Skill-based hiring is gaining more popularity among recruiters. Top online platforms are increasingly using skill-based tests to evaluate job applicants. However, on top of that, your resume is still the first document that recruiters will review when considering you for an ISO 9001 auditor position. So what has changed?
The resume format and content that used to work a few years ago may no longer be relevant in today’s job market. Now you must put precise and essential skills front and center. Recruiters spend only 6 seconds looking at a resume on average, and then 60 seconds looking at it if they’re interested.
In this article, we will discuss how to write a strong resume specifically for an ISO 9001 auditor position.
What Recruiters Look for in an ISO 9001 Auditor Resume
Compliance knowledge
No surprise here, recruiters will expect ISO 9001 auditors to have a strong understanding of compliance standards and regulations. They will quickly scan your resume to see if you have experience with ISO 9001 standards, compliance audits, and regulatory requirements.
Before the recruiter, ATS, or hiring manager even looks at your resume, they will likely have a list of required skills and qualifications for the ISO 9001 auditor position. Make sure to highlight your experience and knowledge in these areas to catch their attention.
Audit experience
ISO 9001 auditors not only require knowledge of compliance standards and regulations, but also hands-on experience in conducting audits. This includes planning, executing, reporting, and follow-up of audits. If you have previous audit experience, make sure to highlight it on your resume.
You can include the types of audits you have conducted (internal or external), industries you have audited in, and any relevant certifications or training you have completed. The more experience and knowledge you have, the better equipped you will be to handle different scenarios during an audit.
Certifications and credentials
In addition to experience, obtaining relevant certifications and credentials can also improve your qualifications as an auditor. These may include the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) or the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification from ISACA.
Other industry-specific certifications may also be beneficial, such as the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification for quality management systems or the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification for detecting and preventing fraud.
Continued education and staying up-to-date on industry changes and regulations through seminars, workshops, and conferences can also showcase your commitment to professional development in the field of auditing.
Key Sections of a Winning ISO 9001 Auditor Resume
Resume header & contact details
A common mistake made by professionals is neglecting to include a clear and concise resume header with their contact information. Your resume header should be at the top of your document, and it should include your full name, professional title (i.e., ISO 9001 Auditor), phone number, email address, and any relevant links to your professional profiles (i.e., LinkedIn, professional website).
Tip: Keep your resume header simple, professional, and easy to read.
Professional Summary
After your resume header, you should include a professional summary that highlights your key skills and experiences. This section is typically 3-4 sentences long and acts as an introduction to your resume.
Here you have the chance to present your unique selling proposition (USP) to the employer, showing them why you are a strong candidate for the position. A summary is the place to showcase years of experience, industries you have worked in, and audit results that will highlight your skills and achievements. It should be a clear, concise, and powerful statement that grabs the reader’s attention.
Tip: Tailor your summary to the specific job you are applying for, highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position.
Work experience
Back your skills and achievements with solid work experience. Use bullets to highlight your responsibilities, accomplishments, and impact in each role. Quantify results wherever possible to demonstrate your success.
Job Title – Company Name | Date of Employment
Achievements/Responsibilities
- Bullet point #1
- Bullet point #2
- Bullet point #3
- Bullet point #4
You need to detail your auditing role at XYZ company and the results you achieved. The achievements and outcomes you had while working at XYZ company will showcase your skills and expertise in the field of auditing. For example, reduced nonconformities by X% within the first year.
Furthermore, you can also mention any additional responsibilities or projects that you took on during your employment at the XYZ company.
Skills section
List any relevant skills that you possess related to auditing. This could include technical skills, such as knowledge of auditing software and tools, as well as soft skills, including attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication.
Additionally, you can mention any industry-specific knowledge or certifications that you have obtained related to auditing. This could include certification as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
Certifications and education in auditing
This is the section to mention any certificates or degrees related to auditing. Demonstrate degrees and note institutions, dates, and any honours or continuing education programs you have completed.
This could be a great opportunity to highlight your expertise and qualifications in the field. In addition to mentioning your qualifications, you can also discuss any ongoing education or training related to auditing. This could include workshops, conferences, or seminars that you have attended to stay updated on industry developments and best practices.
You can also use this section to showcase any specializations or areas of focus within auditing. For example, if you have completed a certification in forensic accounting or internal auditing, be sure to mention it here.
Tools & Systems
In this section, you can list any auditing tools or systems that you are proficient in. This could include software such as Excel, QuickBooks, or specialized auditing software like ACL or IDEA. You can also mention any experience you have with accounting information systems and their role in the auditing process.
Advanced Tips for Standing Out
Use of metrics
To make your audit experience stand out, consider incorporating metrics and data into your resume. This can demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to track and measure results. For example, you could mention a specific project where you implemented a new process that resulted in cost savings for the company.
Tailoring for ATS and human review
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords and qualifications before they even reach a human reviewer. To ensure your resume gets past this initial screening, be sure to include relevant keywords and phrases from the job description in your resume.
You should also tailor your resume for human review by highlighting key accomplishments and experiences that are specific to the job you are applying for. This will help your resume stand out and make a strong impression on the hiring manager.
Resume length and format
The length of your resume depends on your level of experience and the job you are applying for. Generally, it is recommended to keep your resume concise and no longer than two pages.
63% of hiring managers prefer a one-page resume, but if you have extensive experience and achievements, a two-page resume may be necessary. However, it is important to avoid excessive details and keep your resume focused on key skills and accomplishments.
A well-formatted resume should be easy to read, with a clear and professional layout. 83% of recruiters say that a visually appealing resume can catch their attention and make a candidate stand out. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a consistent font and formatting style throughout the resume. Use bullet points to highlight key responsibilities and achievements, as it makes the content more scannable and easier to digest for hiring managers.
Conclusion
A strong ISO 9001 Auditor resume is more like a strategic document that highlights your qualifications, audit expertise, and ability to drive compliance and improvement.
By showcasing your certifications, quantifiable achievements, and deep understanding of quality management systems, you position yourself as a trusted professional in the field.
Tailor each section to reflect the specific needs of the job, keep formatting clean and keyword-optimized, and always align your resume with both technical and soft skills.
With a well-crafted resume, you’ll stand out to recruiters and take a confident step forward in your auditing career.