What Employers Really Want to See on Your Resume

Your resume is often your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on a potential employer. It’s a vital document that outlines your qualifications, work experience, and skills, giving hiring managers an insight into who you are and what you can bring to their team. But what do employers really want to see when they review resumes? What will make yours stand out in a sea of applications?

In the competitive job market, it’s easy to assume that a resume should simply list your job history and education. However, employers are looking for far more than just a chronological account of your work life. They want a clear picture of how you can contribute to their organisation’s success, solve problems, and add value. Crafting a resume that meets these expectations requires careful consideration, attention to detail, and a focus on what matters most to hiring managers.

Relevance and Tailoring

One of the biggest mistakes people make when writing resumes is using a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Employers want to see that you’ve taken the time to tailor your resume to the specific role you’re applying for. This means carefully reading the job description and aligning your skills, experience, and qualifications with the needs of the company.

For instance, if you’re applying for a role in marketing, highlight your experience with digital marketing strategies, social media management, and campaign execution. If the job focuses on leadership and project management, make sure to emphasise your experience in managing teams, overseeing large projects, and achieving results.

Tailoring your resume shows that you understand the employer’s needs and have the skills to meet those needs. Employers appreciate candidates who make an effort to present a resume that speaks directly to the role in question, rather than a generic list of past jobs.

A Clear and Concise Summary

The first thing an employer will likely read on your resume is your summary or objective statement. This section provides an opportunity to capture the employer’s attention and give them a snapshot of who you are as a professional. It should be clear, concise, and focused on what you can offer the company.

Employers want to see a resume that quickly communicates your professional identity, key skills, and experience without overwhelming them with too much information. This isn’t the place for long paragraphs or overly detailed descriptions. A few sentences or bullet points highlighting your strengths and what you aim to achieve in the role can go a long way.

For example, if you’re an experienced project manager, your summary might include something like:

“Dynamic and results-driven project manager with over 8 years of experience in leading cross-functional teams and delivering complex projects on time and within budget. Adept at building strong client relationships, identifying operational efficiencies, and leading teams to achieve business goals. Seeking to leverage expertise in project management to contribute to the growth of [Company Name].”

This summary is to the point and immediately demonstrates how your background aligns with the company’s goals. Employers are looking for someone who can hit the ground running, and this type of summary shows them that you have the necessary experience and drive.

Concrete Achievements, Not Just Job Duties

When detailing your work experience, employers are far more interested in your achievements than in a simple list of job duties. It’s easy to tell an employer that you managed a team, organised a project, or conducted meetings. What they want to know is how well you did these things and what impact your actions had on the business.

Instead of stating that you were responsible for a task, focus on the results you achieved. Numbers, percentages, and specific outcomes are a great way to demonstrate the tangible value you brought to your previous employers. For example:

• “Led a team of 10 in the successful delivery of a $5 million project, resulting in a 15% increase in client satisfaction and a 10% cost reduction.”

• “Managed a marketing campaign that resulted in a 25% increase in leads and a 30% increase in website traffic.”

  
  

By including these measurable results, you give employers a clear picture of your ability to produce results and your potential to bring similar successes to their organisation. This demonstrates not just your competency, but your value proposition—what you can do for them.

Skills That Align With the Role

Employers want to see that you possess the skills necessary for the role, both technical and soft. While technical skills are crucial for certain industries—such as engineering, IT, and finance—soft skills are equally important in nearly every position.

Technical skills include things like proficiency in specific software programs (e.g. Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Adobe Creative Suite), coding languages (e.g. Java, Python, HTML), and industry-specific knowledge (e.g. financial modelling, data analysis). These skills should be clearly listed on your resume, especially if they are mentioned in the job description. If you have certifications in relevant tools or technologies, be sure to highlight them as well.

On the other hand, soft skills, such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability, are often what set candidates apart. Employers know that technical skills can be learned, but it’s the soft skills that enable individuals to work effectively with colleagues, solve challenges creatively, and fit within company culture. These skills should be reflected in your work experience, but it’s also helpful to list them separately under a “Skills” or “Core Competencies” section to ensure they aren’t overlooked.

For example, if the job description lists “strong communication skills” as a key requirement, you might want to include specific examples in your job history, such as:

• “Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement a communication strategy that improved team coordination and efficiency by 20%.”

  
  

This shows employers that not only do you have the skills they’re looking for, but you’ve also put them into practice with measurable outcomes.

Professional Development and Continuous Learning

In today’s fast-paced work environment, employers highly value candidates who are committed to continuous learning and professional growth. Showing that you’ve taken the initiative to develop your skills beyond formal education can set you apart from other candidates.

Whether it’s through formal courses, certifications, workshops, or self-directed learning, employers want to see that you are proactive about staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. This demonstrates that you are dedicated to your profession and open to adapting to new technologies or methodologies.

For example, if you’ve completed an online course in project management, earned a certification in data analytics, or attended a relevant industry seminar, be sure to include this in your resume. These additions show that you’re willing to invest in yourself and that you have the skills to match the evolving demands of the industry.

A Strong, Professional Format

Employers don’t just judge your resume based on its content; they also evaluate its presentation. A well-organised, easy-to-read resume is crucial. It’s important to keep your resume neat and professional with clear headings, consistent formatting, and appropriate font sizes. The layout should guide the reader’s eye easily through the sections without overwhelming them with dense blocks of text.

Incorporating white space, using bullet points to break up long sentences, and keeping paragraphs short and to the point are all effective strategies to improve readability. Additionally, make sure your resume is free of typos or grammatical errors, as these can undermine your professionalism and attention to detail.

A clean and professional format doesn’t mean you have to be overly rigid or formulaic. You can incorporate some personality or design elements, but keep them subtle. For instance, using a splash of colour or a modern font can help make your resume visually appealing, but it shouldn’t detract from the content itself. After all, the primary goal is clarity and professionalism.

Personal Projects, Volunteer Work, and Interests

In addition to your formal work experience, employers often appreciate seeing personal projects, volunteer work, and other interests that speak to your character and passions. These can help provide a fuller picture of who you are and how you might fit into a company’s culture.

If you’ve worked on side projects that demonstrate skills relevant to the job you’re applying for, be sure to include them. For example, if you built a website for a charity, launched a blog, or volunteered your time to teach coding, these experiences can highlight your initiative and passion for learning.

Similarly, listing volunteer work or community involvement shows that you’re a well-rounded individual who values giving back. Employers often look for candidates who align with their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and these extracurricular activities can be an important consideration in the hiring process.

Conclusion

Crafting a resume that stands out to employers isn’t just about listing your job history or qualifications—it’s about presenting a compelling narrative of who you are as a professional. Employers want to see how your skills and experience align with their needs, but they also want to understand how you can contribute to their organisation’s success. By tailoring your resume to the specific job, focusing on measurable achievements, showcasing your skills, and presenting a clear and professional format, you can create a document that catches an employer’s eye and helps you stand out from the competition.

Ultimately, the key to a successful resume is ensuring that it tells a story of your potential. A well-crafted resume shows that you understand what employers are looking for and demonstrates that you have the skills and drive to make a meaningful impact. With the right approach, your resume can become more than just a list of qualifications—it can be the first step towards landing your dream job.

If you need assistance creating an impactful resume and cover letter contact Adrienna, your Perth Resume Writing Specialist, at 0423 686 904 or email hello@adriennasresumes.com