4 Surprising Resume Expectations from Recruiters

Your resume is often your first impression on a potential employer, making it crucial to get it right. To help you create a standout resume, here are 4 actionable tips for making a professional and effective impression:

1. Formatting and Presentation

(i) Send Your Resume as a PDF only: Use PDF format to ensure your resume’s layout and formatting remain consistent across all devices. Avoid DOCX, JPG, or screenshots, as they can distort your resume.

(ii) Keep It Concise: Limit your resume to two pages if you’re a fresher and 3–4 pages if you have more experience. Print on both sides if necessary and avoid stapling.

(iii) Opt for a Black and White Design: Stick to a simple, monochrome design unless you’re applying for a creative position where color might be appropriate.

(iv) Skip the Photo: A photo is not required and may introduce bias. Focus on content instead.

(v) Include a “Last Updated” Stamp: Adding a “last updated on” stamp indicates your resume is current and has been recently revised.

2. Content and Structure

(i) Quantify Your Achievements: Highlight accomplishments with numbers (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”) to provide tangible evidence of your success.

(ii) Use a Tagline Below Your Name: Add a tagline that summarizes your professional experience, such as “Experienced Web Designer with 4 Years of Experience.”

(iii) Prioritize Relevant Achievements: Place your most relevant achievements and experiences at the top, focusing on recent accomplishments over outdated academic performance.

(iv) Include Key Projects: Mention significant projects from your academic or professional career to showcase your practical experience.

(v) Highlight Relevant Social Media Achievements: For roles in digital marketing or tech, include relevant metrics like social media followers or Stack Overflow points.

(vi) Present Information in Tables: Use tables to organize your education and work experience for clarity and easy reading.

3. Content to Exclude

(i) Avoid Listing Hobbies: Hobbies are generally irrelevant to employers and can distract from your professional qualifications.

(ii) Skip Unnecessary Sections: Omit sections like “Career Objective” and disclaimers such as “All information is true to the best of my knowledge.”

(iii) No Signature Needed: A signature is unnecessary and doesn’t add value to your resume.

4. Application and Follow-Up

(i) Update Regularly: Ensure your resume reflects your most recent experiences and skills, updating it at least every three months.

(ii) Bring a Printed Copy to Interviews: Always carry a printed copy of your resume to interviews, even if you’ve already emailed it.

(iii) Prepare Supporting Documents: Bring a file with supporting documents, including a copy of your ID, to the interview.

(iv) Be Ready to Discuss Your Resume: Be prepared to answer questions about any details on your resume, particularly regarding projects and academic achievements.

(v) Tailor Each Resume Submission: Customize your resume for each job application, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the position. Use strong action verbs like “Achieved,” “Managed,” or “Developed.”

(vi) Proofread Thoroughly: Check your resume for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Utilize AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini for additional proofreading and seeks suggestions for improvement.

5. Bonus Tip

Send a thank you email: Regardless of the outcome, express your gratitude to the hiring manager by sending a thank-you email after receiving a response.

By applying these tips, you’ll craft a resume that stands out and effectively communicates your qualifications, making a strong impression on potential employers.