How to Read a Resume

Do you know how to read a resume? It may be surprising to know that many people don’t, and that’s why they have a hard time hiring the right person for the job. A resume is more than just a list of your previous jobs and education. It’s a document that can tell you a lot about a potential employee. Receiving unevaluated candidates, usually unqualified applicant resumes, occurs in every job posting and can be the cause of job hopping. If you’re new to hiring, this blog post will cover how to read a resume like an expert, including how to review resumes! We will go over the different resume sections and explain what each one means. We’ll also give you tips on using this information to make better hiring decisions.

Let’s see how to review resumes like a pro!

Brief Overview Of A Resume

A resume is a document that outlines your work history, education, and other qualifications. It is used to apply for jobs and is typically submitted to potential employers. The purpose of a resume is to show an employer that you are the best candidate for the job. It should be well-written and concise, highlighting your most relevant qualifications.

Resume Sections: What Does Each Mean?

There are a total of five sections in a resume:

• Header
• Objective or summary statement
• Skills
• Experience
• Education

Let’s discuss each section in detail.

Header:

The header is at the very top of your resume. It includes your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address. You should use a professional-sounding email address, such as your first and last name combined or something similar. The header also includes a link to your online portfolio or personal website if you have one.

Objective or summary statement:

The objective or summary statement is a brief sentence summarizing your overall career goals or qualifications. It is your chance to grab the reader’s attention and tell them what you can do. Tailor your objective or summary statement to each job you apply for.

Skills:

The skills section is where you list the specific skills and abilities that you have that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This can include hard skills like computer programming or designing software and soft skills like customer service or communication. List any relevant certifications or training courses you’ve taken in this section.

Experience:

The experience section is where you detail your work history. Start with your most recent job and work backward chronologically. Include the name and location of each company you’ve worked for, your job title, and the dates you worked there.

For each job, describe your duties and accomplishments in bullet point form. If you don’t have much work experience, you can also include internships, volunteer, or extracurricular activities here.

Education:

The education section is where you list any relevant degrees or certificates you have earned. Include the name and location of the school you attended, the degree or certificate you earned, and the dates you attended school. If you’re still in school, list your expected graduation date here. You can also include any relevant coursework or training programs in this section.

Reading A Resume: Step-by-Step

Now that you understand a resume’s different sections.  Let’s go over how to read one. Here are the steps you can follow in a resume review process:

Step One: Review the Cover Letter

The cover letter is the first thing you’ll read when you receive a resume, so it’s essential to take the time to review it. The cover letter will give you an overview of the applicant’s qualifications and why they’re interested in the position. It’s a good idea to read the cover letter before anything else to understand the applicant’s background.

Step Two: Review a Resume, Starting With an Initial Scan

When you first receive a resume, reading through it line by line can be tempting. However, this isn’t always the most efficient way to review a resume. Instead, try scanning the resume for crucial information. Look for education, work experience, and skills. This will give you a general overview of the applicant’s background and qualifications.

Step Three: Deep Dive into Skills and Qualifications

Once you’ve performed a resume scan, it’s time to look closely at the applicant’s skills and qualifications. Pay attention to any relevant work experience or education that the applicant has. If the applicant has relevant skills or qualifications, note them down. These will come in handy later on when you’re evaluating the applicant.

Step Four: Thoroughly Review Previous Employment

One of the most important aspects of reviewing a resume is examining the applicant’s employment history. Always thoroughly read each job description and look for any red flags. If an applicant has gaps in their employment history, ask them about them during the interview process.

Step Five: Determine Whether the Applicant is a Good Fit for the Position

The final step in reading a resume is determining whether the applicant fits the position. To do this, compare the skills and qualifications listed on the resume with those required for the position. If there are any mismatches, ask the applicant about them during the interview process. By following these steps, you can be sure you’re thoroughly evaluating every resume you receive. I hope they will help you review resumes.

Why Is It Important to Know How To Read a Resume?

There are a few key reasons why employers need to read resumes.

First, resumes provide an overview of a candidate’s qualifications and experience. This is helpful for employers because it allows them to quickly assess whether or not a candidate is a good fit for the job opening.

Second, resumes allow employers to learn more about candidates’ skills and abilities. This information can identify candidates who may be a good fit for other open positions within the company.

Finally, reading resumes helps employers build a pool of qualified candidates they can contact for future job openings.

As a recruiter, being able to read a resume better and fully analyze each section makes finding the right candidate so much simpler and faster! Looking for talent? PMWorld 360 Magazine’s job board is the perfect place to start your search. Visit our jobs blog for more helpful tips on your job search.

You should consider developing a project management resume if you’re a job seeker. Here’s why, along with a project manager resume example.

About PMWorld 360 Magazine

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• • We offer a premium niche-focused job posting service so your roles aren’t buried in a sea of non-relevant postings.
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