When it comes to reviewing resumes, it’s crucial that employers take their time and thoroughly examine each application. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of 5 things to look for when reviewing resumes. With these tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect candidate in next to no time.
Relevant Experience
When reviewing resumes, looking for applicants with relevant experience is important. “Relevant” can mean different things depending on the type of job you are hiring for. Most employers are looking for candidates with the appropriate job-related qualifications and direct experience with the new job’s duties. An employer may also consider degrees, certifications, and relevant courses or workshops completed to fill a position.
Make sure the applicant has previously worked in a similar role or industry. This is your chance to find out if they can hit the ground running and handle the demands of their position.
Education
It’s important to ensure that the candidate has completed the educational requirements for the job. Depending on the type of job you are hiring for, this could range from a high school diploma all the way up to a graduate degree. If a higher degree is required, employers should also check out any relevant certifications and courses the applicant takes.
Additionally, pay attention to the gaps in the candidate’s educational history. These indicate how long they have been learning in a formal setting and may also highlight times when they have had a break in schooling.
Personal Information
When assessing a resume, the quality of personal information is paramount. Take a look at how the candidates present themselves. Are they confident and professional? Do they demonstrate their skills in an organized manner?
This is also a great opportunity to understand the candidate’s personality. Take note of any hobbies, interests, or passions that can help you gauge their soft skills and decide whether they fit the job well. Be sure to check the dates, locations, and contact information. Minor details such as capitalization and correct spelling indicate attention given to details.
Career Goals and Objectives
Look at the candidate’s long-term career goals and see how they match the company’s mission statement or culture. From this section of the resume, you can understand how they envision their future and which path they would like to pursue. Evaluate each individual’s career objectives by looking at the goals they have set for themselves and any professional accomplishments they’ve achieved in pursuit of these objectives. This will help you assess whether or not their desired direction and skill set align with your needs as an employer.
Additionally, when reviewing candidates’ career goals, look for consistency in what they present across cover letters and interviews. To further understand their perspective, ask questions that challenge them to dive deeper into the subject and clearly and accurately communicate their core objective.
References
One of the most important items to look for is the references. A reference should be listed with their contact information, including a name, full mailing address, and phone number. You are looking to see if the applicant provided references and that the references are good people to contact. Here, you will understand whether the applicant is reliable and how well-liked they may be in their profession or field of work. Taking note of any discrepancies (of even small details) between what was said on the resume and what was heard from a reference can provide great insight into an applicant’s integrity and character. As such, references should never be overlooked when considering an individual for employment.
Characteristics Of a Successful Resume
When reviewing resumes, employers should look for characteristics that make a resume stand out. Here are some key factors to look for:
A professional resume should be easy to read and understand.
The applicant’s credentials, experience, and other vital information should all be accurate.
The resume should showcase the applicant’s best qualities professionally.
Since resumes are often used as an employer’s first impression of an individual, any mistakes can reflect poorly on the candidate. Therefore, all information must be exact and appropriately presented.
Conclusion
A resume review is an essential part of the hiring process. By taking the time to thoroughly assess every component of a resume, employers can gain valuable insight into a potential candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and character traits. This in-depth analysis allows employers to make informed decisions that benefit both parties involved in the job search. That being said, it is important to remember that a resume should only serve as an introduction – the real test of an individual’s skills and work ethic comes during the interview stage.