Resume secrets revealed: How a recruiter reads a resume
By Diane Steele
If I had a dollar for every resume I’ve read in my career, I may be able to buy a few pairs of the Chanel boots I’ve always wanted, without guilt. That being said, if you are curious about how an experienced recruiter reads your resume, I can give you a few tips.
If you look at your resume, with a highlighter, make a huge Z from the left, over to the right, then down to the left, and over to the right at the bottom. There you have it. This is the 5 second look recruiters give that will warrant the length of the second review, how long the second review will be, and if you will ultimately receive the opportunity to land an interview.
What do I see in the 5 second Z?
Your name
The city where you live
Your current job title
How long you have worked there, maybe where you work, a few keywords in the body that might stand out, and then…
A zip across the bottom, which will give me an idea of the previous job titles and achievements.
After the 5 second Z, I will think to myself. It may be an immediate “wow, let’s dig a little deeper into the content” and if so, out comes the big yellow sharpie highlighter, showcasing all of the details I’m looking for according to the job description. Then, I review the most recent job, and scan to the bottom of the resume to review previous jobs listed.
If I like what I see, I will go to the top and then read the top section, which I hope to be titled “Professional summary”, “Professional Overview” or something similar. If it reads “Objective” it will still get a read, but I would prefer the former, as you should consider yourself as a professional, no matter where you are in your career.
If the resume is not an immediate, “wow” but there were some items that caught my attention along the Z, I will go back to the most current job and read a little further. Is this background close to what we are looking for, but perhaps they have a different job title?
By now you are likely familiar with applicant tracking systems and how they scan/read and rank resumes according to keywords being included within the body of the resume. Yes, there is this technology and it is used to sort, but the human eye and cognitive decision process the recruiter makes when reviewing a resume is still part of the process that a machine, in my opinion, will never replace.
Four ways to make sure your resume gets read
A few high-level pointers for a resume that will get the attention of the recruiter, the big yellow highlighter, and an invite for an interview:
Apply for a job that matches your background, preferably with the same or similar title you currently or recently had. If this is not the case, a chronological resume may not be the best format, and you may want to look at a skills-based resume, or a hybrid resume format.
Under each job, add a maximum of 5 bullet points, easy to read, highlighting the most important responsibilities in your role, and the related achievements/outcomes. Review the job description for the job you are applying for and include similar keywords and examples of achievements in your resume. Keep this in mind: Something you do as part of your job may be mundane for you and not seem important or relevant, but if it’s a skill or technology the next employer is looking for it is that unique/important information or skill set that helps you get noticed by the applicant tracking system, and/or stand out to the employer.
Your resume length: 1-10 years - one page; 10 or more years - one page. Your resume should never be longer than two pages unless you are a high-level executive, in which you would work with a professional to create a curriculum vitae of a high scholarly level, including several additional attachments and supporting documents.
Proofread for errors and correct grammar, and flow. Ask a professional for help if you need help.
If you are sending your resume to multiple companies with no response, it is an indication there is something that needs adjustment. Spending some time with a career coach or resume writer to help identify what may be happening, could be helpful, and help you land an interview and eventually the job and career of your dreams!
Good luck in your job search! Please contact me if I can be of any assistance to you!
About Diane Steele
Diane Steele is CEO and Founder of Steele Recruiting, an Executive Administrative Assistant Search firm. Headquartered in Minneapolis/St Paul, Steele Recruiting is a female owned retained search firm, specializing in Executive Administrative Assistant-Chief of Staff recruitment, supporting CEOs and Presidents in Minneapolis and St Paul. Contact Steele via email or phone at 952-484-4217.
"We should have called you first!" President of a recruitment firm, Minneapolis, 2020.
Like Steele Recruiting Linkedin Page for EA Opportunities, Tips, Insights and Events
