Oct 25, 2023 6 min read

What do Recruiters Look for in a Resume - An Ultimate Guide

Your resume is your first chance to make a good impression on a potential employer.

It's a one-page summary of your skills, experience, and accomplishments, and it's crucial to have it well-written and tailored to the specific job you're applying for.

Now, recruiters are looking for ATS-friendly, keyword-rich resumes highlighting applicant's most relevant skills and experience. They're also looking for resumes that are clear, concise, and easy to read.

But why does it matter so much? The answer is simple yet profound: in the competitive job-hunting arena, a well-crafted resume doesn't just represent you; it advocates for you. It's the difference between being lost in the shuffle and standing out between a missed opportunity and the doorway to a promising future. In essence, having a good resume is not just a necessity—it's your ticket to being noticed, remembered, and, ultimately, chosen.

Let's look further into what recruiters look for in a resume, common mistakes to avoid, and how to write an ATS-friendly resume.

What do Recruiters Look for in a Resume?

Recruiters seek ATS-friendly, keyword-rich resumes highlighting applicants' most relevant skills and experience. They're also looking for resumes that are clear, concise, and easy to read.

Here are some specific things that recruiters are looking for in a resume in 2023:

Hard skills:

Recruiters are looking for candidates with the hard skills necessary to succeed in the role. This may include proficiency in specific software programs, languages, or other technical skills.

Soft skills:

Recruiters are also looking for candidates with strong soft skills, such as communication, collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving..

Relevant experience:

Recruiters want to see that candidates have relevant experience for the role they're applying for. This may include experience in a similar role at another company or experience with specific projects or tasks.

Keywords:

Recruiters use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen and shortlist resumes. To make sure your resume is seen by an ATS, be sure to include relevant keywords throughout your resume.

Clear and concise writing:

Your resume should be easy to read and scan. Use clear and concise language, and avoid using too much jargon.

Here are some tips for writing a resume that will impress recruiters:

Tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job.
Use keywords throughout your resume. This will help your resume be noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. This will help employers to see the impact that you've made in your previous roles.
Proofread your resume carefully before submitting it. Typos and grammatical errors can make you look unprofessional.

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

In the pursuit of securing that dream job, many fall into the trap of missteps on their resumes. These pitfalls, often underestimated, can severely hamper your chances even before an interview. Your resume is your first chance to make a good impression on a potential employer.

Avoid these common resume mistakes to ensure that your resume gets noticed and that you're invited to an interview.

Using too much jargon.

While industry-specific terms can showcase your expertise, overloading your resume with jargon can obfuscate your true accomplishments. Remember, your resume might first land in the hands of HR professionals who might not be familiar with technical terms. Instead, use clear and concise language to describe your skills and experience.

Not tailoring your resume to the job you're applying for.

Sending out a generic resume might seem like a time-saver, but it clearly indicates a lack of effort. Tailoring your resume to each job shows prospective employers that you've done your homework and truly understand what they seek. This means highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the specific job.

Not quantifying your accomplishments.

Narrating your accomplishments is one thing, but quantifying them adds weight and authenticity. For example, Did you increase sales or boost them by 25% in the first quarter? Precise figures offer a clearer picture of your contributions. This will help potential employers to see the impact that you've made in your previous roles.

Lying on your resume.

Never lie on your resume. Employers can quickly check your references and verify your employment history. If you're caught lying on your resume, you'll likely be disqualified from the job.

Here are some tips for avoiding these common resume mistakes:

Ask a friend or family member to review your resume. They can help you to identify any jargon or technical terms that you're using.
Read the job description carefully before you start writing your resume. This will help you to identify the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job.
Use specific examples to quantify your accomplishments. For example, you can say that you "increased sales by 15% by developing and implementing a new marketing campaign" rather than blindly saying "increased sales."
Be honest and truthful on your resume. If you're not sure whether or not to include something on your resume, it's best to err on the side of caution and leave it out.

In crafting your resume, being genuine, specific, and thoughtful is essential. After all, this document isn't just a list—it's the story of your professional life.

By avoiding these common resume mistakes, you have better chances of grabbing the attention of potential employers and land your dream job.

Alternative to Traditional Resumes: The Digital Shift

In the digital age, traditional resumes are becoming outdated. Recruiters are increasingly looking for new ways to find and screen candidates, and job seekers need to find new

ways to stand out from the competition.

Why Shift to Digital?

The question isn't why, but rather, why not? As our workspaces, communications, and operations transition to digital platforms, it's only fitting that our professional representations keep pace.

This is where getCREDIBLE comes into play, pioneering a transformative shift from your standard resumes and LinkedIn profiles to dynamic, digital, and validated formats.

SLATE, a digital embodiment of your resume, is easy to view and features ratings against your performance-based milestones from people in your professional ecosystem, and that can include your peers, customers, clients, managers, colleagues, etc.

This isn't just a replica of your conventional resume; it's an upgraded, interactive, and easily shareable version. Whether it's for impressing a potential employer, making a mark in a managerial meeting, or showcasing your prowess to recruiters, SLATE is a formidable tool for growth and opportunities.

Moreover, it is a platform to showcase your professional credibility.

Here are some of the benefits of using getCREDIBLE to create a digital resume:

Stand out from the competition: SLATEs are visually appealing and easy to read, making them more likely to get noticed by recruiters.
Save time: getCREDIBLE makes it easy to create and update your resume. You can also share your SLATE with anyone with a single click.
Increase your credibility: getCREDIBLE validates your credentials so recruiters can be confident that your skills and experience are real.

Who Benefits from getCREDIBLE?

Students: Stepping into the professional world can be daunting. But with a validated and credible SLATE, that first job becomes more than just a dream—it becomes a reality.
Recruiters: Sifting through endless stacks of resumes can be tiresome. getCREDIBLE offers recruiters the advantage of accessing digital and validated profiles, ensuring that they pinpoint the best talents efficiently.
Corporates: Objective-based hiring translates to enhanced productivity. By leveraging validated digital profiles, companies can streamline their recruitment processes and ensure they're bringing on board the talent that aligns with their goals.

If you're looking for an alternative to the traditional resume, getCREDIBLE is an excellent option. SLATEs are easy to create and share, and they can help you stand out from the competition and landing your dream job.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we've discussed what recruiters are looking for in a resume in 2023.

A resume is more than just a list of experiences and skills; it reflects your professional narrative, dedication, and unique value proposition.

Here is a summary of the key takeaways:

Recruiters want to see that you have the skills, experience, and education necessary to be successful in the role you're applying for.
Your resume should be clear, concise, and easy to read.
Be sure to tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for.
Use keywords throughout your resume to help it get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to highlight the impact that you've made in your previous roles.
Review and proofread your resume carefully before submitting it to avoid typos and grammatical errors.
Use advanced digital tools like getCREDIBLE to build your professional credibility and a digitized version of your resume called SLATE.

If you're looking for a new job, be sure to keep these tips in mind when writing your resume. By following these tips, you can write a resume that will help you get noticed by recruiters and land your dream job.