Employers Look For These Four Items on Your Resume

In a tight job market, gaining an edge over other applicants may be the difference between securing a new job or staying unemployed. However, job candidates who are well informed about what employers look for in resumes have greater odds working in their favor. Consider some of the fundamental elements that employers look for to create a resume that shines.

1. Good References

Remember that employers look for candidates they can depend on. Many employers choose to contact references these days to review job candidates before taking the next step in the hiring process. If you have minimal job history or an employment gap, your reference page is doubly important if you want to score the job. In addition, make sure that all contact information you provide for references is correct and that the email address you include is acceptable and valid.

2. Professionalism

Without a doubt, employers look for professionalism in candidates' resumes. Whether you work in the food industry or the financial sector, a professional resume is a must. If you submit a resume that is full of errors and inaccuracies, you may find that your entire application is overlooked. Ensuring that your resume is formatted correctly and clearly for easy reading is essential. Use a medium-size, plain font to construct your resume. By optimizing your resume, you give yourself a chance to be noticed in a massive pool of applicants. Optimizing your resume using keywords from the job description is the best way to get through applicant tracking systems.

3. Relevant Skills

Although sharing your favorite hobbies and cooking skills may be thrilling for you, it may do little to attract employers. Having many skills and a stellar educational background is impressive to a number of employers, but possessing relevant skills for the job is outstanding. When you are able to display a list of skills that are compatible with the position you are seeking, the hiring manager is more likely to notice you. Numerous employers look for people who have the skills and hands-on experience for the job more than they do a higher level of education.

4. Good Personal Branding

Employers look for candidates who have developed a personal brand and are able to display it with confidence in written form. If possible, include links to examples of your work as well. If you have a history of good performance at previous jobs be sure to include statistics regarding your achievements in your resume. Providing links to your social media profiles is another way to showcase your personality and establish your personal brand.

Once you understand what major points employers look for, you give yourself an advantage. Review your resume on a regular basis to update and add new information, and make edits accordingly. In addition, create a unique resume for each job that you apply for to increase your chances of employment.

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