Beyond the Resume: What Recruiters Should Really Look For

In recruitment, it’s second nature to scan resumes quickly, looking for keywords, experience, and alignment with the role. However, resumes can only tell a portion of the story. They offer a snapshot of what someone has done, not necessarily who they are or their capabilities.

Over the years, I’ve seen exceptional candidates passed over simply because their resumes didn’t follow a traditional format or failed to showcase their full potential. On the other hand, I’ve met candidates whose polished resumes concealed a lack of communication skills, adaptability, or alignment with company values.

That’s why it’s critical to go beyond the document and have honest conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and note how others think, communicate, and connect.

The Limitations of a Resume

A resume is a tool, but it does not fully represent a person’s capabilities or character. It doesn’t reflect:

• Emotional intelligence
• Adaptability in high-pressure situations
• Resilience in the face of challenges
• Team dynamics and communication style
• Growth mindset, curiosity, or drive

These qualities are best revealed through conversation. You see them when someone shares how they turned a challenging project around, responded to constructive feedback, or supported a colleague through a strict deadline. These insights rarely make it into a resume, but they often separate a good hire from a great one.

Why AI Can’t Replace Human Judgment

With AI becoming more common in recruitment, many wonder if it will eventually replace recruiters. My answer is clear: it won’t.

AI can assist with sorting and organizing candidate information, but cannot assess nuance, character, and potential. It can’t understand the reason behind a career gap or recognize the quiet confidence of a candidate ready for a leadership role.

Hiring is about people. It requires empathy, curiosity, and the ability to read between the lines, qualities AI does not possess.

Recognizing Potential Beyond the Page

Some of the most successful hires I’ve seen were individuals who didn’t initially stand out on paper. They may not have had the exact job title or perfect formatting, but they brought energy, insight, and determination to the table. They showed up, shared their story, and proved they were the right fit.

This is a reminder for hiring managers and recruiters alike: Take the meeting, ask the questions, and make space for a real conversation. It’s in those moments when someone feels seen and heard that true potential often comes through.

To the Candidates

If you’ve ever felt discouraged by the hiring process, I want you to know this: you’re more than your resume. It’s frustrating when your experience or potential doesn’t come through on paper, especially when you know your capabilities.

But your value isn’t defined by bullet points or formatting. It’s in your story—how you’ve grown, the challenges you’ve overcome, and how you show up daily. Keep going. Keep being real. The right opportunity will recognize what you bring to the table.