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How to review resumes like a pro

Addison Group
Reviewing resumes is a critical step in the hiring process—but it’s often one of the most time-consuming. Here are five tips on how to review resumes like a pro.

Reviewing resumes is a critical step in the hiring process—but it’s often one of the most time-consuming. With only a few moments to scan each document, hiring managers and recruiters must quickly assess qualifications, spot potential red flags, and identify top candidates with confidence and accuracy. 

Here we outline five tips on how to review resumes like a professional. Whether you’re new to hiring or looking to streamline your process, these tips will help you make informed, efficient decisions. 

Scan before you read  

Some resumes may be beautifully written, but hiring isn’t a writing contest. First, do a quick scan. Think of this as your “first impression” filter before diving into details. Look for: 

  1. Length: ideally 1-2 pages.  
  1. Layout: is it clean, organized, and easy to read?  
  1. Glaring red flags: weird fonts, typos in the first few lines, or eight different jobs in two years without explanation.  

Match the resume to the job (not the other way around) 

Have your job description in front of you and highlight 3-5 must haves. When reviewing each resume, ask yourself: “Does this person clearly show they have these core qualifications?”  

It could be helpful to break it down into: 

  1. Hard skills: do they have the specific tools, certifications, or knowledge the job requires? 
  1. Soft skills: look for clues – team leadership, problem-solving, communication, etc. – often reflected in bullet points or brief summaries. 
  1. Industry or role relevance: even if they haven’t done this exact job, is their experience transferable? 

Check the timeline  

This doesn’t mean nitpicking gaps – life happens. It means making sure the story makes sense. 

  1. Is there a logical career progression? 
  1. Do dates line up? Any overlap or inconsistencies? 
  1. Did they jump roles every few months, or is there a clear reason for moves? 

If something seems off, it’s best to flag it for the interview phase rather than toss the resume entirely. Many great candidates may just be one conversation away from clarity. 

Look for intentionality  

Did the candidate tailor their resume for this job, or are they firing off the same one-size-fits-all version?  

Clues they took the time: 

  1. They mention a job title that matches yours. 
  1. The summary or objective speaks directly to your company’s industry or needs.  
  1. Skills and experience are prioritized in a way that feels like a fit. 

Intentional resumes are usually the best indicators of someone who’s truly interested. 

Know when to trust your gut (and when not to) 

Sometimes a resume just feels right. Great layout, relevant experience, and a solid story. Trust that instinct – but back it up with evidence. On the other hand, if something feels off, dig a little deeper before you decide.  

If you’re still unsure, a quick 10-minute phone screen can clarify what a resume can’t.  

At the end of the day, resumes are a conversation starter, not the whole story. We recommend having a consistent rubric, staying open-minded, and always giving great candidates the benefit of the doubt – especially in this ever-changing hiring landscape.  

Need help finding resumes worth reading? Addison Group’s expert recruiters have been placing top talent with reputable companies for more than 20 years. Let’s talk about how we can help you find talent that fits, not just who’s available.