You spend hours polishing your resume. You write and re-write until it’s just right. But have you wondered what HR looks for on a resume – and whether yours fits the bill or misses the mark?
If you have you’re certainly not alone, and we’re here to help. Below are some of the best resume tips to incorporate into your next round of edits, so you can get noticed and get a call for an interview.
Tip #1: Proper grammar and spelling.
If your resume is full of typos and weak grammar, your resume is going to wind up in the recycling bin, no matter how experienced you are. That’s why it’s vital that you proofread your resume multiple times and then ask a trusted friend or family member to do the same for you.
Tip #2: A successful track record.
When it comes to your professional resume, hiring managers want to know more than just your tasks and responsibilities. They want to find out about the contributions you’ve made and how they’ve impacted your past employers in a positive way. So, include accomplishments with each job title that you can quantify with percentages, time periods, dollar amounts, statistics, or in other ways.
Tip #3: A career progression that makes sense.
When hiring managers see a spotty work history, inconsistencies, or a lot of gaps on your professional resume, it’s going to detract from your ability to get the offer. Instead, when it comes to work history, employers look for a career progression that makes sense and has generally an upward trajectory.
Tip #4: The right skills and experience.
If a hiring manager is looking for an administrative assistant with five years of experience and you have one year, don’t expect a callback. Hiring managers are scanning resumes for skills and experience. And if you’re applying to jobs that you aren’t truly qualified for, you’re wasting their time and your own.
Tip #5: It’s easy to read.
Hiring managers are busy people. So, when it comes time for them to scan your resume (which is what they do), make it easy for them. Use bold-faced type for your past job titles and bullet out your tasks and responsibilities. Also, include plenty of white space and use a font size bigger than 10. Sending in a two-page resume is better than submitting one crammed with tiny type.
The bottom line? You might be the perfect fit for the job. But if you’re not keeping in mind the five tips above, then you might not be considered.
Next time you’re wondering what employers look for on a resume, turn to ResumeSpice. We have the answers you need so you can create a professional resume that gets results. Just call us today at 832.930.7378.
