Imagine this: You are a recruiter or employer with a deadline to find the perfect candidate for the open position in the company. But you receive hundreds of resumes in response to this opening. What should you do? Do you read all of the resumes?
Understanding how recruiters or employers think and react to resumes is a powerful tool that can significantly boost your resume’s appeal. To help you take control of your job search, here’s what you need to know about recruiters and employers regarding resumes and what they need to see on your resume to pass their initial readings.
Do Recruiters View All Resumes? How Long?
The answer to this question depends on the turnout of the job opening and the company’s hiring process.
If only a few people applied for the job, the employer may take their time reviewing all of the resumes they receive to determine which applicants meet their requirements.
However, if there is a large turnout, the employer has the option to review all the resumes, have someone do the screening, or review only a handful of applications. If they do decide to review these resumes, employers or recruiters will read them for 6 to 7 seconds before they turn to the next one.
What Do They Look For?
Each resume will differ depending on the job opening and the requirements listed in the job description. However, here are some of the top elements recruiters will look for when they review a resume:
A resume’s format can tell employers or recruiters if the applicant has read the job description carefully and organized their resume according to what is needed. For instance, a chronological format is often preferred for those with a consistent work history, while a functional format may be more suitable for those with diverse skills and experiences. The format must also be easy to read so the correct information is seen immediately, reducing the need to spend more time on the other parts of the resume.
A work history is also crucial to a resume; recruiters should check it immediately. They will look at how long you have worked for your current employer and determine the tasks you were doing for the employer. Furthermore, your work history can also let them know how long you have worked in the positions you applied for.
Certain positions require applicants to have a certain educational background to be considered for the position. Employers will check your information quickly to see if you should proceed to the next step.
Achievements are a powerful way to demonstrate your skills and contributions to your previous workplace. By showcasing your achievements, you can instill confidence in recruiters about your potential to help them achieve their business goals.
Any additional information supporting the applicant’s credentials will also be considered. If they see this information on the profile, they will be convinced to read the rest of the resume.
- Online profile or portfolio
Finally, it is always a plus for recruiters to see the applicant’s online profile or portfolio. This allows them to better understand the applicant’s background and see samples of their work in depth. It also gives them an idea of their professional contacts and online presence. A well-maintained LinkedIn profile or a personal website showcasing your work can significantly enhance your resume’s appeal.
What To Do To Improve Your Resume?
Now that you know how recruiters can review your profile and what they are looking for, it’s time to make adjustments to your resume. Here are some great tips to apply when updating your resume.
If you don’t know where to start, why ask for help from resume professionals or freelancers who can adjust your resume to emphasize the correct information for the positions you are applying for? They can also write your resume if this is your first time applying for a position.
Most recruiters want an easy-to-read resume that will allow them to find the correct information immediately. You can do this by changing your resume’s format, using fewer embellishments and using the proper headers to highlight information. Also, take the time to review your resume’s information and make sure it is accurate.
- Focus on the relevant skills and information first
Employers want to see your credentials first to determine if you are a potential contender for the position. With this in mind, you can first put the correct information on top of your resume so they can easily find it.
- Reduce the pages of your resume
Creating a concise and well-organised resume is a key strategy to keep recruiters focused on your most important information. By streamlining your resume to one to two pages, you can ensure that recruiters review all your information and focus on what’s necessary.
Each recruiter will be different regarding how they deal with the resumes. As a job seeker, you need to anticipate what they need and provide them with what they need. Use this article as your guide to changing your resume accordingly and improving your chances of proceeding to the interview stage.
Now here’s some of the interview tips that will surprise you:
Do Appearance and Attitude Matter in An Interview
How to Emphasise Your Personal Strengths During an Interview
8 Types of Interview You Will Come Across In Your Lifetime
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