How Recruiters Review Resumes - Get Yours to the Top of the Heap!

How Recruiters Review Resumes - Get Yours to the Top of the HeapHow Recruiters Review Resumes - Get Yours to the Top of the HeapEvery job seeker sending in a resume to a potential employer wants to believe theres actually someone on the receiving end that reads their entire resume word-for-word. The reality is, your resume will most likely never be read in its entirety especially in todays competitive job market. fruchtwein employers are overwhelmed with the number of applicants they get for each job, most of whom arent remotely qualified.Unfortunately, in this point-and-click world of online applications, most people apply to hundreds of jobs knowing theyre not qualified. Theyre just hoping to get lucky.Typically, resumes arrive by email and someone looks at each one but because of the volume, they must make a judgment on each one quickly typically around six seconds is given per resume. The reader then decides if each candidate is worth further consideration. All of this is decid ed by a brief scan, trying to determine if the person has the relevant background and experience for the role. If they dont see any connection between background and experience and the job requirements, they immediately move on because there are plenty more to review.So how are resumes typically reviewed? How do they make those snap decisions with just a quick scan? Heres a few tips on how recruiters review resumesThey scan the document to see if there are any related keywords in the resume that are apparent. Most have to do with skills, tools, processes etc., giving preference to recent experience vs. history from years ago. If not, they move on. If soThey continue to look for any applicable education, certifications, or other required criteria. If not, they move on. If soThat resume gets placed in the maybe pile and they will come back to reevaluate it and compare it to the other resumes that end up in the maybe pile.This might make the employer/recruiter seem a little cruel and h eartless but theyre not. Is this a flawed system? Sure, but as of now, there isnt another way to deal with the immense volume of job applicants that cross a recruiters desk.So how do you make your resume stand out?Your resume needs to screamIm a fitin that first initial scan So, make your work history relevant and clear. Be sure to format your skills, experience and certifications so they jump out. Write in brief, concise phrases so they are easily digested in the first scan. Dont use long sentences or paragraphs.If you can begin to understand the typical process an employer takes when reviewing resumes, you can be more strategic to give yourself a better chance of being selected.