Customize your CV with respect to the job you are applying for. That is the underlying message recruiters want candidates to follow if they are looking to get the best job. Highlighting unique skills and experience which are specific to the job they are applying for is how you grab the attention of the hiring managers. Since recruiters have barely a minute to scan each resume before shortlisting them, a study by TimesJobs has revealed what recruiters want from you. Nearly 40% recruiters say, focusing on skills relevant to the job offered is the best way to be shortlisted.

Another 36% hiring managers state that highlighting universally desired skills such as analytical skills, teamwork and leadership that are appropriate to the job, helps make a resume stand out. Including skills that provide value-additions to the job profile applied to is what 35% of recruiters advise. For example, a candidate applying for a banking job can include his/her experience using financial data analysis software, even if it is not stated as a requirement.  

Even though, most candidates will have the skills required for the job they apply for, the challenge lies in highlighting the right ones. Care must be taken not to fill up the skills section of your resume with a bunch of skills that have absolutely nothing to do with the job you are applying for. Even for the skills you are including, you need to substantiate them.  Therefore, it is not just important what skills you include in your resume, but equally how you highlight them,” says Ramathreya Krishnamurthi, Business Head, TimesJobs.

Researching profiles of professionals who work on the same job that is being applied for helps candidates understand what skills recruiters deem as essential say 26% hiring managers.

A resume can stand out in the crowd by adding statistics or numbers to skills suggest 21% of recruiters. Such as, substantiating skills and experience with measurable results is a good way to attract a recruiter’s attention. And 20% of recruiters advise adding relevant keywords for skills helps increase the visibility of the resume, especially when they are scanning a database of many profiles.

Soft Skills are Critical

60% of hiring managers say that while domain knowledge is important, non-technical skills or soft skills are critical while hiring a candidate.

Among the host of soft skills that recruiters desire to see in a resume, the top three are communication skills, leadership skills, and teamwork. Here are the multiple choices of their preferences -

• 33% of recruiters feel communication skills are crucial
• 30% of recruiters look for leadership skills
• 26% of recruiters consider teamwork & collaboration skills as pivotal
• 22% of recruiters focus on analytical skills
• 20% of recruiters give more weightage to adaptability, and
• 17% of recruiters say planning and strategic thinking skills are important

The resume is the first point of contact between a candidate and an employer - and making this first impression a good one is critical in getting ahead in one's career.