Every job is read its own way
What the person screening each resume looks for first, the order of sections, the mistakes that cost interviews, and one line before and after.
150 roles 22 fields Reading notes, not rules
Fields
Sales (8), Software engineering (18), Mechanical, civil and electrical engineering (5), Data and analytics (6), Design (5), Product management (3), Marketing (10), Writing, editing and media (5), People and HR (6), Finance and accounting (11), Operations and project management (13), Customer success and support (4), Healthcare (14), Teaching and education (7), Legal (3), Science and research (4), Architecture and the built environment (3), Skilled trades (9), Hospitality and food service (7), Retail (3), Consulting (2), Public service and nonprofit (4).
Sales
A sales leader usually looks first for results against quota, deal size, segment and sales cycle.
Account Executive, Sales Development Representative, Account Manager, Sales Manager, Solutions Engineer, Business Development Manager, Real Estate Agent, Insurance Agent
Software engineering
An engineering manager usually looks first for what the candidate built or worked on, the system around it and the stack it ran on.
Software Engineer, Frontend Engineer, Backend Engineer, Full Stack Developer, Mobile Developer, DevOps Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Security Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, QA Engineer, Engineering Manager, Cloud Architect, Systems Administrator, Network Engineer, IT Support Specialist, Embedded Software Engineer, Database Administrator
Mechanical, civil and electrical engineering
An engineering manager in a physical industry usually looks first for what was designed or improved, its effect on cost, safety or reliability, and licensure status.
Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Chemical Engineer
Data and analytics
A data lead usually looks first for the question an analysis answered, the method and tools, and who used the result.
Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst, Analytics Engineer, Quantitative Analyst
Design
A design lead usually opens the portfolio first, then looks for the problem, the candidate's decisions and what happened after.
Product Designer, UX Researcher, Graphic Designer, Motion Designer, Content Designer
Product management
A head of product usually looks first for decisions the candidate shaped, the scope involved and how they worked with engineering and design.
Marketing
A marketing leader usually looks first for the channels and campaigns the candidate ran and what they documented as results.
Marketing Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist, Content Marketing Manager, SEO Specialist, Social Media Manager, Product Marketing Manager, Growth Marketer, Brand Manager, Email Marketing Specialist, Public Relations Specialist
Writing, editing and media
An editor or content lead usually reads the samples first, then looks for where the work ran and the candidate's role in it.
Copywriter, Technical Writer, Journalist, Editor, Video Producer
People and HR
An HR leader usually looks first for the programs run, the people supported and the documented effect.
Recruiter, HR Generalist, HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Manager, Learning and Development Specialist, Payroll Specialist
Finance and accounting
A finance leader usually looks first for what was managed, the accuracy and timing of the work, credentials and systems.
Accountant, Financial Analyst, FP&A Manager, Controller, Auditor, Tax Associate, Bookkeeper, Investment Banking Analyst, Accounts Payable Specialist, Loan Officer, Bank Teller
Operations and project management
An operations leader usually looks first for what was delivered or run, the scope and timeline, and documented improvements.
Project Manager, Program Manager, Operations Manager, Supply Chain Analyst, Logistics Coordinator, Procurement Specialist, Business Analyst, Scrum Master, Executive Assistant, Chief of Staff, Warehouse Associate, Truck Driver, Receptionist
Customer success and support
A customer success or support leader usually looks first for the accounts or tickets handled and the documented outcomes.
Customer Success Manager, Customer Support Specialist, Implementation Manager, Customer Service Representative
Healthcare
A clinical manager usually checks licences and certifications first, then settings, patient load and systems.
Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Medical Assistant, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, Physical Therapist, Dental Hygienist, Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, Healthcare Administrator, Paramedic, Physician, Certified Nursing Assistant, Mental Health Counselor, Occupational Therapist
Teaching and education
A principal or hiring committee usually checks certification first, then grade levels and subjects, then documented student outcomes.
Elementary School Teacher, High School Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Instructional Designer, School Counselor, Tutor, University Professor
Legal
A hiring attorney usually looks first for bar admissions or credentials, practice areas and the matters actually worked on.
Science and research
A hiring scientist usually looks first for the research focus, the techniques run and what was published or found.
Research Scientist, Laboratory Technician, Clinical Research Coordinator, Environmental Scientist
Architecture and the built environment
A principal usually looks first for licensure, project types and scale, the phases worked and the software, with a portfolio.
Skilled trades
A contractor or service manager usually checks license level and certifications first, then the kind of work, then safety and quality.
Electrician, Plumber, HVAC Technician, Automotive Technician, Welder, Construction Manager, Carpenter, Maintenance Technician, Machinist
Hospitality and food service
A general manager or chef usually looks first for the volume handled, the station or role, and documented results.
Chef, Line Cook, Restaurant Manager, Hotel Front Desk Agent, Event Planner, Restaurant Server, Bartender
Retail
A store or district manager usually looks first for sales results, the size of the store or team, and reliability.
Retail Store Manager, Retail Sales Associate, Visual Merchandiser
Consulting
An engagement manager usually looks first for the problems worked on, the candidate's part and what the client did with it.
Public service and nonprofit
A program director or hiring panel usually looks first for the people served, the programs run and documented outcomes.
Social Worker, Policy Analyst, Grant Writer, Nonprofit Program Manager
These are common reading conventions drawn from hiring guides and career services, not rules every employer follows. Any title not listed still gets the general reading rules.