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

A resume is often the first impression a recruiter has of a candidate. To increase the chances of landing an interview, job seekers must ensure their resumes stand out for the right reasons. Below are essential do’s and don’ts when crafting a resume.

Do’s

1. Use a Clear and Professional Format
   A well-organized, easy-to-read layout with clear headings and bullet points enhances readability. Stick to professional fonts like Arial or Calibri and maintain a logical flow.
2. Tailor the Resume to the Job
   Customizing the resume for each job application demonstrates genuine interest and suitability. Highlight skills and experiences that align with the job description.
3. Include a Strong Summary Statement
   A concise and compelling summary at the top of the resume provides an overview of your qualifications and career goals, grabbing the recruiter’s attention immediately.
4. Highlight Achievements with Quantifiable Data
   Instead of just listing responsibilities, showcase achievements using numbers and specific outcomes (e.g., “Increased sales by 20% in six months”). This adds credibility to your experience.
5. Use Keywords from the Job Description
   Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Incorporating relevant keywords from the job posting ensures your resume passes through these systems.
6. Include Relevant Skills
   List hard and soft skills that are relevant to the job. Examples include technical skills, leadership, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
7. Keep It Concise
   Ideally, a resume should be one page for entry-level positions and no more than two pages for experienced professionals. Recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning each resume, so keep content precise.
8. Provide Updated and Professional Contact Information
   Ensure that your email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) are up-to-date and professional.

Don’ts

1. Avoid Overloading with Unnecessary Information
   Personal details like marital status, age, and a full home address are unnecessary unless required by the employer.
2. Don’t Use Generic or Overused Phrases
   Avoid clichés like “hardworking team player” or “results-driven professional.” Instead, demonstrate these qualities through examples of your achievements.
3. Steer Clear of Spelling and Grammar Mistakes
   Typos and grammatical errors create a negative impression. Proofread your resume multiple times or use tools like Grammarly to check for mistakes.
4. Avoid Using Unprofessional Email Addresses
   Emails like “coolguy123@example.com” can harm credibility. Stick to a professional format, such as “firstname.lastname@example.com.”
5. Don’t Include Irrelevant Work Experience
   Focus on roles and experiences relevant to the position. Unrelated jobs or outdated experiences (beyond 10–15 years) may dilute the impact of your resume.
6. Avoid Using Graphics or Complex Designs
   While creative resumes may work for design-related jobs, most industries prefer clean, text-based formats. Avoid excessive colors, images, or tables that may hinder ATS readability.
7. Don’t Exaggerate or Lie About Experience
   Providing false information can backfire during background checks or interviews. Be honest and transparent about your skills and experiences.
8. Exclude References on the Resume
   A recruiter will ask for references if needed. Including “References available upon request” is also unnecessary.

Conclusion

A well-crafted resume can make all the difference in a job search. By following these do’s and don’ts, candidates can present themselves effectively, increasing their chances of securing an interview. A resume should be clear, concise, and tailored to the job, ensuring that it stands out for the right reasons.