Posted by The first time a recruiter reads your resume, they’re not really reading it as much as they are scanning it. In fact, most recruiters will spend just six to seven seconds looking at it!
That means your resume needs to “wow” the reader immediately. And the best way to do that is to answer the burning questions that every hiring manager has. The first question is, “Why should I hire you?” But there are other questions that, if your resume answers them quickly, will help you land an interview.
Top Questions Your Resume Should Answer
— Do You Pay Attention?
The first question your resume should answer is whether or not you pay attention to details—especially if you claim you’re “detail-oriented.”
Make sure you proofread your resume and check it over for commonly misspelled words, grammar errors, and other typos. Nothing says “detail-oriented” more than an edited and mistake-free resume!
— Where Do You Live?
As many as 95% of all remote roles have a location requirement. This is due to taxes, licensing requirements, and a host of other reasons. And though a hybrid role gives you the flexibility to work at home some of the time, the rest of the time you’re in the office.
This is why your resume needs to tell a recruiter where you live. Your location may immediately exclude you from a fully remote role. And hybrid positions may include location requirements (say, to cover a sales territory).
— Are You Qualified?
Recruiters initially scan your resume to see if it answers the basics, like are you qualified for the position? Make sure your resume says “yes!” by tailoring your resume to the job and the company.
Reread the job description and include the information you know the recruiter will look for. Do you hold the requested degree or certifications? Does your employment record fulfill the level and years of experience desired for this position? Make this information easy to spot so the recruiter instantly knows that you’re qualified for the role.
— What Have You Accomplished?
In addition to figuring out if you meet the job’s qualifications, the recruiter is trying to figure out how and what you will contribute to the role and the company.
Instead of listing a bunch of tasks under your roles, offer solid and quantifiable evidence of what you achieved. Use the STAR method to explain not just what you did but what it meant for the company.
For example, someone who states they researched and wrote 60 feature articles on small business marketing for their previous employer paints a much more vivid picture than someone who simply notes that they’re a good writer. Demonstrate how your efforts saved money, improved efficiency, or otherwise made a difference at past companies.
— Does Your Career Make Sense?
Many people stay on the same career path for most of their work life, steadily moving up the same ladder and taking on additional responsibilities. Your resume should show a career progression that’s logical and demonstrates how you’ve grown in your career.
Did you move up in terms of title (coordinator, specialist, team leader)? Take on additional responsibilities (started training new staff, led projects, moved into a supervisory role)?
That said, a job hopper or career changer may not have the same “logical” career progression, but that doesn’t mean you can’t demonstrate how you’ve leveled up in your career.
Lean into your transferable skills and use those to demonstrate how you’ve progressed professionally. Talk about classes you’ve taken and certifications you’ve gained to show that you mean business when it comes to your professional development. And use your cover letter to further explain how your career makes sense.
— What Other Proof Do You Have?
In addition to your resume and cover letter, highlight any additional proof that you’ve got what it takes to get the job done.
Start with optimizing your LinkedIn profile to answer any lingering questions the recruiter may have. Include the accomplishments and achievements that don’t fit on your resume, and include anything else that explains why someone should hire you (like certifications, recommendations, or endorsements).
If you have a digital portfolio, include that on your resume too. This collection of projects and achievements can help further show why you’re perfect for the role.
— Are You a Culture Fit?
Ultimately, recruiters want candidates who are the most likely to be successful in a given position at a specific company. Use your resume to explain how you’re a great culture fit for the company.
Incorporate keywords from the job posting to show that you speak the same language as the company. Use industry-appropriate language to demonstrate that you are up to date and in touch with the field. And look for ways to incorporate your independent research about the employer. For instance, if a company’s website emphasizes customer service, highlight distinct accomplishments in this area.
Providing Answers
When recruiters get the feeling that you might be “the one,” six seconds can easily turn into six minutes! And when your resume answers their most pressing questions upfront, you’ve made it that much easier for them to schedule you for an interview!
Not sure if your resume answers these questions and more? Consider meeting with a FlexJobs career coach. Our in-house experts can help you craft a resume that impresses hiring managers and helps them understand why they should hire you. Schedule your appointment today!