What Hiring Managers Are Really Looking For- A Strong Candidate
Announce YOU with a Professional Resume
Tip 1: Use Skills or Headings To Match The Job You Want
Hiring managers and recruiters often make that quick decision when glancing at your resume. If they see unrelated job titles or skills they may assume that you do not have enough experience and are not qualified for the job. Hiring managers do not have enough time to ‘connect the dots’ on your resume. Decide if you need a functional or chronological resume. In many cases, you can have both to help your past experiences stand out.
Tip 2: Use Attention Grabbing Design
Design your resume to fit your work history. Highlight the most important information about your work experience, skills and education. At first glance this information tells the potential employer that you are a good fit for the job.
Tip 3: Create Content That Sells
While design is important, content is even more so. The descriptions you include of your skills and abilities, can either get you the interview or not. An example of details that hiring managers are looking for is below:
Before Resume:Maintained records for accounts receivable and accounts payable accounts.
After Resume:Managed over 1,000 accounts receivable and payable accounts working directly with the Chief Financial Officer.
Detail is critical here. Realize that anything that you leave out from your resume will be discussed in the interview. Numbers are an easy way to show the hiring manager details about your past experiences. Don’t leave them out!
Before Resume:Maintained records for accounts receivable and accounts payable accounts.
After Resume:Managed over 1,000 accounts receivable and payable accounts working directly with the Chief Financial Officer.
Detail is critical here. Realize that anything that you leave out from your resume will be discussed in the interview. Numbers are an easy way to show the hiring manager details about your past experiences. Don’t leave them out!
Tip 4: Quantify and Use Power Words
How many resumes do you think includes the statement: ‘Maintained records for accounts receivable and accounts payable accounts’? A few? Most? More likely, ALL if the position is for AP/AR.
Another great way to show a hiring manager your worth is to control the image that employers develop about you. Use Power Words or verbs to align with the level of position you want. To strengthen your image, use strong detailed words that pinpoint toward your future employment goals.
Typical Verbs: Gave work assignments to staff of entry level accounting clerks.
Power Words: Directed workflow, supervised and trained accounting staff performing posting to general ledger, accounts receivable and payable accounts.
Another great way to show a hiring manager your worth is to control the image that employers develop about you. Use Power Words or verbs to align with the level of position you want. To strengthen your image, use strong detailed words that pinpoint toward your future employment goals.
Typical Verbs: Gave work assignments to staff of entry level accounting clerks.
Power Words: Directed workflow, supervised and trained accounting staff performing posting to general ledger, accounts receivable and payable accounts.
Tip 4: Identify Keywords in Job Descriptions
Learning how to analyze the key words that hiring managers provide in help wanted ads and job descriptions is fundamental in creating powerful resumes. Keep keywords in mind for each resume you submit to potential employers.
Accounts Receivable Manager Seeking experienced A/R Manager to oversee accounts, manage billing and collections, train accounting and clerical staff, develop status reports for management and prepare monthly balance sheets. B.A. Degree or A.A. Degree with minimum of 2 years experience required.
Each of these words can be used to advertise like skills in this profession.
Key Word Skill Headings Management of A/R AccountsBilling and CollectionsSupervision of Accounting and Administrative StaffBalance Sheet and Management Status Reports
Accounts Receivable Manager Seeking experienced A/R Manager to oversee accounts, manage billing and collections, train accounting and clerical staff, develop status reports for management and prepare monthly balance sheets. B.A. Degree or A.A. Degree with minimum of 2 years experience required.
Each of these words can be used to advertise like skills in this profession.
Key Word Skill Headings Management of A/R AccountsBilling and CollectionsSupervision of Accounting and Administrative StaffBalance Sheet and Management Status Reports
Tip 6: Identify Hidden Needs
Digging deeper to find out more about what hiring managers are looking for in a position is critical to your success in getting the interview. Find out as much as you can about the position that you are applying to. What are the hiring manager's needs? Having the answers ahead of time gets them onto your resume so that when you are in the interview, you can discuss more important items such as how you fit the position.