Your Resume Checklist: What Hiring Teams are Really Looking For

Your resume is often your first impression with a recruiter or employer, so it’s important make it count.

Whether you're entering the workforce, switching careers, or just brushing up your resume, the goal is the same: to present yourself as the best possible fit for the job. But a strong resume isn’t just a list of work history, it’s a strategic document that highlights your value.

At Ascendancy Recruiting, we know what makes a resume stand out. Here’s your go-to checklist for crafting a resume that gets noticed—for all the right reasons.

1. Clear Formatting

Looks matter—at least when it comes to your resume. Hiring managers often skim resumes in seconds, so formatting should guide their eyes to what matters.

Quick tips:

• Use a clean, professional layout

• Stick to easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Calibri, 10–12 pt

• Keep spacing and margins consistent

• Use bold text and section headers to break up content

Avoid overly designed templates or hard-to-read fonts. Simplicity wins every time.

2. Tailored Content

A big mistake people make? Sending the same resume to every job.

Instead, tailor your resume for each application by focusing on the skills, achievements, and experiences most relevant to the role.

How to tailor your resume:

• Use the job description as a guide

• Mirror the language and required skills

• Emphasize the experience that aligns most closely with the position

Customizing your resume shows employers that you understand what they're looking for—and that you’re ready to deliver.

3. Use Relevant Keywords

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human ever sees them. Including the right keywords helps ensure you pass that first filter.

Tips:

• Pull keywords from the job posting

• Include both technical and soft skills

• Use common variations (e.g., “customer support” and “customer service”)

This is especially important in today’s digital hiring process.

4. Quantifiable Achievements

Recruiters want to see impact, not just responsibilities. Wherever possible, include numbers that show your results.

Examples:

• Increased sales by 25% in six months

• Cut onboarding time by 30% through process improvements

• Managed a budget of $500,000 annually

Think about the ways you made your previous employers better, faster, or more efficient—and add those wins to your resume.

5. Cut the Fluff

Leave off outdated or irrelevant details and skip the generic phrases like “team player” or “hard worker.” Focus instead on what actually makes you qualified.

What to leave off:

• Jobs from over 15 years ago (unless highly relevant)

• Unrelated hobbies or personal info

• Objective statements (use a summary instead, if anything)

Your resume should make every word count.

6. Keep It Concise

For most job seekers, one page is enough. Two pages are okay if you have 10+ years of experience or need the space for technical or project-based roles.

Best practice:

• Focus on the last 10–15 years of relevant work

• Summarize older or less-relevant roles

• Use bullet points, not paragraphs

Hiring managers don’t have time to dig for your value, so you make it easy to spot.

7. Proofread. Then Proofread Again.

Spelling or grammar mistakes on your resume can cost you the interview. Proofreading is non-negotiable.

Checklist:

• Run a spelling and grammar check

• Double-check names, job titles, and dates

• Read it out loud or have someone else review it

Even one small typo can hurt your credibility, so don’t let it.

Final Thoughts

The best resumes are clear, tailored, and results driven. They highlight what you bring to the table and help hiring teams picture you in the role.

By following this resume checklist, you’ll be well on your way to creating a resume that grabs attention and lands interviews.

At Ascendancy Recruiting, we’re here to support your job search with real advice, practical tools, and a people-first approach. Whether you're starting your career or making your next big move, we’re cheering you on. 

Need more help with your job search?

Check out our other blog posts for more resume tips, interview prep advice, and insights from recruiters who know what hiring teams are really looking for.

The Importance of Soft Skills for Career Success

Questions to Ask In Your Next Interview

How to Stand Out in Interviews

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