We’ve all done it—tweaked our résumés with all the “RIGHT” words; stated we are a “team player,” “go-getter,” or “creative thinker,” however, all of it is fluff and recruiters have had enough of that.
What do recruiters want?
1. True, Proven Skills
Stating you are a “problem-solver” is not good enough. Can you demonstrate you have solved problems? Recruiters are looking for proof of real skills. This can be projects, a case studies, links to GitHub, or even a portfolio with screenshots of work completed as part of a project. Whether you are applying for a tech role, research role, or digital marketing position, the ability to demonstrate your work clearly trumps using the right language.
Tip: Provide links to your projects or even a few short lines about what you built, researched, or improved.
2. Adaptability & Learning Mindset
When considering talent in today’s quickly evolving labor market, employers are looking for how you learn, instead of what you know at the current moment. Especially in fast-moving fields like those related to AI, analytics, and digital content—technology is changing all the time. Recruiter value candidates who demonstrate the ability to learn new tools, switch gears, and generally display a sense of curiosity.
“Completed an AI course + learned prompt engineering in 3 weeks” is way more impactful than fast learner.”
3. Clear Communication
Whether you’re in business or technology in 2023, if you can’t write and communicate clearly, you are toast! Can you write short emails that are clear? Can you explain complex things in a simple way? Can you collaborate in a remote or hybrid way? These soft skills make a difference!
4. Mentoring or Real Instruction
Here is a little secret: recruiters prefer candidates that have worked with industry mentors or on real projects. At GoAskNow Academy, we offer one-on-one mentoring and career coaching and real learning and are way more valuable than a course and a certificate.
5. Proactiveness
Whether it be your own blog, an open source contribution, or a small side project, proactivity matters. In 2025, recruiters are not hiring roles – they are hiring potential!
So What?
Buzzwords are easy. But buzzwords will not get you hired. In a noisy marketplace, action is what matters: What have you built? What have you learned? And how are you evolving?
If you are looking to develop job ready skills with real instruction, check out our courses. There are valuable and courses. Just real learning that gets noticed!