When you are looking to hire for a technical position, the sheer number of resumes that must be reviewed can take up a significant portion of your day. Knowing the signs of a high-quality resume can help speed the process along. Here are three signs that an IT resume has potential.
Technical Summary
Long gone are the days where a goal statement was appropriate. At times, even a generic skills section seems out-of-date. When you are looking for candidates with a specific skill set, look for resumes that contain technical summaries.
A technical summary contains all the information regarding the applicant’s technical knowledge and places it at the forefront. Not only does this make it easier on the hiring manager to find out if the applicant can handle the basics of the position, it shows that the applicant understands what you will find important and knows how to bring focus to those key areas.
If the technical summary contains the programs, applications, or general skills you know will be needed to perform well in the job, take the time to consider this resume further.
Quantifiers and Qualifications
At times, numbers speak louder than words. There is a big difference in a person managing a $1,000 project budget and a $100,000 project budget. By focusing on candidates who have clearly quantified their qualifications, you can better determine if they have the type of experience the position requires.
Specific metrics are often verifiable, as well. Whether it is through reference checking, press releases, or standard news articles, information regarding the size of a project can, at times, be confirmed.
This applies to information regarding volume. It is one thing for an IT candidate to state they have experience managing user accounts in Active Directory when another candidate can say they personally managed Active Directory accounts in an environment with over 3,000 users.
Brevity
A resume is designed to be a highlight reel of a person’s career and how it relates to the position for which they are applying. A person who has targeted their resume to address the most important aspects of a job not only show they understand what the position is about, but that they value your time.
They aren’t trying to make up for lacking qualifications by listing information that isn’t particularly relevant just to fill the page, and they aren’t sending out a generic resume to every position they see. This candidate took the time necessary to craft a resume specifically for your eyes.
Still Need Help Sorting Through the Pile?
If you still find yourself buried in applicants, and more pressing needs are demanding your attention, consider hiring a professional staffing firm to help narrow down the possibilities. With experience working with clients in fulfilling their IT hiring needs, The Squires Group has the knowledge and expertise to make your hiring process a breeze. Contact them today and see what they have to offer.
