6 Resume Tips

Are you looking to brush up your resume before sending it to a recruiter? The job search is daunting, which is why you have decided to work with a recruiter to connect you to the right employers. However, what are recruiters looking for in a resume? How do recruiters scan candidates to find the best resumes to contact?

Although a good recruiter should help enhance your resume before sending it to clients, here are some of the things recruiters are looking for in a resume:

1. Proper keywords pertaining to the job

In order for your resume to stand out to not only recruiters, but hiring managers as well, your resume needs to have the proper keywords pertaining to the job you’re applying to. If you are applying for a data analyst position, your resume should show that you understand that role by listing skills that pertain to the job. Maybe you have experience working with SQL, XML, and data warehouses. Make sure your resume displays those keywords the job detail requires. This ensures whoever is reviewing knows you are a viable candidate from a skills perspective.

A recruiter also scans your resume to ensure your experience makes sense for the position. If you are just starting out, does your education match the position? If you’re mid-career, do the positions listed show growing responsibility and professional growth, or do they display a series of lateral moves? If so, why?

2. Examples of success

Showcasing success is the best way to get a phone call from a recruiter. It is essential to show recruiters and hiring managers that you have solved industry issues in the past. This builds your credibility as a professional and gives you a competitive edge against other applicants.

Do you have a project you worked on where you solved a problem? Is there a moment in your career where you provided a solution no one else delivered on?

Everyone says they have the right skills, but the proof is in the data. For instance, your resume says “proven, successful data scientist,” but it’s more impressive to say, “established KPIs to measure the effectiveness of business decisions and successfully achieved them”. As you describe your roles in previous positions, think about specific examples to include on your resume and expand on them during your interview. The more details you give your recruiter, the better they are able to advocate for you to their client.

3. Context about your current or previous role

A job title at one company is not necessarily analogous to the same role in other organizations. For example, a Director of Finance at a company with 10 employees has different experiences than a Director of Finance at a Fortune 500 company. Provide some context about the size and scope of your current and previous companies, so recruiters are able to accurately assess your experience.

4. Resume Gaps

Everyone has different opinions on resume gaps, but they are not uncommon. Maybe you had a baby or were laid off during the pandemic or possibly you took time to take care of a sick loved one. Gaps in your resume don’t carry the same stigma they used to, but you still have to explain if asked. Don’t try to hide gaps by putting incorrect information on your resume. Be transparent with start and end dates, and if you do have a gap to explain, include the information at the end of your description (e.g., “left position to take care of sick relative” or similar). If you are transparent, the gaps in your work history will not harm your job search.

6. Updated contact information

Seems a bit juvenile to say “make sure you put your correct contact information on your resume”, but unfortunately it happens too often. Make sure recruiters have access to all necessary channels to get in touch with you. Including your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile, as well as a city and state. Make sure the email address you choose is professional and does not include slang or personal references. Use your football or celebrity-related email to collect sales ads and spam, not for professional job hunting.

7. Professionalism

Again, obvious right? Your resume should leave no question about your professionalism. It is your first impression of everyone that reviews it. First impressions cannot often be changed.

Your resume should reflect the industry you are in. If you are in the financial tech space, a more buttoned-up resume is expected. Make sure to review your resume for any typos. Review and re-review to ensure you have changed all errors before sending your resume off to a recruiter.

Writing a successful resume for the eyes of a recruiter is not difficult. Just make sure to keep it simple, professional and properly showcase your skills.

Do you need help enhancing your resume? Do you want more resume tips? Are you looking for a new career in the fintech space? Contact TheStaffed today!

About TheStaffed

TheStaffed is a visionary organization that fosters an environment where equal importance is placed on our clients – their success, and our staff – their professional and personal well-being. Headquartered in Florida, we support hiring from coast-to-coast supporting national, regional, and local finance companies. We specialize in Financial Services, focusing on Corporate & Investment Banking, Wholesale/Retail Banking, Asset & Wealth Management, and Commercial Banking. Our differentiated approach entails utilizing industry-leading tools and processes along with direct industry experiences to eliminate current staffing challenges, and to connect hiring managers with fully vetted, highly qualified job seekers.