A Recruiter's Guide to Writing a Winning Resume (With Samples)

As a recruiter, you sift through hundreds of resumes every day. You only have a few seconds to scan each one and determine if the candidate is the right fit for the job. This is why it's essential to have a winning resume that stands out from the rest.

Here is a recruiter's guide to writing a winning resume:

1. Choose the right format: There are several resume formats to choose from, including chronological, functional, and combination. Choose the format that showcases your skills and experiences in the best possible light.
2. Include a summary statement: A summary statement is a brief introduction of yourself and your skills. It's the first thing a recruiter reads, so make sure it's impactful and highlights your skills and experiences.
3. Showcase your achievements: Don't just list your job responsibilities; showcase your achievements as well. Use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements and showcase how you contributed to the success of your previous employers.
4. Use keywords: Many recruiters use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter out resumes. To increase your chances of getting past the ATS, use keywords that are relevant to the job you're applying for.
5. Keep it concise: Recruiters have limited time to go through each resume, so keep your resume concise and to the point. Ideally, your resume should be no more than two pages long.
6. Proofread: Spelling and grammatical errors can make a recruiter toss your resume into the trash. Ensure that you proofread your resume several times to catch any errors.
7. Show personality: While it's essential to keep your resume professional, don't be afraid to inject a bit of personality. Recruiters want to work with people they like, so showing your personality can help you stand out from other candidates.

Writing a winning resume takes time and effort, but the effort is worth it if it means landing your dream job. Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to writing a winning resume.

Example Resumes

Example #1

John Doe

johndoe@email.com · (123) 456-7890 · Los Angeles, CA

Summary

A results-driven recruiter with 5 years of experience in talent acquisition, HR compliance, and employer branding. Proven track record of identifying and hiring top talent across multiple industries. Passionate about creating positive candidate experiences and building long-term relationships with clients.

Professional Experience

Senior Recruiter - ABC Company

Los Angeles, CA (2016 - Present)

• Responsible for full-cycle recruiting for positions in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology.
• Sourced and engaged candidates using LinkedIn, Indeed, and other recruitment channels.
• Managed an average of 15 requisitions at any given time, resulting in the hiring of over 150 employees in 5 years.
• Developed and implemented recruitment strategies that resulted in a 50% increase in candidate applications and a 25% increase in quality of applicants over 2 years.
• Collaborated with hiring managers to identify key competencies and skills needed for each position.

Recruiter - XYZ Agency

New York, NY (2014 - 2016)

• Conducted full-cycle recruiting for positions in the healthcare industry, including nurses, physicians, and administrative staff.
• Developed and executed recruitment marketing campaigns to attract top talent.
• Increased employee retention by 20% within the first year of employment by implementing a comprehensive onboarding program.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Human Resources – University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA (2014)

Example #2

John Doe

johndoe@email.com | (123)456-7890

Remote Recruiter with 5+ years of experience in various industries

Skills

• Recruiting: Skilled in sourcing, screening, and hiring qualified candidates
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a high level of emotional intelligence
• Data Analysis: Experience in analyzing data and providing insights to drive hiring decisions
• HR Technology: Knowledgeable in Applicant Tracking Systems and various HR software

Experience

Senior Recruiter @ XYZ Corporation (Remote)

January 2019 - Present

• Hired and onboarded 50+ employees across various departments and levels in the past year
• Increased diversity in hires by 30% through targeted outreach and inclusive hiring practices
• Implemented new candidate screening process resulting in 20% reduction in time-to-hire
• Utilized data analysis to identify optimal recruiting sources, resulting in 25% decrease in recruiting spend

Recruiter @ ABC Industries (Remote)

February 2017 - December 2018

• Sourced and screened 500+ candidates, resulting in 50 new hires
• Managed candidate relationships and provided exceptional candidate experience throughout the hiring process
• Collaborated with hiring managers to develop job descriptions and define job requirements
• Assisted in the development of employer branding and recruitment marketing strategies

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management

University of California, Los Angeles

Example #3

John Doe

1234 Street Street • City, State, Zip • (123) 456-7890 • johndoe@email.com

Objective

To obtain a Recruiter position with XYZ Corporation where I can use my 5+ years of experience in talent acquisition and management to source and place top notch candidates in positions that align with their career goals and the company’s needs.

Summary of Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in recruitment and talent management
• Proven track record of consistently meeting and exceeding recruitment targets
• Strong understanding of labor laws and recruitment regulations
• Excellent communication skills and experience working with diverse groups of people
• Proficient in the use of talent management software such as Workday and Taleo

Professional Experience

Recruiter, ABC Company

June 2015 – Present

• Created and implemented an effective recruitment strategy that increased the number of qualified applicants by 30%
• Sourced, screened, and interviewed candidates for various roles, resulting in a 90% placement rate
• Collaborated closely with hiring managers to identify and understand position requirements and to ensure that we were hiring the right candidates for the job
• Provided guidance and support to new employees during onboarding, resulting in a smoother and more efficient process
• Maintained accurate and up-to-date records of candidates and positions in our talent management software which helped to streamline the recruitment process

Recruitment Coordinator, DEF Company

June 2013 – May 2015

• Screened and reviewed resumes for open positions, resulting in a 60% increase in qualified applicants
• Coordinated interviews and other pre-employment activities for all candidates, resulting in a 50% reduction in time-to-hire
• Maintained regular communication with hiring managers and candidates to ensure a smooth recruitment process
• Managed social media campaigns to promote open positions, resulting in a 20% increase in candidate traffic to our company website
• Developed and conducted orientation seminars for new employees, resulting in improved employee retention rates

Education

Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management

University of XYZ, City, State

Graduated May 2013

Skills

• Talent Acquisition and Management
• Human Resources and Benefits Administration
• Applicant Tracking Systems (Taleo, Workday)
• Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation

Conclusion:

Crafting a winning resume is all about showcasing your skills and achievements in a concise and compelling way. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can create a standout resume that gets noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for, and don't forget the importance of a great cover letter - write a great cover letter.

If you're on the lookout for a new job, be sure to check out our remote recruitment job board for the latest remote opportunities. And to prepare for interviews, check out our other resources on the site. Best of luck in your job search!

Looking to ace your interviews? Our team has put together a collection of detailed interview questions and answers for different recruiter specializations, including Technical Recruiter, Executive Recruiter, Healthcare Recruiter, Diversity and Inclusion Recruiter, and Campus Recruiter.