What Employers Are Looking for in a Resume/CV

Applying for a job is like a competition – numerous candidates aim for the same prize. But how do you stand out and get selected? Well, your chance towards the dream job is actually a powerful CV.

A CV of a high standard is one where you introduce yourself in a confident but respectful manner. The key to a successful resume is having a basic idea of how HR managers review job applications and what they look for.

Remember recruiters have busy schedules and no time to waste. They use particular techniques while reviewing. All this means they want a summary of your experience and achievements in a simple yet representative format.

So, writing a good job resume turns out to be a complex task.

But don’t worry!

Here’s a guide to help you figure the HR manager or direct employer mindset. These tips will help you prepare a substantial and readable CV to make an immediate impact.

Make Sure Your CV Is Easy to Skim-read

Due to lack of time, HR managers don’t analyse the hundreds of CVs they receive. To decide which resumes to review, they use special software or quick-scan for the must-have signs for high employee engagement of people who enjoy their job and actively seek to benefit.

To make sure your CV doesn’t end up in the toss pile, keep it well-structured and easy to read.

How to achieve that?

Using a free Word resume teplates is a great way to start.
Use a simple font, keep everything the same size and style, separate the text into sections.
Avoid long paragraphs and leave enough space between them.
Align your text to the left to improve readability.
Avoid centre text alignment.

What if you want to emphasize certain areas?

Use a bold or italic font but be moderate and don’t overdo.
Enhance the layout of the document by using bullet points to list capabilities, accomplishments, etc.
Stay away from “cliche” words and phrases. They annoy recruiters and might send your document in the trash bin.

If your presentation is as good as resume examples for successful professionals, you ensure the pleasant reading experience for the HR expert. A well-built resume guarantees also that they won’t lose interest and will keep it for further review.

Include Up-to-date Contact Information

It might surprise you how many applicants forget to leave contact details in their CV. An HR manager expects your phone number and email address at the beginning of the resume. Add your home address, too!

Your contact information is the recruiter’s way to reach out to you and schedule an interview. So, you want to check if it’s accurate before you forward your resume.

Give Information About Your Current or Most Recent Position

HR managers will review this part of your CV carefully because your current role and responsibilities define you as an employee. That’s why it’s important to take your time with this section.

Make a thorough description of how you contribute to the working process and what results to expect. Stand out by mentioning how previous achievements and specific experience can come in hand. You’ll definitely get an HR’s attention if you back your statements up with numbers.

Mention the size and scope of the budgets you’ve run, growth and profit estimates, the number of clients served, how many projects you’ve executed, etc. This is how you stand out.

List Skills and Experience

First, it makes a difference when you submit a ”unique” CV.

In recruitment, this means you are tailored to the job you apply for. Analyse the work advert with care. Then note all your capabilities relevant to the requirements of your prospective employer. Position yourself as a valuable match for the exact position.

These are some basic skills that all HR managers look for:

Commercial awareness – show that you’re up to date with the news and trends in the specific business niche.
Communication skills – give an example of successful verbal and on-paper interacting with co-workers, clients, customers, other staff members, and your boss.
Organisational skills – every recruiter wants a strict employee who keeps their deadlines and manages time and tasks effortlessly.
Teamwork skills – think of an example of teamwork that ended with great results.
Problem-solving skills – talk about what difficulties you’ve had during the work process and how you’ve coped with them.

And remember to mention details of your education. Add previous experience like internships, extra-curriculum projects, voluntary activities, etc. This way a HR manager can validate that you are an effective and diligent potential employee.

Don’t Leave Essentials for the End

Try to focus on the statements that matter the most in the first half of your CV. Mention them early while HRs are still committed to reading your resume. If you leave important stuff for the end, you risk it won’t get read.

Correct Grammar and Spelling

It’s normal to make mistakes and typos when you prepare your resume. Before you send it, proofread for errors. Ask a friend to read it, too. HR managers are sharp-eyed.

Send a neat resume. Otherwise, it might cost you the opportunity.

Speak About Your Work Goals

Describe your visions and ideas on how you can be useful for the job and what you hope to achieve. Be careful not to go too far. HR managers wouldn’t like to brag. Instead, make sure they see you as a person ready to accomplish assignments and develop in the work field.

To Sum Up

Now you know what employers look for and what is a good CV. And really do your best to create an outstanding resume because it’s what gets you to the next level of the hiring process. Impress HR managers and convince them to contact you by providing the exact information they look for – not more or less.