What do hiring managers look for in a resume? Let's find out…

Have you ever heard of the old saying “Don't judge a book by its cover?” This is wise advice, as we should never make preconceived notions without knowing all the facts. However, these wise words are not always followed, especially when it comes to job searching.

Hiring managers make judgments every day without the benefit of ever meeting the applicant. These judgments are often made based on an applicant's resume alone. Your resume writing says a lot about your personality, interests, commitment and ability to perform. While some of the information it conveys may be intended, some of it may not.

In this post, we answer the question “What do hiring managers look for in a resume?” We also cover several of the assumptions they make as they review your resume for what they seek. 

What do hiring managers look for in a resume?

So, what do hiring managers look for in a resume? Aside from your past experience and qualifications, there are several things hiring managers consider when reviewing your resume, including:

  • Your location and willingness to relocate

  • Whether you're current on industry trends

  • Whether you're a potential cultural fit

  • Your level of loyalty and commitment to a job or employer

  • If you have clarity and focus with career goals

  • Your authorization to work in the U.S.

As hiring managers scan your resume and consider these factors, they'll make assumptions based on the information represented. Preconceived assumptions may seem unfair, but it's a matter of life in the job market. Don't worry, though. There are solutions to prevent those resume guardians from deeming you unworthy. 

Here are seven assumptions hiring managers make and how to use them as resume help to prevent them from ruining your chance at an interview.

Assumption #1: You're unwilling to relocate

Your location, willingness to relocate, and expectations of being relocated are all answers to: What do hiring managers look for in a resume? 

If you're tired of your location and want to strike out for new riches, tell your potential employer you want to relocate. This is one of the most common miscommunications hiring managers face. Applying for a job in one state and listing your home state as another may subject you to automatic dismissal, unless you state your willingness to move. No one wants to waste time on an applicant who doesn't want the job. Use the following resume help to avoid confusion:

  • Remove your mailing address from your resume.

  • State your desire to relocate at the top of the resume.

  • Reiterate your desire to relocate in the cover letter.

  • Be sure to include that you are willing to relocate for free (if you are indeed willing to do so). 

Assumption #2: You're behind the times

When asking yourself, “What do hiring managers look for in a resume?” keep in mind that they want to see that you're current regarding industry standards and trends. So, freshen your skills, and let the hiring manager know you mean business. 

Hiring managers want candidates who know the current technology. If your resume writing details older systems, they may assume you aren't up-to-date and require expensive training. This is a red flag. Do the following to show that you're up-to-date on current trends:

  • Get rid of your AOL and Hotmail email addresses; opt for Gmail or Outlook.

  • Research the web for fresh keyword replacements. (I.e. weblogs vs. blogs, junior high vs. middle school and Myspace vs. Facebook and LinkedIn).

  • Remove technical skills and software proficiency older than five years.

Assumption #3: You're overqualified

Hiring managers look at your age and experience level and often they will toss out resumes based on candidates who are overqualified or may demand more money than they're willing to pay. Sometimes, you have to remove your most prized possessions to be considered. Do the following within your resume writing to avoid this assumption:

  • Delete experience exceeding 10 to 15 years. 

  • Keep your resume at two pages or less.

  • Consider deleting advanced degrees – master's or doctoral – if the position doesn't require them.

  • Remove the dates you conferred your degrees.

  • Consider removing advanced skills not applicable to the position.

Assumption #4: You don't fit culturally

If you do an online search using the phrase “what do hiring managers look for in a resume,” you'll likely find a common theme of cultural fit in at least some of the search results. Unfortunately, some assumptions hiring managers make about culture fit are unpreventable. Some may discriminate against the school you attended (i.e. liberal university with a reputation for partying), sorority life, social activity (i.e. LGBT, civil rights, etc.), or even religion. While federal law prohibits most discrimination, it doesn't always prevent it. 

First, consider if you want to work for a company that discriminates against your passions. If you still want to work for the company, hide your controversial material. Consider using the following tips as resume help:

  • Don't include volunteer information for controversial activities.

  • Remove sorority or fraternity engagement.

  • Highlight other achievements to draw attention away from this material.

Assumption #5: You're applying for the visa sponsorship

International experience comes in two forms – citizens who work in another country and non-citizens applying for jobs in the U.S.. Hiring managers may read the international experience and assume you need an H-18 visa sponsorship, even though you are a U.S. citizen or already have a green card. 

First, if you need sponsorship, make sure the company offers this before applying. Others should explain their status at the top of their resume. Here are two examples for applicants:

  • Non-Citizen with Green Card: “Awarded Green Card and permission to work in the U.S. based on past experience with international business processes.”

  • U.S. Citizen: “[Nationalized] U.S. Citizen with experience building strong networks and driving business solutions with international businesses.”

Assumptions #6 & #7: You lack loyalty or focus

When it comes to what hiring managers look for in a resume, career focus and loyalty matter. Though, let's face it, life happens. We need to change jobs, or a company may downsize. Also, during certain periods of economic downturn, job jumping is popular and necessary for many Americans who lose or might lose their careers. Those employment gaps in work or short tenure on the job may send the wrong message to hiring managers. 

Or maybe you were offered the chance to expand your knowledge overseas and took a five year hiatus in China. Hiring managers may assume you lack focus and won't keep your job for long. 

Do the following within your resume writing to avoid seeming lazy or uncommitted:

  • Include two-line explanations filling in the gaps, explaining why you were out of a job.

  • Consider a functional resume instead of a chronological one.

  • Divide your experience into segments based on accomplishments rather than time frames.

What do hiring managers look for in a resume: a few final words…

Everyone is human, including hiring managers. They can, and do, make irrational assumptions based on miscommunications. Make sure your information doesn't lead you into this trap by carefully considering the answer to the question, “What do hiring managers look for in a resume?” Edit your resume writing and cover letter carefully, taking into account all assumptions hiring managers could make. 

Take your resume to a friend, recruiter or college for advice. Many colleges and state labor departments have services to help you iron out the bugs. Take advantage of these freemium services.

Need resume help? Submit your resume for a free resume review today!

This article was originally written by M.A. Smith. It has been updated by Ronda Suder.

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