What (I think) recruiters look for on a resume

I was looking through new resumes this morning and found myself laboring over one of them for far too long, the font was so tiny that even with my glasses on I could not read it. But at least the whole thing fit on one page :-).

That got me thinking, there is a lot of bad or outdated information on how job applicants can stand out to recruiters and here is what I came up with - K.I.S.S. Don't try so hard to stand out from the crowd that you scare off recruiters.

I would love feedback from candidates on what you are hearing about how to present yourself on a resume. And also from recruiters and hiring managers on what you personally look for on resumes - and what will stop you from looking at one before you ever start. Here are my thoughts:

The Art of Resume Formatting: Your First Impression on a Recruiter

In the competitive world of job hunting, your resume is your ticket to the interview stage. It's the document that introduces you to prospective employers and showcases your qualifications, experiences, and skills. However, what many candidates overlook is that the format of your resume can be just as important as the content it holds. As a recruiter, let me tell you why resume format matters.

1. Simplicity is Key: One common mistake is getting too creative with fonts and colors. While fancy fonts may seem attractive, they can make your resume difficult to read and distract from your actual qualifications. Stick to clean, legible fonts like Arial or Calibri and maintain a consistent size, usually between 10 and 12 points.

2. Organized Layout: Your resume should be a well-structured, easy-to-follow document. Use sections and bullet points to separate your information. Graphics and blocking sections can enhance readability when done right, but many candidates tend to overdo it. Keep it simple and ensure that your layout complements the content, not overshadows it.

3. Be Concise: If your resume extends to a second page, that's absolutely fine. But remember, it's vital to be concise and highlight your most relevant experiences and achievements. If you're venturing into a third page, you risk losing the recruiter's attention. Remember, we review numerous resumes, and a lengthy document can be a deterrent.

4. Tailored for the Role: Customize your resume for the specific job you're applying for. Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the job description. A tailored resume is more likely to catch a recruiter's eye than a generic one.

5. Clarity and Readability: Ensure that your resume is easy to skim through. Use bullet points, headings, and white space to break up the text. Don't use excessive jargon or acronyms that a recruiter may not be familiar with.

6. Proofread Thoroughly: Typos and grammatical errors can leave a bad impression. Proofread your resume carefully or ask someone else to review it for you.

In a highly competitive job market, your resume is often your first and only opportunity to make a lasting impression. Proper formatting can greatly enhance your chances of getting noticed. So, take the time to create a clean, well-organized, and tailored resume that's easy to read and understand. Remember, as a recruiter, my goal is to find the best candidates quickly. Make my job easier by presenting your qualifications in a format that stands out for the right reasons. Your resume format matters more than you might think.