Resume Writing & Reviewing: Understanding Both Sides of the Coin

Whether you're searching for your next opportunity or hiring top talent, mastering the resume process is essential. We’ve asked our top recruitment consultants to share their expert tips for jobseekers on how to write a standout resume – and proven strategies for employers to efficiently review and shortlist candidates.

Resume Writing Tips for Jobseekers

If you're applying for jobs, your resume is often the first impression you make. Here's how to write a resume that grabs attention and gets results.

1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job

One of the most important resume writing tips is to customise your resume for each application. Use keywords from the job ad, and highlight relevant skills and experience.

“Tailor your resume to suit the job you are applying for. Not altering it, but using targeted words and similar language to the advertisement.” – Jo Suckling (Senior Recruitment Consultant)

Avoid generic resumes. Show employers that you’ve read the job description and understand what they're looking for.

2. Highlight Achievements and Keep It Readable

Put your best accomplishments and qualifications at the top. Use clear formatting, bullet points, and concise language.

“List achievements, education if relevant, and make it easy to read.”

Focus on outcomes and measurable results (e.g. "Increased sales by 25%") rather than just responsibilities.

3. Keep Your Work History Accurate and Honest

Gaps in your employment history aren’t necessarily an issue – just make sure they’re accounted for. Be ready to explain transitions or career breaks clearly.

“No gaps in your work history dates. If you didn’t work, it’s ok – but know your work history.” – Katrina Sayce (Senior Business Consultant)

4. Spell Check and Review for Errors

Mistakes in spelling, grammar or formatting can be a dealbreaker – especially if you claim to have "great attention to detail."

“Spell check! I can’t stand people who say they have an attention to detail and spell ‘specialised’ with a z… Grrrrrrrrrr!”

Also, if you’ve used AI tools to help build your resume, make sure to thoroughly re-read the content. You should be familiar with everything on your CV.

Resume Reviewing Tips for Employers

Reviewing resumes efficiently helps you identify the best candidates quickly and move the recruitment process forward.

1. Know Your Competitors and Focus on Duties

Before advertising a role, do some research into your competitors and their job offerings. Then, when reviewing resumes, pay closer attention to the duties and responsibilities rather than job titles.

“Job titles vary from business to business and industry to industry. Responsibilities and transferable skills are what will add value to your company.”

A candidate may not have had the same job title – but their experience might be exactly what your company needs.

2. Prioritise Relevant Experience

Candidates with experience that directly matches the advertised role should be top priority. Relevant keywords in their resumes will usually help you spot this quickly.

“Applicants who have relevant experience to the job advertised are far more likely to be called.”

3. Use a Resume Screening System

One simple and effective method is the traffic light system:

• Red = Reject
• Orange = Potential
• Green = Shortlist

“Have an allocation method like a traffic light system; red = reject, orange = potential, green = shortlist – very useful tip.”

This structured system helps speed up the resume screening process, ensures consistency, and avoids bias.

Final Takeaway: Clarity, Relevance, and Detail Matter

For jobseekers, a clear, tailored resume that showcases your strengths is your ticket to more interviews. For employers, using a structured approach to resume reviewing helps identify top talent more efficiently.

Whether you're applying or hiring, the goal is the same: find the right fit, faster.

Author - Frontline Human Resources