In today’s competitive job market, your resume is your first impression.
As a recruiter who reviews hundreds of them, I can tell you that certain things immediately stand out, for better or for worse.
While many people worry about AI screening their application, the truth is that at my agency, a human reviews every resume.
Here are the top five things I look for that separate a good candidate from a great one.
Table of Contents
Stability
The first thing I check is job tenure.
Seeing that a candidate has stayed in a role for at least two years is a strong positive signal.
While one or two short stints can be explained, a pattern of frequent job-hopping (multiple jobs within a single year, for example) is a major red flag for employers.
Value
Do not just list your duties; show your accomplishments.
I look for resumes that include clear metrics and accolades.
For example:
- “Increased team sales by 15% in one year.”
- “Named ‘Top Performer’ for three consecutive quarters.”
- “Successfully managed a portfolio of 50+ clients.”
Numbers and awards prove you deliver results.
Relevance
Your experience needs to be a spot-on match for the role.
I look for skills and work history that directly apply to the job description. Generic resumes that feel like they have been sent to a hundred different companies are easy to spot.
Tailor your resume to show why you are the perfect fit for this specific job.
Personality
A thoughtful, non-generic cover letter can make a huge difference. It is an opportunity to show your personality and explain why you are genuinely interested in the company and the role.
This extra touch shows you are serious and have put in the effort, which helps you stand out from the crowd.
Remember This
Always remember that a person is reading your resume. Make it easy for them. Use a clean, simple format that is easy to scan. Ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes.
A polished, professional document shows respect for the reader’s time and attention to detail.
Conclusion
In summary, a winning resume demonstrates stability, proves your value with metrics, is highly relevant to the job, includes a personal touch, and is easy for a human to read.
Focus on these five key areas:
- Show stability and commitment in your work history.
- Prove your value with clear metrics and results.
- Tailor your experience to be relevant to the job.
- Add a personal touch with a thoughtful cover letter.
- Make it professional, scannable, and easy for a human to read.
The job search can be frustrating, but focusing on these key areas will dramatically improve your chances of getting noticed.
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