13 Things Job Candidates Should Have on Their Resumes

You can tell a lot about a potential job candidate based on their resume. Not only can you learn more about their background and skills, but you can also get a better understanding of what information they want to share with you as an employer.

When you’re sifting through a long list of applicants, sometimes it’s the small details on a resume that will be the best indicator of who’s truly the right fit for the job. That’s why we asked 13 entrepreneurs from Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) the following question:

Q. What is one thing a resume must have for you to bring in someone for an interview?

1. Phone Number

You’d be surprised how many resumes I get (at least one out of five) that do not include a phone number. They force you to email them. I’m the guy who likes to listen and talk to you over the phone for five minutes before having you come into the office for a live interview. Put your phone number on your resume! –John Rampton, Due.com

2. Impressive Accomplishments

The only time a resume excites me is when it has specific examples of the candidate’s accomplishments. Forget the flowery language and the “skills” developed. A resume that demonstrates meaningful success lets you know your candidate cares about how they have made an impact to improve their business. Accountability and a mentality of driving change are critical to success at a startup. –Aaron Schwartz, Modify Watches

3. Hobbies and Community Involvement

Are they giving back to the community and what are they passionate about?  There are a lot of smart people out there, and, assuming they meet the professional requirements, I want to get to know them. It’s amazing to listen to someone speak about what they really care about, and often times it’s not their job history. Hobbies and community involvement speak volumes about a candidate’s character. –Drew Gurley, Redbird Advisors

4. Creative Formats

Surprisingly, the strongest resumes that I have seen have been in nontraditional formats. For example, our content marketing manager submitted a resume as a marketing flyer. Our programmer submitted his application as a web script. We’re looking for people who are willing to break the mold of the typical one-page format. –Daniel Lambert, BoardVitals

5. Perfect Spelling and Grammar

For candidates to receive an interview, their resumes must have no spelling or grammar errors. This criteria surprisingly filters out many candidates. Our customers are enterprise businesses who rely on our software every day, so we require precision and accuracy from our teammates. –Nanxi Liu, Enplug

6. Consistency

Bouncing around from job to job is a serious red flag. A strong resume presents a clear and consistent narrative of the applicant’s experience. Short spurts at a variety of companies suggest a lack of commitment and may raise doubts about the applicant’s potential longevity in our organization. –Lindsay Tanne, LogicPrep

7. Easy Access to Email

I only pay attention to resumes that have hyperlinked email addresses. If I like a candidate, I want to simply click and email them. The right candidate should be prepared for that. –Alexis Levine, Savvy Media

8. Core Values

It’s a little unconventional, but if a resume lists a candidate’s top core values, it’s an instant indicator that they are on the same page when it comes to running a values-based business. It shows an awareness and appreciation for the values that play in all relationships, as well as a desire for their values to align with my business and their potential role at a deeper level. –Lea Woodward, Inspiring Ventures

9. Brevity

Don’t give me a two-page description of yourself unless you hold multiple PhDs. Given the information we are bombarded with on a daily basis, it’s essential that a resume is communicated in a succinct and thoughtful way, to create impact and make an impression. Keep it short and intelligent. –George Morris, Imulus

10. A Relevant Objective

An objective is an effective way of learning why candidates submitted their applications in the first place and whether the job opportunity aligns with their goals. Generic or ill-suited objectives need not apply. After all, unless candidates see working here as a path to reaching their own goals, I shouldn’t expect them to put their best foot forward once it’s in the door. –Manpreet Singh, TalkLocal

11. An Engaging and Personalized Cover Letter

For me, the cover letter is more important than the resume. A winning cover letter expresses individual personality while also focusing on why the candidate wants this job. Plus, it confirms strong written skills, vocabulary, and basic manners. A bland and generic letter, or one with poor grammar, is equally telling. –Erica Easley, Gumball Poodle

12. Side Projects

I’m a big fan of seeing a person’s side projects. It’s especially relevant for designers, developers, and marketing people. It’s a great way to see how creative the person is. –Ben Lang, Mapme

13. How They Can Benefit My Company

The resumes that catch my eye are those that talk about how the candidate can benefit my company rather than highlighting their own previous work experience. In my criteria, the more qualified you are, the less of a chance you have of getting hired. We like hiring raw and inexperienced folks that are hungry and will allow us to mold them to our business model. –Engelo Rumora, Ohio Cashflow

The post 13 Things Job Candidates Should Have on Their Resumes appeared first on AllBusiness.com

The post 13 Things Job Candidates Should Have on Their Resumes appeared first on AllBusiness.com.