What Hiring Managers Really Want to See on Your Resume

You’re ready to enter the world and find work. Looking for the right employer for your growth and needs can be daunting, but remember that hiring managers are also struggling to find the right employees!

That said, women face a competitive job market, so understanding what hiring managers want in your application can give you the upper hand in nailing your dream job. With just a few simple steps, learn how to get your resume noticed!

1. A Simple Format

Many applicants may think flashy fonts and plenty of visuals will make their resume stand out in the best way possible. However, you don’t have to go outside of the standard “Times New Roman” or attach photos of yourself. Simplicity is a breath of fresh air for hiring managers.

If you want to add a dash of creativity, try testing out different spacings and using font styles like bold and underline. Exploring resume trends for 2024 like highlights and color can also make your document more appealing in today’s job market. Just keep in mind that about 75% of recruiters utilise an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to review applications, making readability imperative. 

2. Related Experience

A resume is meant to market yourself. However, the work experience mentioned should match the job description to showcase your suitability for a role. Prioritise including information important to the hiring manager. If you’re applying for an accountant position, your previous cashier work holds more weight or appeal than social media management. 

The same goes for your education and extracurriculars. Mention online platforms and courses that you took to refine the skill set needed for the job you’re applying for. You could still mention unrelated experiences to build up credibility, but relevant background experience takes precedence. 

3. Strong Words

Power phrases are a must to make your resume impactful to a hiring manager. Focus on using action verbs. Instead of saying “good with criticism”, you can dive into how you work with people when receiving feedback in the workplace. 

It’s also beneficial to look at ATS-friendly keywords, as some systems filter out the documents containing industry-specific terms. Incorporate phrases like “data analysis” and “generative AI” for tech-related jobs.

4. Achievement Metrics

Statistics pique a hiring manager’s interest. In fact, numbers and figures boost an applicant's chances of getting an interview by around 40% or so. Try to look for tangible evidence that supports the accomplishment you outlined.

For example, recall how you increased sales by a certain amount of pounds or percentage throughout your career as a sales representative. Event planners could also mention how you exceeded attendance goals by a certain margin. 

5. Hard and Soft Skills

Hard and soft skills are basic additions to a resume, but many applicants still forget the power these hold in conveying your qualifications. Separate them in your document to get your resume noticed. Cite how much time you’ve spent developing them.

Hard skills vary from industry to industry, though being technologically proficient is standard. Stand out with soft skills like handling stressful situations and communicating with a team. Remember to use action words to catch the eyes of hiring managers. 

6. Unique Traits

Say a hiring manager will read through a hundred resumes each day. What is a unique and personal trait in your application that would compel them to contact you over the others? Include them in your soft skills section. 

You could relay how you’re extraordinarily ambitious as you set goals and hold yourself accountable at work. Being punctual and honest is also an underrated characteristic many workplaces prioritise in their employees.

7. Spelling and Grammar

Hiring managers want to see proper spelling and grammar. One study showed that over 10,000 CVs contained 20 spelling errors or more, so you could imagine the headaches they got while reviewing. Some may not have even made it past the ATS. 

Practice good writing skills and proofread. You could also ask a trusted friend or family member to read your resume to have a fresh second pair of eyes on it. Know there’s always time to make revisions — it’s better than submitting a half-baked application. 

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Beth, the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind, is well-respected in the mental health, nutrition and fitness spaces. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking and going for runs with her dog.