You have 7.4 seconds to get a hiring manager’s attention. This is how long the average hiring manager or recruiter looks at a resume before deciding if your resume is worth reading. One simple mistake, poor formatting or a poor general impression could quickly land you in the “no” pile.
5 Secrets to Writing a Resume That Actually Gets Read
You obviously want to make a good impression, have the hiring manager read your resume, and give you a call for an interview. But what is the secret to writing a resume that actually gets read? We asked our Construction recruiters to weigh in on this question and provide their top 5 resume writing tips.
1. Follow the Resume Application Instructions
It might sound simple, but not following directions is one of the fastest ways to get eliminated. If a job posting asks for your resume in PDF format, don’t send a Word file. If it requests that you include a project list or a cover letter, make sure those are attached. In industries where attention to detail is critical, not following application instructions signals that you may not follow project requirements either. Show hiring managers you can follow directions right from the start.
2. Get to the Point and Be Specific
Recruiters don’t have time to read paragraphs of vague statements. Be concise and focus on accomplishments. Instead of writing “responsible for managing people,” specify “supervised 15-person team on a multi-million-dollar commercial project, completing the project 10% under budget.” Specifics show exactly what you achieved and how you can add value to the company. The clearer and sharper your wording, the more likely your resume will hold a recruiter’s attention.
3. Bold Important Information
Resumes are scanned, not read line by line. Use bold text strategically to highlight key achievements, certifications, or job titles. Bold text will naturally draw the eye. But don’t overdo it. Too much bolding makes the page look messy. Think of it as a way to direct the hiring manager’s attention exactly where you want it.
4. Format the Resume for Scannability
Resumes with big blocks of text or complicated designs often get skipped. Use a clean layout, plenty of white space, and bullet points to make it easy for recruiters to skim. Stick to professional fonts (like Arial or Calibri) and keep your headings consistent. A well-structured resume helps hiring managers quickly understand your career story, and ensures that the 7.4 seconds they spend scanning your resume turn into a deeper read.
5. Prove Your Worth with Quantifiable Stats, Numbers, and Data
The most effective resumes don’t just list duties, they show results. Numbers tell a powerful story and make your impact easy to measure. For example, instead of saying “helped improve safety,” write “implemented new safety protocols that reduced on-site incidents by 30%.” Whether it’s cost savings, time reductions, revenue growth, or efficiency gains, data-driven achievements give hiring managers proof that you can deliver real results.
A Final Word on Writing Great Resumes that Hiring Managers Want to Read
A resume isn’t just a list of jobs, it’s your marketing tool designed to get you a job interview. By following instructions, keeping your content sharp, highlighting key details, using a clear format, and backing up your skills with measurable results, you’ll create a resume that doesn’t just get read, it gets remembered.
More Resume Writing Advice From Our Recruiters
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