What does your work history say to a recruiter?

Your work history is the most marketable thing about yourself. It needs to be protected, cultivated and verified. Recruiters are trained to read in between the lines and eliminate you for positions based on what they see on a resume. Here is some common problems recruiters see on resume and how to overcome them. A solid work history will keep you getting assignments, demand hire pay and keep you relevant in an employer’s eyes.

What do recruiters or hiring managers look for?

1. Longevity
A recruiter doesn’t want to see three or four assignments every year. They want to a year too two years on certain contracts. The longer you stay at an assignment tells a recruiter that you are a valuable contractor that contributes. A pattern of short term contracts makes them think either your skills aren’t good enough to keep around or you don’t finish assignments. If you do have a pattern of short term contracts creeping up on your resume, really focus on getting a potentially longer term one for your next assignment. Even if you have to sacrifice a couple of dollars it will be worth it to you in the long run.

2. Repeat clients
Consultants that have worked for the same client multiple times are in high demand from recruiters. Being asked back to a client on a different assignment tells a recruiter that you are professional, reliable, loyal and easy to work with. Working for the same agency a couple of times can convey a similar message but it isn’t the same as being at ABC Company.

3. Gaps in employment
By nature recruiters are skeptical of a person’s resume. Be upfront and explain any gaps of employment on your resume. Unexplained gaps have recruiters thinking the worst. They will look for reasons why you couldn’t get a job during that time frame. Are you reliable? Are your skills up to date? Some recruiters will even question if you did jail time. Being upfront and open about employment gaps will keep you from being grilled in an interview.

4. Certifications
Anytime you can get a certification snap them up. It doesn’t matter what field you are in, certifications will market you as an expert in your field. It also helps recruiters find your resume on the internet.

5. Detailed explanations
It is a good idea to incorporate any skills that you have on your resume into your work history. Managers want to see where you used your acquired skills professionally. If they don’t see a skill on your recent job history, then they conclude you haven’t worked with it recently.

E-mail Keith Zingler at kzingler@pdstech.com for comments on this article.