How to Ensure Your Resume is Read by Recruiters

Even the most qualified candidates with theresume gets a more through review is to specifically
strongest qualifications sometimes get bypassed byaddress this topic in a summary of qualifications at
recruiters when they are looking to fill an openthe top of your resume. Don't leave it up recruiter to
position. Why is this? Don't recruiters want todeduce how (and if) you will be an asset - tell them
interview and hire and the best of the best?directly!
The answer to this question is, of course, yes!Finally, with so many incoming resumes for a single
Recruiters are reviewing the resumes of submittedposition, recruiters are eager to reject and screen
candidates to determine which individuals appear, onout individuals down to a more manageable level. Any
paper, to be a potential match for the position. Butlittle mistake or error of judgment may be enough to
considering that a recruiter may get dozens, if notdisqualify you before your qualification summary is
hundreds, of resumes for a single job opening, thereeven reviewed.
is little time to carefully dig through each individualTo ensure that your resume is even more than just
resume to see if a candidate has the "speciala cursory glance, avoid the following top recruiter pet
something" the employer is seeking.peeves:
As disappointing as this fact is for many job seekers,Spelling errors and typos
most recruiters will decide the fate of your resume inPoor grammar / Failure to use proper English
less than 15 seconds. If a recruiter cannot matchMissing or inaccurate contact information
your qualifications to that of the open position in thatMissing or inaccurate dates of employment
time frame, your resume is headed to the "File forPoor or distracting resume formatting
Future Reference" stack, otherwise known as theUse of unusual resume paper such as bright colors or
Black Hole of Resumes. This means that you need topatterned paper. Scented paper is also a no-no.
sell yourself very quickly and capture the recruiter'sPosition accomplishments read more like a
attention from the start.company-developed formal job description than an
So what do you need to do to stand out in theoutline of your skills, key outcomes, and results.
crowd? First off, your resume needs to beRecruiters don't want to know what your employer
results-oriented and concise, and quickly summarizesays someone in your position should be doing - they
your qualifications for the target position. Grab thewant to know what you actually do!
reader's attention with strong selling points at theLong, tedious resumes - more than 1 page for new
very top of your resume on why yourgraduates or inexperienced professional, more than
accomplishments, skills, and experience match the2-3 pages for experienced professionals
position you are seeking. Doing research on theGrossly unqualified candidates
company at which you are applying and the specificAnd last, but not least:
open position will provide you with the informationInclusion of personal information that is unrelated to
you need to ensure you are focusing in on the rightthe job. Recruiters don't want to know about your
skill areas.family life, your religion, your extracurricular activities,
The next step is to demonstrate the value you willyour weight and height, or anything else that does
contribute to the company. Recruiters are going tonot directly qualify you for the position. Never attach
be looking for ways in which you will you be an assetyour picture to your resume!
to the company. An easy way to ensure that your