What to Look for in a Resume: A Guide for Employers
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Screening resumes is a crucial step in the hiring process, but with stacks of applications to review, it can be challenging to identify the best candidates. Knowing what to look for in a resume can help employers quickly filter out unqualified applicants and focus on top talent. However, this process takes time, attention to detail, and hiring expertise—where a staffing agency can offer valuable support. 

 

Here’s a guide to what to look for in a resume when screening candidates and how a staffing agency can streamline the process. 

 

  1. Relevant Experience and Skills

The first thing to assess in a resume is whether the candidate has the right background for the role. Look for: 

  • Industry experience – Does their past work align with your field? 
  • Job-specific skills – Are the technical and soft skills relevant to the position? 
  • Career progression – Have they grown in their roles, taking on more responsibility? 

A staffing agency ensures that only candidates with the right skills and experience make it through the screening process, saving employers time and effort. 

 

  1. Employment Gaps or Frequent Job Changes

When evaluating what to look for in a resume, consistency in employment is key. Look for: 

  • Unexplained employment gaps – Are they addressed in the resume or cover letter? Did school or professional development fill the gap? 
  • Job-hopping patterns – Do they switch jobs too frequently? 
  • Mix of full-time, contract, or temporary work – Is there a clear career path? 

Staffing agencies conduct pre-screenings and background checks before the interview process to help employers understand a candidate’s work history and reliability before making a hiring decision. 

 

  1. Customization and Attention to Detail

A strong resume should be tailored to the job. When reviewing what to look for in a resume, pay attention to: 

 

  • Keywords matching the job description – This shows the candidate read the posting carefully and is genuinely interested in the job. 
  • A professional and organized format – A messy resume can indicate a lack of attention to detail. 
  • Proper spelling and grammar – Errors in a resume may reflect poor communication skills. 

Since staffing agencies work closely with candidates, they ensure resumes are polished and directly relevant to the job before they even reach an employer. 

 

  1. Certifications and Education

For certain roles, professional qualifications are essential. Key things to look for include: 

  • Relevant certifications or licenses (e.g., CNC machining, CDL for drivers, administrative software expertise) 
  • Degree requirements or coursework related to the position 
  • Continuing education or professional development efforts 

A staffing agency verifies credentials and ensures candidates meet job-specific qualifications, preventing employers from wasting time on underqualified applicants. 

 

  1. Cultural Fit and Soft Skills

Although a resume doesn’t fully showcase personality, it can give clues about a candidate’s cultural fit. When considering what to look for in a resume, keep an eye out for: 

  • Leadership roles or team projects – Demonstrates collaboration and initiative 
  • Volunteer work or extracurricular activities – Indicates engagement and values alignment 
  • Keywords like “problem-solving,” “adaptability,” or “strong communication” – Suggests important soft skills 

Staffing agencies go beyond resumes by conducting interviews and pre-screening candidates to assess cultural fit, ensuring they align with a company’s work environment. 

 

How a Staffing Agency Simplifies Resume Screening 

Knowing what to look for in a resume is essential for finding top talent, but reviewing applications can be time-consuming and overwhelming.  We connect businesses with top talent across industries like light industrial, administrative, manufacturing, and driving. If you want to learn more about how Twin City Staffing can help your business grow today click here.