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What recruiters really look for in candidates—and how you can stand out

Addison Group
Recruiter reviewing a candidates information using Addison Group's criteria

In today’s competitive job market, landing an interview is only half the battle. To truly impress recruiters and hiring managers, you must understand what they’re looking for—both on paper and in person. Whether you’re polishing your resume or prepping for a big interview, knowing what recruiters value can give you a serious edge.

Let’s break down what recruiters look for in resumes and interviews and how you can align your qualifications to meet their expectations.

What recruiters look for in resumes

Your resume is your first impression—and recruiters typically spend just seven seconds scanning it before deciding whether to read further. Here’s what they’re looking for:

1. Relevant experience

Recruiters want to see that your recent roles align with the job you’re applying for. They focus on your last two to three positions to assess whether your skills match the job description.

How to meet this expectation:

  • Tailor your resume for each job application.
  • Use keywords from the job posting.
  • Highlight transferable skills and relevant accomplishments.

2. Quantifiable achievements

Generic duties don’t cut it. Recruiters want to see metrics that show impact—like revenue growth, cost savings, or project completion rates.

How to meet this expectation:

  • Use action verbs like “led,” “increased,” or “streamlined.”
  • Include numbers: “Reduced onboarding time by 30%,” or “Managed $500K budget.”

3. Clear formatting

A cluttered resume is a recruiter’s nightmare. They want clean, easy-to-read layouts with bullet points and consistent formatting.

How to meet this expectation:

  • Stick to one font and avoid excessive design.
  • Use bullet points and section headers.
  • Keep it to one or two pages, max.

4. Career progression

Recruiters look for growth—promotions, expanded responsibilities, or upward movement across roles.

How to meet this expectation:

  • Separate roles within the same company to show promotions.
  • Highlight leadership or mentorship experiences.

5. Spelling and grammar

Typos and grammatical errors can be a dealbreaker. They signal carelessness and poor communication skills.

How to meet this expectation:

  • Proofread multiple times.
  • Use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to review.

What recruiters look for in interviews

Once you’ve made it past the resume screen, the interview is your chance to shine. Recruiters are evaluating more than just your answers—they’re assessing your personality, professionalism, and potential fit.

1. Confidence and communication

Recruiters want candidates who speak clearly, maintain eye contact, and show enthusiasm.

How to meet this expectation:

  • Practice answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  • Record yourself to refine tone and pacing.
  • Prepare a few success stories that showcase your impact.

2. Cultural fit and personality

Hiring managers want to know if you’ll mesh well with the team. They look for authenticity, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.

How to meet this expectation:

  • Be yourself—don’t try to “perform.”
  • Share what motivates you and how you collaborate.
  • Ask questions about team dynamics and company values.

3. Preparation and curiosity

Recruiters love candidates who’ve done their homework. Asking thoughtful questions shows genuine interest.

How to meet this expectation:

  • Research the company’s mission, recent news, and leadership.
  • Prepare three to five questions that go beyond salary and benefits.
  • Ask about challenges, growth opportunities, and team goals.

4. Coachability and self-awareness

Employers want people who can learn and grow. They’ll ask about weaknesses or mistakes to gauge your humility and resilience.

How to meet this expectation:

  • Share a real challenge and how you overcame it.
  • Talk about feedback you’ve received and how you applied it.
  • Show openness to learning new tools or methods.

5. Passion and motivation

Recruiters want to know why you want this job—not just any job.

How to meet this expectation:

  • Connect your goals to the company’s mission.
  • Share what excites you about the role.
  • Avoid generic answers like “I just need a job.”

Final tips to align with recruiter expectations

  • Customize everything: From your resume to your interview answers, tailor your approach to each company and role.
  • Practice storytelling: Recruiters remember stories, not bullet points. Use the STAR method to structure your responses.
  • Follow up: Send a thank-you email after interviews to reinforce your interest and professionalism.

Now that you know what recruiters are looking for and how you can stand out, you need to find a role that aligns with your career goals. Addison Group can be your partner throughout this process. With more than 20 years of experience, we understand what it takes to find a new role. We know that finding a company that matches your goals and appreciates everything you bring to the table makes all the difference. Visit our jobs page or reach out to us today to find the job that’s right for you.