit.
Summary
Crafting a standout resume is all about paying attention to the details and knowing exactly what hiring managers want to see. Make sure your resume is easy to read, shows a clear career progression, highlights the right skills and certifications, showcases your achievements, and is free from grammar and spelling errors. By doing this, you’ll create a compelling resume that sets you apart from other candidates. Remember, your resume is your first chance to make a great impression, so take the time to make it shine. Good luck with your job search!
💡 Want to dive deeper into resume specifics? We’ve got you covered! Check out our blog for expert resume writing tips, or if you prefer a more personalized touch, connect with one of our expert resume writers.
Q&A
Q: Why is it important for a resume to be easy to read at first glance?
A: An easy-to-read resume is crucial because it creates a positive first impression and allows hiring managers to quickly spot your key qualifications. By using clear formatting and relevant keywords, you significantly boost your chances of standing out!
Q: How can I demonstrate a logical career progression on my resume?
A: Showcase your career progression by clearly organizing your work history and emphasizing how your roles and achievements have evolved. This clarity will help hiring managers see your professional growth and readiness for the next opportunity!
Q: What is the significance of balancing technical and soft skills on a resume?
A: Balancing technical and soft skills on your resume is vital as it highlights you as a well-rounded candidate, showcasing your ability to perform tasks and collaborate effectively. This combination makes you more appealing to employers seeking versatile and dynamic team members.
Q: How do certifications impact my resume?
A: Certifications significantly boost your resume’s credibility and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth. They can help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of securing a great job.
Q: Why is proper grammar and spelling important on a resume?
A: Proper grammar and spelling are crucial on a resume as they showcase your attention to detail and professionalism. A polished resume can significantly enhance your chances of making a positive impression and landing the job you desire!
Want a Professional to Take a Look at Your Resume?
We are here to help! Our dedicated team here at ResumeSpice may be known for being the #1 rated resume writing service in the US, but we do much more than that. Our team is here to help you feel confident in yourself and your skillset and totally prepared to stand out in the job market. From helping guide you in building out your personal brand, to working with you on customized interview prep, tailored career coaching, professional LinkedIn profile writing, and more, we are your resource! Check out all of our career services here, and give us a call at 832.930.7378 or connect with us online.
