Four Tips for Writing Resumes Recruiters Actually Read

As a recruiter, the most common questions I get from people usually relates to resumes. Everyone's put together a resume before and it's something I'm sure no one actually likes to do. Furthermore, most people are puzzled about whether or not they've put together a good resume. It's a process that most people either don't put enough effort into or overthink entirely. 

While there are many ways to put together a resume, the most important thing is to keep the end reader in mind. In terms of a resume, there are two reader you need to write for. The first is the ATS and second is a recruiter. If your resume, due to formatting issues and file type incompatibility, can't pass through the ATS, it will be hard to reach a recruiter. Then, once you reach the recruiter, it has to be easy to read with enough content that won't create information overload for the read. In order to achieve this balance, there are a number of things you should keep in mind. Below are just a few of my favorite tips: 

Formatting is Nearly as Important as Content 

There is nothing more frustrating than seeing a poorly formatted resume. In fact, many looks like they are simply words on a page. Aside from looking sloppy and looking like there is minimal effort being put into your job search, it makes it much harder to follow. Recruiters have to look at 100+ resumes on a normal day in addition to interviewing candidates, scheduling, managing administrative tasks, etc. There is simply not enough time to read every resume word for word. In the midst of an extremely busy day, the best formatted resumes are going to end up getting the most of a recruiter's attention simply because they're easier to follow. 

It's About More than Just Keywords 

Keywords are important and, in writing your resume, you should ALWAYS include the main keywords from a job description. However, it's not just about using them in your resume, it's about the frequency in which they appear. By virtue of having a keyword appear once in your resume, you will automatically appear in a search for that keyword. However, your relevancy score will be lower through most ATSs and other recruiting-based search engines. Additional, a recruiter will also perceive your experience as less relevant if the important key works are appearing in your resume sporadically instead of more frequently as it will indicate you have less experience with that skill, tool, or technology. 

Chronological Over Functional Formats 

The truth of the matter is, unless your applying for an entry-level job, the majority of recruiters are more interested in what you've done and the demonstrated ability to do it over what you really want to do in the future. With that said, most people who have closely related experience to the job they are applying for want to stick with the chronological resumes. How long ago you held a particular responsibility or the last time you used a certain technology matters. It indicates how relevant your experience is, your perceived skill level, and how much training you would require to get up to date. Recruiters want candidates who are more up-to-date than not. So unless you're switching a career, you're better of sticking with the chronological formats for the sake of being transparent. 

A Well Written Resume Doesn't Substitute Experience 

Your resume is a marketing which is geared toward improving your chances of speaking with a recruiter and getting a job. It's important to note that there are talented employees who will never get a call back simply because their resume went unnoticed because it was just not up to par. There are also candidates who aren't qualified but will hear back because their resume was extremely good. However, it should be noted that unqualified candidates probably won't make it past a recruiter. Your resume can get you a call but it can't land you the job if you just don't have the skill set. Be realistic about what you can expect from a good resume and understand that your job search requires much more than a well-written resume to land the job you're looking for. 

Did you find this helpful? If so, come find me at Workbar Boston this Thursday 11/30th @7:00pm for my workshop "Job Search Secrets from a Recruiter: Resume & LinkedIn Optimization". At this workshop will be doing a live resume & LinkedIn profile critique, going over what recruiters look for in terms of content and formatting. We will learn how to tailor your resumes to get a call for the job you want as well as how to build your LinkedIn to get found recruiters. 

 You can get your tickets HERE. Registration is required in advance.