Whether your company uses AI or not, searching resumes for key words and phrases reduces the amount of time you spend on each applicant.
If your company is using AI, choose the keywords and phrases you want to require in the resume search, including how many times you want to see a key word.
If your organizations does not use AI – or resume reading software to review applicants – hiring managers, especially those new to the role, might find it helpful to copy and paste a resume into a word cloud to quickly see a visual representation of keywords and patterns.
Most managers are looking at candidate’s problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills; according to NACE, in 2024, these top three attributes are what employers look for on graduates’ resumes. You may also be interested in reading What Should You Consider as a New Hiring Manager.
Although managers ranked attention to detail lower on the NACE list, it is often a skill that underpins and enhances many of the higher-ranked attributes. As a new manager, how can you identify from a resume whether a candidate has these attributes every organization needs?
How can new managers identify whether a candidate has these highly valued attributes that every organization needs from reviewing their resume?
Problem-solving skills
A person can demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills after majoring in just about any subject. For example, a math major solves problems using numbers, an English major uses writing to explain and clarify problems, and a theater major identifies creative solutions to achieve desired results on stage or in backstage operations.
Aside from searching for the key words, “problem-solving,” in a resume, what might you identify within a resume that captures strong problem-solving skills? Quantifiable results are useful.
Here are a few examples of keywords and phrases that showcase problem-solving oriented verbs with quantifiable results:
- Streamlined order fulfillment process, reducing delivery times by 20%.
- Increased project completion time by 30% in one quarter by eliminating redundancies.
- Decreased inefficiency 25% by streamlining workflows and implementing automated tools.
- Improved data reporting system increasing company-wide data accessibility by 40%.
- Transformed customer onboarding procedures by reducing average processing time 30% and increasing customer satisfaction scores by 15%.
- Analyzed customer data to target high-value demographics, boosting conversion rates by 15%.
- Evaluated cost inefficiencies in quarterly financials, saving $1M through cost reduction measures.
- Identified demographic trends to expand customer base by 35% through strategic account management.
- Resolved bottlenecks reducing inefficiencies by 30% and increasing profitability by $6K.
- Designed solutions to optimize marketing campaign effectiveness and gain 60 additional clients.
- Mitigated risk for defective shipments by 20%, cutting return costs and protecting brand reputation.
Ability to work well in teams
Negative, accusatory, unsupportive, or unskilled team members can quickly turn a healthy environment into a toxic workplace. Aristotle said, “He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader.” Not every employee is capable of prioritizing team goals over personal achievements.
Being involved in several teams does not mean someone is a good team member. It is helpful to identify skills within a resume which contribute to being a good team player. Problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and adaptability are a few examples of skills you will find in good team members and leaders. Here are some key words that suggest a candidate is an effective team player:
- Led six-member team to exceed annual sales quota by 20%.
- Supervised five direct reports conducting annual performance appraisals and providing constructive feedback.
- Promoted from cashier to head cashier in three months based on high emotional intelligence, work ethic, and consistently achieving team goals.
- Initiated and implemented new cross-functional team workflow resulting in 15% time savings and 20% reduction in labor hours.
- Grew membership 20% during Covid pandemic by maintaining proactive and optimistic team dynamic.
- Collaborated with executive board during strategic planning process contributing to comprehensive employee training program.
- Increased customer satisfaction from 80% to 97% in 90 days using active listening and resolving conflicts within 48 hours.
- Exceeded project deadlines consistently demonstrating reliability and accountability.
- Negotiated and closed intricate deals with key stakeholders by creating a trusting and mutually beneficial relationship.
- Orchestrated product launch boosting online sales 30% through strategic marketing campaigns and optimized digital outreach.
Effective communication has been a well-established core component of professional accomplishments, driving impactful results, and fostering meaningful connections through psychological safety.
Here are some examples that demonstrate a candidate’s strong communication skills:
Communication (oral and written)
- Authored AI-driven communication strategy to increase brand awareness.
- Engaged 500-900 audience participants during public speaking engagements with prospective students.
- Wrote new employee manual to decrease employee onboarding time by 40% and save $50K in costs for physical space.
- Targeted messaging across multiple social media platforms to increase customer engagement by 20% in two months.
- Delegated tasks, established expectations, monitored progress, and provided feedback to four direct reports.
- Researched and implemented new project management methodology improving project timelines and efficiency by 25%.
- Persuaded C-suite executives to adopt comprehensive sustainability initiative to reduce operational costs and improve corporate reputation.
- Taught children ages 4-6 swimming lessons using encouragement and building confidence.
- Demonstrated financial modeling techniques to 60 Introduction to Finance students.
- Presented comprehensive market analysis to senior leadership increasing new product development initiatives by 20%.
Effective hiring involves looking beyond buzzwords and going beyond resume reading software programs. As you refine your approach to resume reviews, remember that the candidates most likely to positively impact your organization in an ever-changing professional work environment will be those with achievements, quantifiable results, and action-oriented language on their resumes.
Take the advice from seasoned, experienced hiring managers. Look for the skills within resume content that highlight problem-solving, team-oriented, communication focused candidates. Your interviews will be more effective and your new hires will become valued members of your organization.
