What Matters in a Resume?

What Matters in a Resume?

CONTACT	Andrea Koncz, ext. 121, or Mimi Collins, ext. 119, 800.544.5272
E-MAIL	akoncz@naceweb.org
E-MAIL	mcollins@naceweb.org
DATE	November 17, 2011
SUBJECT	What Matters in a Resume?
BETHLEHEM, PA—What do employers look for in a resume? Beyond the candidate’s ability to meet standard criteria—the “right” major or work experience—employers are most likely to look for evidence that the candidate is able to work in a team, according to a new survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Nearly 80 percent of employers taking part in NACE’s Job Outlook 2012 survey said they search for evidence that the potential employee can work in a team, and more than three-quarters indicated they want the resume to show the candidate has leadership abilities and written communication skills. Evidence of problem-solving skills and a strong work ethic round out the top five “soft skills” employers seek on resumes. In fact, says Edwin Koc, NACE director of research, “Overall, results show that the ability to work in a team is the number one soft skill employers seek in their new hires.”Consequently, job candidates need to showcase that ability in their interactions with employers, not just on the resume, but in the interview as well. NACE offers more resume advice in “Write the Right Resume” at http://bit.ly/NACEResumeHelp. Figure 1: On a resume, employers look for evidence of… 1. Ability to work in a team 2. Leadership skills 3. Written communication skills 4. Problem-solving skills 5. Strong work ethic. Source: Job Outlook 2012, National Association of Colleges and Employers
About the Survey: The Job Outlook 2012 survey was conducted August 3 - September 23, 2011, among NACE employer members; 244, or 26.8 percent, took part. Approximately 23 percent of respondents represent organizations in the Northeast, 38.5 percent are with firms in the Southeast, 25 percent are from the Midwest, and 13 percent are with companies in the West. NACE will monitor and report on the job market for the Class of 2012 throughout the year. About NACE: Since 1956, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has been the leading source of information about the employment of college graduates. For more information, visit www.naceweb.org. NACE maintains a virtual press room for the media atwww.naceweb.org/pressreleases/.