WHAT RESUME READERS WANT
October 11th, 2007
When a perspective employer is scanning resumes, they first look for reasons to screen out a majority of the resumes. Once the initial scanning is complete, they then need to look for reasons why they should select a small number of resumes to reexamine. They are looking for certain information on the resume to determine whether the resume should be retained and considered for current or future positions. The following are a few Basic Questions they may ask to narrow their search:
• Does the candidate have the experience needed to fill the position?
• Does the candidate have the length of experience required?
• Can this person work as a team? An individual?
• Does the candidate have the technical ability needed?
• Does the candidate have stability throughout their work experience?
• Does the candidate exemplify leadership or management qualities?
• Does the candidate appear to have achieved a good record of achievement?
• Does the candidate have any awards?
• Does the candidate show a pattern of upward movement or growth?
• How does this candidate measure up to other internal candidates?
• How does this candidate measure up to other external candidates?
• Overall, does this candidate meet all or most of the criteria required for this opportunity?
Again, these are just a few of many possible attributes that a prospective employer might look for in a resume. It does not matter how long you have been in a job search, you should still take out your resume and ask these questions. Of course not all of these questions will apply to you, but the ones that do could give you the edge!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC