Is That Hiring Manager or Recruiter Really Reading Your Resume?

It is often said that most hiring managers only devote a few seconds to skimming over your resume before deciding whether to move forward. Whether that statement is true or not, it's safe to say that many hiring managers are indeed inundated with candidate applications. It is in your best interest to craft a resume that rises above the rest, grabs the reader's attention and compels recruiters to want to know more about you.

Make it Attractive

Your resume should be visually attractive to the reader, so think about format. Use a sleek, modern font and a simple, clean template. Use bold headings and plenty of white space so your resume doesn't look like a big block of text. Where possible, replace paragraphs and groups of sentences with bullet points, which are quick and easy to read.

Make it Easy to Read

Assume your document will only get a quick scan from the hiring manager. Design your resume accordingly, leaving out all unnecessary information or filler. Put your strongest and most relevant job experience front and center, emphasizing it with bullet points or a bold font. Your resume should read like a quick fact sheet rather than a comprehensive biography.

Focus on Achievements

Make sure your resume lets the hiring manager know you're the exact candidate he is looking for. Your resume should be completely customized to the position. Do this by using some of the same words and phrases you found in the job description. Determine the qualities and skills that are most important to the employer, and highlight those same characteristics within your resume. Don't expect hiring managers to connect the dots; make the connections for them.

Pay Attention

Even with a perfectly crafted resume, you may receive little to no feedback from the hiring manager. While this is common in a highly competitive industry, pay attention to the way you are treated throughout the recruiting process. When you follow up, are you received with a friendly and warm greeting? Are you given a realistic timeline for next steps? Do you believe the hiring manager is being honest and upfront about his plans for you within the company? If you think the employer is giving you the runaround, move on. If you're treated this way during the hiring process, it is doubtful things will improve if you get hired.

Hiring managers are only human and are often overwhelmed with applications. Their main goal is to find the most qualified candidate to fill a position, so it's your job to ensure your resume sends a strong message. Give your resume the tweaks it needs to become clearer and more compelling to the reader to substantially improve your chance of getting an interview.

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