A Better Resume
In the first part of this series (Better Resume Part I), I delved into the pivotal role of resumes as your initial introduction to prospective organizations. I explored the challenges faced by those reviewing resumes and shared actionable tips to enhance your chances of standing out from the competition.
In this second installment, Part II, I will delve deeper into the specific elements of a resume that caught my attention as a hiring manager when assessing potential new hires. Additionally, I will discuss red flags that instantly raised concerns and prompted me to steer clear of certain candidates. Finally, I will provide you with a comprehensive summary of what hiring managers across the board typically seek in a resume.
Designing Your Resume
Crafting a resume that showcases your career progression and leadership prowess is essential for attracting the attention of hiring managers. By focusing on your growth, highlighting achievements, illustrating adaptability, and tailoring your resume for relevance, you’ll position yourself as an exceptional candidate.
So, let’s start with what I like to see on candidate resumes. I like to see resumes that show a candidate’s progression in their career as they take on more complex and important job roles. Craft a resume that showcases your career progression, highlighting how you’ve evolved and excelled in each new position. By emphasizing your upward trajectory, you’ll convey your leadership potential and dedication to professional growth.
I like to see a resume tailored to the specific job opening. Customize your resume to align with the specific requirements of the role you’re applying for. Highlight experiences and skills that directly relate to the position, emphasizing how your past accomplishments and leadership qualities make you an ideal fit. For example, if applying for a leadership role, the resume should be tailored to show your leadership skills. If a technical role, then your skills as a technician should be highlighted. Tailor the resume to the job. The use of generic catch-all resumes should be avoided.
Accomplishments vs. Duties
Additionally, I like to see results or accomplishments rather than a collection of duties. Go beyond listing job duties and responsibilities. Instead, focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your effectiveness and value. Highlight specific projects, initiatives, or challenges you’ve successfully tackled, along with the measurable impact you’ve made. Showcase duties that demonstrate responsibility and accomplishments. This will provide concrete evidence of your leadership abilities and results-oriented mindset.
Finally, I like to see problem-solving skills, awards and recognition the individual has earned. And I like to see hobbies or short information on what the candidate does in their spare time. This personalizes the resume, it shows me a person. In a sea of endless details, I like seeing a real person come through who, for example, coaches their daughter’s baseball team on the weekends or volunteers for noble causes in their community.
What Other Hiring Managers Look for on a Resume
Source: you.com May 2023
Hiring managers generally look for several key items in a resume, including:
1. Relevant experience: Highlighting your relevant experience is key, as it demonstrates your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role. Be sure to include any significant accomplishments or projects that showcase your skills and expertise in the field.
2. Education is another important aspect to emphasize. Include your degrees, certifications, and any relevant coursework or training that applies to the position. This helps establish your foundation of knowledge and qualifications.
3. Accomplishments and awards: In addition to experience and education, consider incorporating any notable achievements or awards. This could include recognition for outstanding performance, successful projects, or other relevant accolades. Highlighting these accomplishments can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your potential value to the hiring manager.
Disclaimer: It is essential to keep in mind that hiring managers and companies may have varying priorities when reviewing resumes. However, as a general guideline, focusing on your relevant experience, education, qualifications, and achievements can greatly increase your chances of capturing the attention of hiring managers.
What I don’t like to see on a resume.
When reviewing resumes, I carefully look for red flags that give me pause when considering a candidate for further evaluation. One major red flag is when a candidate has held numerous jobs within a short period. This indicates a lack of stability and raises questions about their commitment and suitability for a long-term position.
In my experience, candidates with a history of frequent job changes often fall into two categories: those who are unsure about their career path and those who struggle to maintain steady employment. Early in my career, I made the mistake of selecting a few candidates with this red flag, and unfortunately, it never turned out well. While there may be exceptions, unless there is a clear explanation on the resume, I usually choose not to pursue these candidates further.
Another red flag that catches my attention is significant gaps in a candidate’s work experience without a satisfactory explanation. Candidates need to provide a reasonable account of these gaps on their resume. Valid reasons such as pursuing higher education, serving in the military, or taking a sabbatical can mitigate concerns. However, if the resume fails to address these gaps, it leaves the reviewer guessing, and in my case, it often results in not moving forward with the candidate.
Don’t Do This
Exaggerations on resumes are also a cause for concern, especially when they pertain to my field of work. If a candidate claims to be an “expert,” they need to provide substantial evidence on their resume to support that assertion. I have found that true experts in a field possess extensive formal training and many years of experience. If the resume does not demonstrate this, I tend to overlook such claims.
It’s worth noting that the few candidates I have interviewed who labeled themselves as “experts” in my field ultimately failed to meet the expected standard. A few probing questions quickly exposed their exaggerations.
Examine your resume carefully and ensure you don’t have red flags that could prevent you from getting a further look.
Other Alternatives
It’s important to recognize that relying solely on a cold resume submission is not always the most effective way to secure a job. Sometimes, it’s necessary to leverage personal connections, conduct thorough research, and explore alternative avenues.
For example, having a friend who works at a company you are interested in can greatly assist you in the hiring process. They can potentially speak to the hiring manager on your behalf and help facilitate an interview. Even if an interview isn’t immediately arranged, it can still aid in making your name more memorable to the hiring manager, increasing your chances of consideration.
I have personally encountered candidates who approached me through these means, and it did prove beneficial for them. Knowing that one of my trusted employees recommended them prompted me to spend more time reviewing their resume. While it didn’t always result in their immediate hiring, it certainly helped them garner more attention. Ultimately, that’s the purpose of a resume—to capture the attention of prospective employers and provide you with further opportunities to secure the job.
Conclusion
Your resume is not just a piece of paper; it is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression and secure a job interview. It is crucial to make it stand out, to let it speak for you, and to give yourself the best chance of success. If you’ve been facing disappointment with your job applications, it’s time to take a step back and reassess.
I recommend revisiting Part I and Part II of this article and taking the time to carefully examine each section of your resume and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, seeking external feedback can be incredibly valuable. Ask others to review your resume and see what insights they gain from it. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the helpful feedback you receive.
Remember, persistence is key. Don’t give up, no matter how discouraging the process may seem. Just like my wife, (see Part I of this article), you only need one company to recognize your potential and offer you a position. Stay determined and keep your spirits high.
I hope the recommendations provided in this blog help you craft a better resume and land the job you have been tirelessly seeking. Keep pushing forward, and success will come your way.
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Coming Soon
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Steve Mattioli