This is how a hiring manager reviews your resume

When you are writing a resume, it is important to keep your audience in mind. The primary audience for a resume consists of recruitment professionals and ATSs. Your resume would eventually be read and judged by a hiring manager. Knowing what they look for in a resume beforehand will help you create one that performs better.

What do hiring managers look for in a resume?

Hiring managers don’t have all day to sit behind a desk and read 250 resumes. They have to sort through resumes fast. Therefore, hiring managers will only scan resumes for a few items before deciding whether they should go on the "yes" pile or the "no" pile. Here’s what a hiring manager looks for during a resume scan:

1. Relevant keywords

The right keywords on your resume can make a world of difference in your chances of getting hired for the job. Hiring managers always look for a set of key qualifications that are essential to perform well at the job. You can spot these qualifications, or keywords, in the job description of the job posting. Whenever you create a resume, incorporate keywords from the job description to stay relevant. You must mention the right keywords in the key skill section and the career history of your resume.

2. Verification

A hiring manager can tell whether you are qualified for the position by going through your certifications. Certain jobs, such as those in healthcare and accounting, demand the candidates to have the right certifications and licenses. Certificates and licenses help a hiring manager decide whether you have the right knowledge to qualify for the role. When writing your resume, draw the hiring manager’s attention to your credentials using the right formatting.

3. Exaggerations

Hiring managers don’t like it when candidates lie or exaggerate on their resumes. They want to know your real skill level and the true extent of your knowledge. When hiring managers review resumes, they are always on the lookout for embellishments. So, the next time you feel like stretching percentages a little bit to seem more qualified, think twice. It is always good to back your sales claims and achievements with quantifiable results. Sometimes, testimonials or quotes on your resume will act as confirmation of your abilities.

4. Career progression

Employers don’t want to hire people who have had the same job for the last 10 years. Hiring managers always go through the career summary of a resume to see how far the candidate has come in their career. Your resume must showcase your career advancement through the years to make a great impression on a reader. Your career progression shows hiring managers how you are committed to advancing your knowledge and skills.

5. Online presence

Hiring managers of the 21^st century don’t just screen candidates using their resumes. They also search for applicants online. You must always include a link to your LinkedIn profile on your resume so that an interested hiring manager can easily find you online. Adding relevant social media accounts to your resume is a good idea too if you are working in a creative field. If you run a website, blog, vlog, or YouTube channel related to your profession, you should include links to those on your resume.