Recruiter Resume Example
Working as a recruiter can provide a rewarding career, involving sourcing qualified candidates and conducting initial interviews. A strong resume for recruiter applications showcases your skills, experience and achievements and helps you stand out from other candidates. In this article, we'll explain how to write a winning resume for recruiter applications that best showcases your skills and experience.
After reading this guide, you'll know what it takes to create a resume that really stands out from other recruiter applicants. You'll learn how to show employers you've got the relevant qualities, skills and experience for the job, all presented in a format that employers prefer to see. The article also includes tips for formatting your resume according to your experience and strengths. Continue reading to find expert tips and advice from Jobseeker that will help you with your recruiter resume.
Main elements of a recruiter resume
It's essential to include a few core sections in your recruiter resume, while there are also a few optional sections.
If you have no work experience as a recruiter or have just started in the industry, you could consider using a functional or skills-based format, which emphasizes your skills and education. Likewise, an entry-level resume might focus more on soft and transferable skills, as well as details about internships, voluntary work or relevant training you've completed.
If you're already working as a recruiter, concentrate on proving your credentials with your work achievements. Use a reverse-chronological resume format to place work experience prominently in your resume. In your resume work experience section, outline your relevant achievements and showcase the impact you've made in your career to date. Make sure everything you include is relevant to the job description.
Senior job applications require a slightly different approach to mid-level or junior recruiter roles. Use a reverse-chronological format focusing on your work experience, with a particular emphasis on the impact you've made. Expect your senior resume to be slightly longer than resumes for more junior roles. This is because you 'll want to add details of professional memberships, awards, publications, presentations and other achievements expected of senior professionals.
You will have some choice over your resume layout and structure, but be sure to include these sections as the core of your document:
Resume Header
Your recruiter resume header is the place to add your contact details. Start by adding your full name and underneath, include your email address, phone number and location. Adding your LinkedIn profile, if you have one, can help the employer get a better insight into your skills and industry expertise. You don't need to include any additional personal information or a photo. Keep your header clear and concise, with only the most necessary information included. Opt for a stylish, professional design that creates a strong first impression.
Make sure your email address appears as professional as possible, and doesn't include anything like nicknames, inappropriate language or personal information. If it does, set up a new email account with an address based on your name or initials, and use that for your job applications. Always double-check your contact details are up-to-date before sending your resume.
Leah Nguyen
leah.nguyen@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA
linkedin․com/in/leah–nguyen123
Resume Objective
In your resume summary, write a short paragraph that highlights two or three of your key achievements and skills for recruiter roles. You could also call this section 'resume objective' or 'personal profile'. A resume summary covers your career experience to date, while a resume objective focuses more on your ambitions for the future. However, make sure you keep your resume summary short and snappy, and focused on the skills and experience listed in the job description.
Alternatively, use this summary to introduce your personal career ambitions and explain why recruiter roles are a good fit for you at this stage of your career.
A good resume summary is short and snappy, and focused on the skills and experience listed in the job description, with evidence to back it up. It will also help the reader to form their first impressions of you by providing an insight into your personality and unique qualities. The graphic below showcases some good examples of what to include in your recruiter resume summary.
Good example:
Experienced Talent Acquisition Specialist with a proven track record in sourcing, screening, and hiring top-tier talent across various industries. Skilled in utilizing advanced recruitment techniques, managing full-cycle recruiting processes, and building strong relationships with hiring managers to understand and meet their staffing needs. Adept at leveraging social media platforms, job boards, and professional networks to attract and engage potential candidates. Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills, with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Bad example:
Talent acquisition specialist with some experience in finding and hiring people for different jobs. Used various methods to recruit and worked through the hiring process. Built connections with managers to understand what they need. Used social media and other platforms to look for candidates. Good at talking, negotiating, and organizing, with a focus on workplace diversity and inclusion
Alternatively, a poor resume summary would include bland, generic information that does little to prove your suitability for the role, while failing to provide any useful insights on you as a person or as a candidate. See above for some examples of things to avoid when writing your recruiter resume summary.
Work Experience
Under your work experience section, add any jobs you've had in the past that are relevant to the position of a recruiter. Include any relevant jobs you've held in reverse-chronological order. Start with your current or most recent roles and work back through previous roles. For each job, list your title, the name of the company, its location and the dates you worked there.
Also include some bullet points for each job mentioned, showcasing your achievements so the employer can see the impact you made on the company. Pay attention to the job description and make sure each point is relevant to recruiter roles.
A good work experience section pulls the reader in with clear examples of where you've put the skills necessary for the job into good use in your career to date. This typically includes evidence of how your skills and activities contributed to positive outcomes for the organization. Take a look at the examples below for some guidance on what works best for your work experience section.
Good example:
Talent Acquisition Specialist, January 2022 - Present
TalentBridge Solutions, Sacramento
- Successfully reduced time-to-hire by 25% through streamlined recruitment processes and enhanced candidate sourcing strategies
- Hired over 150 high-caliber professionals across various departments, contributing to a 30% increase in company productivity
- Implemented a new applicant tracking system that improved candidate experience, resulting in a 40% increase in positive feedback
Bad example:
Talent Acquisition Specialist, January 2022 - Present
TalentBridge Solutions, Sacramento
- Improved recruitment processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in hiring
- Contributed to team success by recruiting talented individuals
- Enhanced candidate experience through innovative strategies and tools
In the graphic above, you'll see some examples of less effective resume work experience sections. Poor examples of resume work experience sections tend to be vague and fail to quantify your achievements and the impact you've made in your career to date. They may also focus on responsibilities above relevant skills and how you've used them.
Educational Achievements
In this section, list any educational qualifications or degrees that are relevant to recruiter roles.
You don't tend to need a degree for recruiter roles, but you'll still need to list any relevant qualifications, or your relevant educational achievements. If you have PHR Certification, add this here, along with any other education that shows your CRM management proficiency or data analysis tools.
Include any qualifications relevant to the role. For each, add the name and level of the award, the institution name, its location and your dates of study. Include bullet points to show any specialist modules you studied, awards or exceptional grades and achievements that can set you apart from other candidates. These will all contribute to creating a positive impression on employers.
If you took part in any volunteering or you were a leader or member of any university societies, you could also mention these in your education section.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Human Resource Management, 2017 - 2020
University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
Hard and Soft Skills
Adding a list of your key skills provides a quick reference for the reader of what you can bring to a recruiter role. Skills such as applicant tracking systems or communication skills are particularly useful for recruiter jobs. Again, refer to the recruiter job description for an indication of the types of skills the employer is looking for, and make sure your skills section reflects these.
Showcasing hard skills on your recruiter resume
In your hard skills list, include any specific abilities related to the role you're applying for. These could be technical skills or industry knowledge that showcases your expertise in your chosen profession. Furthermore, an extensive list of hard skills helps to make a compelling case for your recruiter job applications, as they show employers your understanding of the recruiter role. Include around four or five key hard skills that are listed in the job description. These skills will help to convince the hiring manager that you're a good fit for the position.
The best resume hard skills sections focus on specific technical skills necessary for the job, showcasing skills that you have particular expertise in. There are some examples of valuable hard skills for a recruiter resume below.
- Applicant tracking systems
- Candidate sourcing techniques
- Interview scheduling software
How to list soft skills on your recruiter resume
Soft skills are the personal skills and qualities that make you a good fit for the job. They include transferable skills and strengths that help you settle into the role, adapt to new challenges and build effective working relationships. Indeed, as the nature of work changes, soft skills are growing in importance, so make sure you include them in your resume. Aim to include approximately five soft skills that reflect the skills listed in the job description.
The strongest resume soft skills sections include a mix of skills that match your best personal strengths, and that reflect the skills listed in the job description. See below for some examples of effective soft skills for a recruiter resume.
- Communication skills
- Emotional intelligence
- Time management
Certifications and Training
Under this section, list any relevant certifications or licenses that are relevant to recruiter jobs. These could be official licenses required for the job or certifications that improve your employability. Therefore, make sure you list the dates of your certifications and licenses so employers can see they're up-to-date and valid.
Take a look at some example certifications for a recruiter resume below:
- PHR Certification, 2022
- SHRM-CP Credential, 2022
- AIRS Certification, 2022
Additional Information
In addition to the core sections of a recruiter resume, there are several optional sections you could include to enhance your chances. Take a look at the sections below and add any that help you show how and why you're right for the job.
Hobbies and Interests
Listing your hobbies and interests can reveal key qualities that some employers may value. Consider listing hobbies and interests to help your resume stand out, or to provide the employer with some insight into your personality and wider interests. They're perfect for candidates who might lack genuine work experience as a recruiter. Just make sure any hobbies and interests you include in your resume add genuine insight into your personality, in ways other sections of the resume can't.
Voluntary Work
Adding voluntary roles can be a useful way of showing relevant experience and skills for recruiter roles beyond your main employment history. Add your volunteer job title or role, the name of the organization, its location and the dates you were involved.
References
It's not typical to include references in a recruiter resume, but some employers might ask for them. Don't add references unless requested by the employer. Include a maximum of three professional references, being sure to check with your referees before including them in your resume.
References can be provided upon request.
Best strong verbs for your a recruiter resume
Using strong action verbs in your work experience bullet points can make a stronger impression on employers and show the value you added to your previous roles. Choose verbs from the suggestions below that highlight your key skills or those mentioned in the job description.
- Sourced
- Interviewed
- Recruited
- Coordinated
- Evaluated
- Facilitated
- Negotiated
- Mentored
- Assessed
- Implemented
Jobseeker's clean, attractive resume formats can help your applications make a strong impression on employers. Check them out for help designing a winning resume, and see our cover letter templates to help win over recruiters and hiring managers.
Example of a recruiter resume
The recruiter resume example below incorporates all the information from above into a full-designed resume template, so you can see how a final resume will look:
1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA
•
leah.nguyen@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/leah–nguyen123
Dynamic Talent Acquisition Specialist with over 5 years of experience in full-cycle recruiting, sourcing, and employer branding. Proven track record in identifying and attracting top talent across various industries, leveraging advanced sourcing techniques and data-driven strategies. Skilled in building strong relationships with hiring managers, implementing effective recruitment processes, and enhancing candidate experience. Adept at using ATS systems, social media platforms, and recruitment marketing tools to streamline hiring practices and meet organizational goals. Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and contribute to team success.
Talent Acquisition Specialist
2020
-2022
TalentSeek Solutions (Seattle)
- Successfully reduced time-to-fill by 30% through implementation of streamlined recruitment processes and advanced candidate sourcing techniques
- Achieved a 95% offer acceptance rate by enhancing candidate experience and negotiating competitive compensation packages
- Spearheaded diversity recruitment initiatives, resulting in a 40% increase in diverse hires within one year
Applicant tracking systems
Candidate sourcing techniques
Interview scheduling software
Communication skills
Emotional intelligence
Time management
PHR Certification
SHRM-CP Credential
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Key tips for a recruiter resume
Tips to write the best resume
- Tailor your resume to make it as relevant as possible to the role you're applying for. Consult the job description and adapt your resume to reflect the required skills and experience.
- Use strong verbs to help show the actions you've taken in different recruiter roles (e.g. assessed, implemented, sourced).
- Keep your recruiter resume as brief as possible. A single page is ideal for junior applicants, while two sides is acceptable for senior jobs.
- Include your educational achievements, including any impressive grades. Focus on the most relevant qualifications for the role.
- Thoroughly proofread your resume before you send it, to make sure it's free from errors in spelling or grammar.
Avoid these common mistakes on your resume
- Don't use overly decorative formatting and layouts that can detract from the content and make your recruiter resume harder for scanning by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Don't lie or exaggerate about your recruiter experience or achievements as it can harm your chances in the long term.
- Don't add work experience that's unrelated to the role you're applying for, as it isn't likely to help your chances of success.
- Don't include hobbies unless you're light on work experience and they help you prove a skill required for the job.
- Don't use passive language because it's less engaging for the reader. Change phrases like 'the target was exceeded' to 'I helped the team exceed the target'.
Guide to making your resume ATS-friendly
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) help recruiters and employers to streamline their hiring process. They can store and process data, including applications and applicant data, quickly and efficiently. One of the jobs ATS applications are increasingly responsible for is initial candidate screening. The systems can quickly scan and rank resumes based on how closely they match the job description. If you follow a few simple tips when writing your recruiter resume, you'll give yourself a better chance of ranking highly in the ATS screening and progressing to the next stage.
Create an ATS-optimized resume by following these quick tips:
- Opt for an established, traditional resume format such as a reverse-chronological or functional structure. These will ensure your resume includes all the necessary details ATS systems scan for.
- Use of job description keywords throughout your resume will help it rank higher in the ATS scanning stage, as it will more closely match the requirements laid out in the job description.
- Use clear headings that break your resume up into readable, scannable sections that match the standard content employers expect from a resume.
- Adopt a resume design that uses clear, professional design principles and leaves white space for your content to breathe. Use the most readable fonts and incorporate subtle design elements to enhance the readability of your document.
- Use simple, concise language to keep your resume to a maximum of one to two pages in length. This will make it easier for ATS software to read.
If you're looking for inspiration for your resume, discover our comprehensive resume examples and in-depth, expert career blog.
Frequently Asked Questions about a recruiter resume
Now that you know how to write a professional recruiter resume, you might also want to learn how to write an accompanying cover letter that makes a similar impact.
Check the job description to see whether a full, formal cover letter is necessary. In some situations, it might be more suitable to simply send a brief email to introduce yourself and accompany your resume.
A full, formal cover letter follows a traditional letter-writing structure and format. Add your header, the recipient's address an use professional greetings and sign-offs. In your first paragraph, introduce yourself and confirm the role you're applying for, along with your reasons for applying. Next, outline your key skills and achievements that are most relevant to the recruiter job description. Finish by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and adding a call to action to encourage the hiring manager to contact you for further information.
You can create a professional cover letter in just a few simple, easy-to-follow steps using Jobseeker's tried and tested cover letter templates.
Even if you have no work experience, following a few simple tips for your recruiter resume can ensure you make a strong impression on employers. Opt for a skill-based resume format instead of a traditional layout. This places your skills and education in a more prominent position on your resume. Utilize additional sections at the end of your resume to show you've got what it takes to do the job. These include hobbies and interests, voluntary roles, certifications and internships.
A strong resume headline can give the reader an immediate idea of your suitability for recruiter jobs. A well-written resume headline is also a way to increase your chances of passing the ATS resume scanning stage, by referencing keywords that match the job description. Take the time to draft a concise, eye-catching headline which includes the job title, one or two key skills and reference to either your experience level or track record.
Here's an example of a strong resume headline:
- Aspiring Talent Acquisition Specialist
- Talent Acquisition Specialist and Advisor
- Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
The resume format that gives you the best chances of success depends on your experience levels, as well as the type of job you're applying for and its seniority level. For applicants without much relevant work experience, a functional resume format tends to be best. This places the emphasis on your key skills and relevant qualifications. On the other hand, if you're experienced in your industry or applying for senior positions, a traditional, reverse chronological resume format is usually best. This places most emphasis on your work experience.
Takeaways for a winning recruiter resume
If you want to catch the eye of employers and recruiters, you need a professional resume that showcases your best skills and career achievements. Pick a resume format that matches your experience levels, and tailor the content of your resume to reflect the details of the job description.
Use Jobseeker's resume templates, other tools and resources to create an application that impresses employers. Sign up today to access a wealth of valuable resume and cover letter resources. Jobseeker's expert-designed cover letter generator can help your applications make a strong first impression on hiring managers. Find detailed cover letter examples to complement your resume and get your application noticed.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
