What Employers Look for Most on a Resume: Clear, Relevant Experience
Why Relevant Experience is Key
If you’ve ever submitted a resume and wondered why it didn’t get the attention you hoped for, here’s the key insight: clear, relevant experience is the top thing employers want to see. A recent LinkedIn poll revealed that when it comes to resumes, the overwhelming response from hiring managers is that they focus on relevant experience first and foremost. So, let’s dive into why this matters and how you can ensure your experience stands out.
Understanding What “Relevant Experience” Means
Relevant experience doesn’t just mean past jobs in the same industry—it’s about the skills and knowledge you bring to the table. Employers are looking for how your past roles have prepared you to take on the challenges of the job you’re applying for. So, when updating your resume, think about:
Skills you’ve developed: How do they align with the job you’re seeking?
Accomplishments you’ve achieved: Do they directly contribute to the needs of the employer?
Experience in similar environments or roles: Does your previous work show that you can excel in the position you’re applying for?
How to Showcase Your Relevant Experience
1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description
The first step to showcasing your relevant experience is tailoring your resume for each job you apply to. While it’s tempting to have a one-size-fits-all resume, customizing it for each application makes a world of difference. Look at the job description and highlight the keywords, required skills, and key responsibilities. Then, adapt your experience to show that you’ve successfully handled similar tasks in the past.
2. Focus on Impact and Achievements
Hiring managers are more interested in what you’ve accomplished than the tasks you’ve completed. When listing your job experiences, focus on the impact you made—whether it’s increasing sales, improving processes, or reducing costs. Use numbers and statistics where possible to make a bigger impact.
For example, instead of saying, “Responsible for managing the team,” say, “Led a team of 10, achieving a 20% increase in productivity over 6 months.”
3. Don’t Forget About Transferable Skills
Even if your past job isn’t an exact match, transferable skills can still make your experience relevant. Communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills can apply to almost any role. Be sure to point out these qualities on your resume to show employers that you’re adaptable and ready for new challenges.
Why Clear Experience Matters
In today’s fast-paced hiring environment, employers are often sifting through dozens or even hundreds of resumes for a single job. Clear, relevant experience helps you stand out quickly. When you keep your resume concise and focused on what’s most important, you make it easier for employers to see that you’re the right candidate for the job.
The Takeaway: Highlight Your Experience for Success
If you want your resume to grab attention, you need to make it easy for hiring managers to see how your past experience is exactly what they need. Customize your resume, highlight your achievements, and don’t overlook transferable skills. By making your experience clear and relevant, you increase your chances of landing that interview.