Ever wonder what recruiters look for when they screen resumes? Here's a quick peek into their evaluation process.

For the uninitiated, reviewing a resume seems like a simple enough process. A recruiter picks up a resume, gives it a cursory once over and decides in a matter of seconds whether or not the candidate fits the current job opening.

However, what most people don’t realize is that screening resumes involves an evaluation process that takes into consideration several key elements about the presentation as well as the content of each resume.

And understanding what each of these elements is and how it impacts the recruiter’s decision on whether or not to "file 13" a resume can help job seekers in their own resume preparation.

How to Screen a Candidate Out

Yes, it’s true. Recruiters do look for ways to rule candidates out. Because they receive hundreds of a resumes a day, it’s just a given that 90 percent of them are not going to be a fit. That being said, it’s a lot easier to screen a lot out then to screen a lot in.

What’s important to know is what recruiters look for when screening candidates out. Here is some of the basic information they will screen for:

• Right type and amount of work experience
• Proper educational, certification or licensing requirements
• Correct technical background and skills
• Stated salary expectations
• Current location of candidate (for relocation purposes)

In addition, recruiters will consider the resume presentation as an indication of the candidate’s writing skills and professionalism.

Proper Resume Layout and Format

It’s amazing how many people still don’t seem to understand how having a well- put-together resume can make or break their chances for an interview.

Of course it’s important to meet the minimum qualifications of the position, too, but the recruiter may never get that far if the resume doesn’t do what it’s supposed to do: communicate the right information and sell the candidate.

When preparing a resume for submission, savvy job seekers will be sure their resume:

• Has a clean, neat appearance on neutral paper
• Is well organized and easy to follow with pertinent information readily available
• Uses 12 pt. standard typeface such as Bookman, Garamond or Arial
• Is free from grammatical and spelling errors

Anyone who is not sure what a resume should look like should seek the assistance of a professional. Resumes that get past this screening and make it to the “to be considered” pile will then have to go through a second more careful screening.

Evaluating for a Potential Match

Here’s where the recruiter will take a little more time and give each “maybe” an even more thorough review. Now recruiters screen for:

• Career growth and advancement (career path) reflected in positions and job titles
• Types of jobs and company choices
• Gaps in employment or job hopping
• Fit of background and experience to field and industry
• Specific hands-on experience that fits with current vacancy
• How “maybe” candidates stack up to one another

While recruiters will still keep the idea of screening candidates out in the back of their minds, now they are more open to focusing on finding job seekers that are the best fit. Many people who have made it to this short list may be invited to participate in fact-finding, screening interviews in order to further gauge compatibility with the organization.

But understanding how recruiters evaluate resumes is only half of the process. It is then up to candidates to incorporate this information into building a better resume.