What Would an HR Manager Think About Your Resume?

You've probably honed your resume until it sparkles, and you're likely very proud of it. However, what you think of your resume doesn't really matter. The important thing is what an HR manager thinks when she takes a look at it. Take a look at some of the resume advice that HR managers who read hundreds of resumes have to offer. Here are the questions they're asking.

What's the Focus of Your Resume?

When writing your resume, one of the key choices you make is whether to focus on your achievements and accomplishments or on your job responsibilities and duties in each position. HR managers tend to prefer the former approach. Lists of job duties can be boring to read, and they really don't reveal much. After all, just because you had certain responsibilities in your position, doesn't mean you actually fulfilled them.

Based on this information, make sure you've formatted your resume to focus on your accomplishments. Provide specific details on your achievements, with measurable data when you have it. Specifics might include quotas you've exceeded, revenue or clients you've brought to your company, or awards you've earned.

Is Your Resume Generic?

A modern resume needs to be tailored for the job you're applying. Yes, this means you need to tweak your resume each time you send it out. HR managers can tell when you're sending out a one-size-fits-all resume — and the problem is that one size definitely doesn't fit all. Write your resume using keywords from the job listing to get it past the computerized review that many large companies use and into the hands of the HR manager you want to see it. Pack your resume with specific content, avoiding fancy attempts at a stylistic resume or efforts to be too personal or creative.

Does Your Resume Contain Blatant Errors?

Certain types of mistakes tend to tick off HR managers, often destining your resume for the wastebasket. Proofread your resume, and when you're done, proofread it again, and then give it to a friend to proofread. Even one misspelling can send the message that you're sloppy or under-educated. These are not qualities you want to advertise when you're looking for a job. Send your resume in the specific format requested; don't send a PDF if the job posting asks for a Word file, and make sure your files can be opened.

Since HR managers are the real gatekeepers when it comes to reading resumes and cover letters, it's crucial to heed their resume advice. Take the time to rework your resume so it shows you off in the best possible light, avoid applying for jobs you're not qualified for, and put in the effort to make sure your resume communicates clearly without errors. Once you do this, HR managers are more likely to respond.

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