There is no need to work through all 5 steps on each resume. Prioritize what is essential and look for that rst. If it’s not there, move on. All it takes is 6 seconds. Resumes that can pass these 5 initial criteria deserve your time and attention. Happy hunting!

This way, you will easily be able to stay focused and match the criteria of the candidate to the specic job requirements. Does the candidate meet your education prerequisites and do they have the appropriate work experience? If the answer is “No” and you won’t make an exception, move on.

1 Have the job description available for reference

A resume that is disorganized and hard to follow can say a lot about the candidate. Even more so if they did not follow guidelines specied in your job posting (length, email submissions only, etc.). This could mean they do not pay attention to detail, are not comfortable with basic computer software, or do not take time to review their work. If these are characteristics you expect from employees, move on.

2 Scan the resume for formatting issues

A big no-no on a resume is a misspelled word or a sentence that doesn’t make sense. Most computer software suggests xes for such mistakes. Multiple errors indicate an applicant’s lack of awareness about their weaknesses and lack of initiative to nd others who can help them review and improve their work. In the age of email, employees’ written communications are a constant reection of a company’s reputation and culture. If basic writing skills are missing, move on.

3 Check the spelling and grammar

You can do this visually or by employing the search function in your word processing software. Every resume should contain certain keywords that appear in the job description. For example, if the position requires a candidate to be extremely organized, you should see the word “organized”, “well-ordered”, or “structured” in their resume. Not only does this indicate the candidate has read the job description, it lets you know he is taking the time to tailor his resume to your requirements. No keywords usually indicates a generic resume, and it’s time to move on.

4 Scan for Keywords

The candidate might have worked for ve different companies, but only for 1 or 2 months at each. The candidate might also have worked in the nance industry most of her career, but is now applying for a position in your marketing department without rst pursuing additional training or education. These types of patterns in a resume may be a sign they are not the right t for your open position, in which case...move on.

5 Keep an eye out for negative patterns

Companies often receive hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of resumes for just one job opening. According to a 2012 study by TheLadders, recruiters spend just 6 seconds looking at a candidate’s resume! If you’re stuck with a stack of resumes for review, here are ve tips to help you identify the right candidate in those six seconds.

Secrets of Top Recruiters: Review 10 Resumes in 1 Minute

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