What Recruiters Are Looking For in 2025: Resume Tips That Work 

In a world where resumes are scanned in seconds and hiring decisions are made at lightning speed, understanding what recruiters are looking for is essential. At Artemis Resumes, we help job seekers cut through the noise with resumes that speak directly to both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human decision-makers.

So, what matters to recruiters in 2025? Let's break it down.  

1. Relevance Over Everything

Recruiters aren't reading your resume like a novel—they're scanning for alignment. That means your resume should reflect the job description. Use the same language, highlight the same priorities, and make it evident that you're a match.

Pro tip: Mirror the job title and key responsibilities in your summary and experience sections to ensure consistency. If the job calls for "cross-functional collaboration," don't just say "teamwork"—use their language.  

2. Clear, Concise Formatting  

Recruiters spend an average of 7 seconds* reviewing a resume during the initial scan. That means your formatting needs to be clean, skimmable, and distraction-free. Use standard fonts, bullet points, and consistent spacing. Avoid graphics, tables, or text boxes that could confuse ATS software.   

What works:

• Bold job titles and company names

• Bullet points for achievements

• Clear section headers (e.g., "Experience," "Skills," "Education")

3. Quantifiable Achievements  

Recruiters want to see impact, not just a list of responsibilities. Instead of saying "managed social media," say "increased Instagram engagement by 42% in six months." Numbers lend credibility to your experience and help you stand out.  

4. Keywords That Match the Role  

ATS software filters resumes based on keywords from the job posting. Recruiters rely on these systems to surface the most relevant candidates. That's why keyword optimization is non-negotiable.

Examples of high-impact keywords by industry:

• Tech: Agile, Python, cloud computing, DevOps

• Marketing: SEO, CRM, campaign analytics, brand strategy

• Operations: logistics, vendor management, process improvement

• Healthcare: HIPAA, patient care, EHR, clinical workflows

Use these terms naturally throughout your resume, especially in your skills section and bullet points. 

5. Career Continuity and Intent 

Recruiters look for a logical career progression. Gaps aren't deal-breakers, but they should be explained. A brief line, such as "Took time off for caregiving responsibilities" or "Pursued professional development," can go a long way. 

They also want to see that your next move makes sense. If you're pivoting industries, your resume should connect the dots between your experience and your future goals. 

6. Soft Skills That Signal Fit 

While hard skills get you through the ATS, soft skills help you land the interview. Recruiters look for signs of adaptability, effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. These can be woven into your bullet points or highlighted in a summary. 

Example: "Led weekly cross-functional meetings to align marketing and sales teams, improving campaign execution speed by 30%."

Recruiters aren't looking for perfection—they're looking for clarity, relevance, and potential. At Artemis Resumes, we specialize in crafting ATS-optimized resumes that showcase your strengths, align with recruiter expectations, and help you land interviews with confidence. 

Whether you're climbing the ladder or changing lanes entirely, we're here to help you tell your story in a way that gets noticed.