Wondering What to Look For In a Resume? Here Are 5 Handy Talent Acquisition Tips

We all know how crucial it is to have the best team onboard for a successful business journey. However, the job market can be a bit challenging. There’s a lot of competition and various factors at play.

Now, let’s be real – going through piles of resumes might seem a tad overwhelming, even for the most experienced talent hunters. Sometimes, amid this mountain of resumes, the essence of what to look for in a resume might get a bit lost. But guess what? In this blog post, we’re going to share some really good ways to handle this task like a pro.

So, we’ll explore some really helpful strategies that will make reviewing resumes much easier. You’re about to find out what things in a resume are truly impressive. These special things will help you find talented people – the ones who could become superstars and make a real difference.

Get ready to rock the art of resume assessment and find those stars in the making! 

So, what to look for in a resume when screening candidates?

Navigating candidate resumes? Wondering what to look for in a resume when screening candidates? Explore vital elements in the screening process. Decode the markers of potential and excellence, ensuring you pinpoint the perfect team fit. 

Attention to detail wins every time

Many agree that checking resumes can be a talent acquisition professional’s least favorite part of the job. After all, there are only so many ways to describe one’s skills and experience. However, keeping an eye on the candidate’s skills when reviewing resumes is important. Why?

The candidate’s skills can often indicate their ability to do the job. For example, candidates with excellent communication skills may be better equipped to handle customer service inquiries. On the other hand, candidates with strong analytical skills may be better suited for a role requiring data analysis.

Check if there are any gaps in employment

So, what to look for in a resume when screening top talent? A talent acquisition specialist must be able to assess a candidate’s resume for any employment gaps quickly. 

This is important because employment gaps can indicate several things. Such as a lack of experience or lack of commitment. By quickly identifying these gaps, the talent acquisition specialist can more easily assess candidates’ qualifications and determine if they are qualified for the position.

A resume gives a clear understanding of their personality

If you work in talent acquisition, you know that a quick glance at a resume can tell you a lot about a candidate’s personality and values.

For example, if a candidate has jumped between different jobs in a short amount of time, it can indicate that they are not very loyal or reliable. On the other hand, if they have held the same job for many years, it shows that they are more likely to be stable and dependable. 

In addition, the way a resume is formatted is one of the things to look for in a resume that can also provide insights into a candidate’s personality. For instance, someone who submits a neatly typed and organized resume is likely to be detail-oriented and diligent, while someone who sends in a hastily put-together resume may be more spontaneous and creative. 

Our tip for you: Take time to review resumes carefully. This way, talent acquisition professionals can gain valuable insights into the minds of potential hires.

Education and schooling

Being able to quickly assess a candidate’s education is important. If you’re wondering what to look for in a resume, this can feel a bit tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with all the different schools and programs. But don’t worry. There are things you can check that give you a good idea of how educated a candidate truly is.

For instance, prestigious schools usually have tough admission requirements. So, if a candidate goes to one of these schools, it’s a positive sign that they’re smart and motivated. Another thing to consider is if the candidate has finished advanced degrees or special training. This shows they’re ready to put in the time and effort to do well in their field.

By taking a few minutes to look at a candidate’s education, you can really understand their qualifications and whether they’d be a great fit for your company.

A few more things to remember

Reviewing resumes calls for a few important pointers that we should all have in our toolkit. A resume is a snapshot of a candidate’s qualifications. But here’s the deal: you might not always get the full scoop on someone’s skills and experience just from their resume. That’s why it’s smart to mix in other methods, like phone chats or face-to-face meetings, to get the whole picture.

Here are some golden rules to keep in mind as you dive into resumes:

• Open Mind, Open Doors: Don’t stick too rigidly to your checklist of qualifications. A candidate not hitting every box might still be an amazing fit for the job.

• Unique Perspectives Shine: Sometimes, the real stars are those who bring a fresh angle to the role. So, don’t shy away from a candidate just because their path looks different.

• Resumes are Puzzle Pieces: Remember, resumes are only part of the puzzle. To make the smartest hiring moves, you’ve got to consider all the puzzle pieces – not just the resume.

Knowing what to look for is key. So, keep these tips close as you sift through resumes. You’re on your way to discovering top talent that might just surprise you! 

Let’s wrap it up

One of the most crucial aspects of a talent acquisition specialist’s job is to delve into resumes with a keen eye before making those big calls. But here’s the trick: it’s not about a quick glance. Dive into the small stuff in a resume – that’s where the real magic happens for confident hires. It might ask for a bit more time upfront, but the payback later is so worth it.

Are you looking for cutting-edge recruitment software to find top-tier talent?

EVA-REC is an end-to-end hiring platform that helps companies from all over the world find, hire, and build talented workforces. With EVA-REC, you can build modern career pages that convert, integrate with world-class technology providers, and automatically post jobs on 2,000+ global job boards. Filter resumes fast, rank candidates in order of qualification, and seamlessly collaborate with teammates – all in one single, integrated solution. Request a free demo.

Author