What Recruiters Look for in a Resume: Do’s & Don’ts

Here are some key Do’s & Don’ts to make your resume stand out to recruiters:

✅ Do’s

1. Tailor Your Resume
   • Customize it for each job by aligning your experience with the job description.
2. Use a Clear, Professional Layout
   • Keep it clean and easy to read with consistent fonts, spacing, and headings.
3. Highlight Key Achievements
   • Use bullet points to showcase quantifiable accomplishments (e.g., “Increased sales by 30% in six months”).
4. Include Relevant Keywords
   • Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so incorporate keywords from the job posting.
5. Keep It Concise
   • One page is ideal for most roles, two pages max if you have extensive experience.
6. Start with a Strong Summary
   • A short professional summary (2–3 lines) at the top should capture your key strengths and experience.
7. Use Action Verbs
   • Words like “led,” “developed,” “managed,” and “implemented” make your experience sound impactful.
8. Showcase Skills & Certifications
   • List relevant technical skills, soft skills, and industry-specific certifications.
9. Proofread for Errors
   • Grammar and spelling mistakes can be dealbreakers for recruiters.
10. Include Updated Contact Info & LinkedIn Profile

• Ensure your phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) are up to date.

❌ Don’ts

1. Don’t Use Generic Resumes
   • A one-size-fits-all approach won’t get noticed—always customize.
2. Avoid Overly Fancy Designs
   • Stick to a professional, simple format; excessive graphics and fonts can be distracting.
3. Don’t List Every Job You’ve Ever Had
   • Focus on relevant experience from the last 10-15 years.
4. Skip Personal Details
   • Avoid including age, marital status, or a photo (unless required in your industry).
5. Don’t Lie or Exaggerate
   • Recruiters will fact-check your work history and skills.
6. Avoid Using Vague Phrases
   • Phrases like “hard worker” or “team player” should be backed up with real examples.
7. Don’t Include Irrelevant Hobbies
   • Unless they add value to your candidacy, leave them out.
8. Don’t Use Unprofessional Email Addresses
   • Your email should be simple and professional (e.g., firstname.lastname@gmail.com).
9. Avoid Dense Paragraphs
   • Use bullet points and white space to improve readability.
10. Don’t Forget to Save as a PDF

• Unless stated otherwise, PDFs preserve formatting better than Word documents.