What Do HR Professionals Really Look for in a Resume? Insights for Job Seekers

When an HR professional reviews a resume, there are certain key aspects they consider:
1. How much time will they spend scanning a resume?
2. What expectations do they have for the content of a resume?
3. What specific elements will they prioritize when evaluating a resume?

It is essential for job seekers to understand what HR professionals look for in a resume to increase their chances of success in the job application process.

Hi,

There are no hard and fast rules on this one. Depending on the job position, an HR Manager may take anywhere between a few seconds to about 10 minutes scanning through the resume. For example, for front-line employees where the number of applicants is usually higher, a resume may not get an audience of more than 10 seconds. However, for senior positions where competencies are varied and critical, the resume could receive a "look in" for a longer time.

Most recruiters will look at the competencies or skill sets and then analyze their validity through conscious and subconscious validation methods.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Ashim R. Parida

Hi Kani,

It entirely depends on the presentability and language to decide the time taken for an HR professional to study the resume. If both are good, it will definitely spark interest to allot more time to go through the resume. If a resume is shabby with more spelling blunders and irrelevant stuff, it goes straight to the dustbin.

Regards,
PRADEEP

Usually when the resumes received are a large number, the HR Manager first sorts the resumes by comparing them against the minimum expected levels of JD (Job Description) and JS (Job Specification). This process is especially common in large organizations, making it of significant importance. Additionally, the layout of the resume plays a critical role as resumes that are overly elaborate may not come across as appealing.

In addition to the above, education and experience in the field also hold priority when sifting through potential candidates.