4 Things Employers Want to See in Your Resume

For many job-seekers, the employment process is a grueling task. But like it or not, it takes some back-breaking to get the job you want. After all, employers would want to find hard-working and responsible employees. The first thing they'll do, of course, is to review your resume.

The labor market isn't called as such, for nothing. It's just what it is: Labor. The applicant is the “product” of this market, so to speak. And as with any product, it must have a decent description for it to be appealing.

So what does an employer look for first in an applicant and what are the important points to remember when drawing up a resume? Resumance identifies four main points every applicant should give maximum attention to.

Clarity and simplicity

Much has been said about spelling and punctuation mistakes. This may seem like a no-brainer, but HR managers continue to receive resumes that are riddled with errors. This is unfortunate, considering that one of the first things that grab an employer's attention is a candidate's literacy. Sometimes, HR managers even specifically look for such typos and mistakes, as one of the criteria for evaluating candidates.

If an applicant doesn't bother checking for and correcting errors in important documents like a resume, it speaks volumes about their traits as a professional. This is why it's important to proofread and edit your resume from time-to-time. If you're not confident about your proofreading and editing skills, use resume apps, some of which even have automatic spell-check features.

Additionally, make sure that your resume is readable and easy to understand. The last thing an employer wants to see is a list of job experiences dumped in a huge block of text filled with abbreviations and unfamiliar jargon. Your resume should be able to answer an employer's questions, rather than creating new ones. This ability to present information is valued in many professions.

Relevant information

When creating a resume, you don't need to list down every single job you've had your entire life. Worked as a salesperson for a clothing store? Worked as a babysitter? It may not be necessary to include these details in the summary, unless they're relevant to the position you're applying for.

Make sure to read our article to know more about the things you need to avoid when making a professional resume.

Honesty

Adding false information to your resume is a lot like walking on thin ice. Experienced HR managers and recruiters can't be fooled, as they can immediately detect lies. Validating information isn't a difficult task, either.

Non-existent workplaces, inflated achievements, false educational background, etc. can easily be confirmed or denied with a simple phone call or during the interview process itself. Don't give a potential employer a reason to doubt your credibility.

References / Recommendations

Once you've determined the main points of your resume, an employer will want to know your professional background and history from former employers. This makes character references and recommendations a huge plus.

An employer may or may not use the contacts you've provided in your resume. But the fact that there are individuals you can refer to and provide them useful feedback means you're confident about your job experience and performance. This helps boost your chances of getting hired.

Of course, you should always expect an employer to take advantage of the chance to check in on your background from a knowledgeable person. Therefore, you should always keep reference contacts up-to-date, and confirm them before sending out your resume.

All employers need an employee who can solve problems, not create them. This is why it's important to keep your resume easy to understand. Read our reviews of the best resume companies and use their services so you can be sure you'll never commit such mistakes.