3 Things Employers Wish They Saw on Your Resume

When it comes to finding a job, your resume is a critical piece in the equation. Resumes help potential employers see your skills and experience that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.  But is that all employers want to see? Here are a few things that you may not typically put on a resume that employers want to know.

1. Social Media Accounts

Adding which social media sites you belong to, as well as putting the link to each profile, will help employers see what you do in your spare time. But keep in mind that what you post on social media will impact a potential employer’s impression of you. Constantly posting photos of you out drinking with friends and partying the night away isn’t a good look. How your social media is set up and what you post can potentially make or break your future with a company.

Profile pictures make a big impression as well. For example, a past job I worked was looking to hire a new receptionist. My boss, who was doing the hiring, would check the social media accounts of potential new employees. One young lady seemed qualified; her resume checked out and the interview went well, however, once my boss saw her profile picture wasn’t exactly appropriate, she decided to keep looking. Everything we do online affects how we’re viewed. It's important to stay classy and not put too much of our personal business on the internet.

Even if you don’t put your accounts on your resume, it’s likely they will search for you. Make sure your security settings are at a level you’re comfortable with.

Tip: Set up an account on LinkedIn. This is a great platform for helping a potential employer learn more about you while keeping everything professional.

2. What You Can Bring to the Company

Potential employers need a reason to hire you. Sometimes, a solid education history and relevant experience aren’t enough. Employers want to know what new ideas you can bring to the table and how you’ll really make a difference at their company. A person with a solid resume featuring skills that will have a positive impact on the company is more likely to get hired than a recent college graduate with a 4.0 GPA and little to no relevant experience. Do your research! Visit the company’s webpage and get familiar with who they are and what they do. Directly relating your skills to their needs is a surefire way to make an impression.

3. What Sets You Apart From Everyone Else

What makes you unique? What quality do you possess that most people don’t? These are questions employers want to know the answers to. Obviously education and experience matters, but it’s about more than that. Employers want unique individuals who can bring something special to their business. If you can’t put it on your resume, make it known in your cover letter! Be yourself. Take pride in the things that make you unique, and you’ll find the right job at the right company.