[caption id="attachment_4921" align="alignright" width="225"]<a href="http://www.danamanciagli.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/What-a-Hiring-Manager-Looks-for-in-a-Resume.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-4921" src="http://www.danamanciagli.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/What-a-Hiring-Manager-Looks-for-in-a-Resume-225x300.jpg" alt="What a Hiring Manager Looks for in a Resume" width="225" height="300" /></a> What a Hiring Manager Looks for in a Resume[/caption]

<p>As a hiring manager, I always checked an applicant’s résumé for familiar company names. My bias is “the bigger, the better.” Recognizable company names add credibility to a candidate’s application, plus an ability to navigate complex organizations and politics.</p>

<p>Next, I look at the applicant’s past job titles to get a sense of whether or not they progressed through a function or industry. Often titles are misleading, so I look at the quantitative indicators of scope: Did the candidate progress in his or her career by managing more people, more revenue, or a bigger territory? That’s why data is so important on a résumé.</p>

<p>Last, I look at tenure with the listed companies. Although more people have shorter stints at companies due to economic downsizing, it is still important for a résumé to reflect commitment.</p>

<p>Once you have those details in order, polish your résumé with these simple upgrades:</p>
<ul>
	<li>Use bullet points so that your achievements are easy to navigate.</li>
	<li>Most résumés focus too much on the target company and not enough on the candidate. Instead of a bland job description, include detailed explanations of your skills and previous experience.</li>
	<li>Write a cover letter that makes the résumé relevant to me. Tell me: Why are you the best candidate for the position?</li>
</ul>
<p>Also avoid these pitfalls to stay ahead of the competition:</p>
<ul>
	<li>Check and double-check for grammatical errors, typos, and misspellings.</li>
	<li>Always define your acronyms.</li>
	<li>Edit yourself — too much text can kill a résumé.</li>
</ul>