5 Recruiter & Hiring Manager Pet Peeves to Avoid on Your Resume
Writing an effective resume is hard, and not everyone has the time or the skill. Conversations with recruiters and hiring managers reveal that most resumes they receive fall short of conveying desirable candidates. As a certified resume strategist with expertise in professional resume writing and a previous in-house recruiter, I’ve honed my skills to provide valuable insights for enhancing your resume and boosting your job search. One service I offer is a free resume review, where I provide feedback on your current resume. While knowing what to do is helpful, it’s equally important to be aware of the pitfalls to avoid.
Let’s explore the top 5 recruiter and hiring manager pet peeves during resume screening:
1. They don’t know why you applied for the job. Ensure your resume aligns with the job you’re applying for. Use keywords, core competencies, and position titles that resonate with the job description. Eliminate ambiguity by incorporating a clear title right after your name and contact information. To take it a step further, infuse relevant keywords from the job posting throughout your resume, not just at the beginning.
2. It’s hard to find what they’re looking for. Recruiters screen numerous resumes, requiring yours to stand out. An unformatted resume decreases readability and makes navigating the document difficult, causing readers to lose interest. Use formatting and design to guide the reader through your resume, drawing attention to key information and directing their focus to the details you want them to see.
3. You didn’t follow the application instructions. Employers provide specific application guidelines for a reason, and disregarding these instructions can hinder your chances of getting an interview. Pay close attention to each job posting, adhering to guidelines across all platforms. If they require a cover letter or a specific file format, ensure you meet these criteria to showcase your commitment and attention to detail.
4. The grammar is inconsistent. A resume riddled with inconsistent grammar is hard to decipher and discourages potential employers from engaging further. Start each point with a verb and maintain consistent sentence fragments in the first person throughout your resume. Note that cover letters follow a more formal structure, while LinkedIn profiles offer flexibility, provided you maintain consistency.
5. Your employment history is too task-based. Avoid listing mundane job tasks that mirror job descriptions. Instead, focus on showcasing your impact. A brief paragraph summarizing the context of your role and your daily responsibilities, followed by a concise list of achievements, special projects, and contributions, demonstrates your value to the business.
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