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What do recruiters look for in a job applicant's resume?

Recruiters scan resumes to quickly judge fit for a role and whether you’ll pass an ATS. They look for:

  • Clear contact info and a LinkedIn link — so they can follow up and verify.
  • Relevant job titles, dates, and concise descriptions — to assess experience and career progression.
  • Measurable achievements (metrics, outcomes) — to predict impact rather than just duties.
  • Keywords/skills matching the job — to pass automated screening and signal competence.
  • Readability and formatting (one-to-two pages, consistent fonts, no typos) — so they can evaluate fast.
  • Evidence of both technical abilities and transferable soft skills (leadership, communication) through examples.
  • Certifications, education, and role-specific tools/tech — when required for the position.
  • A quick sense of culture fit and stability (reasonable tenure, explained gaps).

Why it matters: recruiters have limited time and need signals that you’ll succeed in the role and survive screening filters. Would you like tailored wording or a resume checklist for a specific job or industry?

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