Whether you're interviewing a candidate who's handed you a printed resume or working at a startup without an ATS, every recruiter should know how to skim a resume the old-school way.
Reading a resume is a skill that requires knowing what to focus on and what to question. The truth could be right there; it's up to you to identify problems and decide the next course of action. Here are five resume red flags that should make you think twice before shortlisting a candidate.
Resume red flags
1. Poor formatting
A well-presented resume has a legible font type and size, consistent margins, and clear subsections. The contents of each section are easy to skim and organized as key points with quick takeaways. Long walls of text are a big no. The resume doesn't have to be beautiful, but it should be orderly and straightforward so you can easily understand the candidate's profile.
A well-formatted resume is a sign that the candidate has put in the effort to impress the hiring team. It's an indicator that they genuinely want the job and are not a passive candidate.
2. Bloated skills section
When too many skills are stuffed into a resume, the candidate is most likely compensating for their lack of specific, strong skills, or they want the ATS to shortlist their profile. It's always better to hire a specialist than a generalist. This advice applies to all experienced roles. Note that if a candidate is just starting their career, listing multiple skills is acceptable.
Be it skiing or coding in C++, it takes time to learn, do, fail, and excel at something. When a candidate lists fewer skills, it's likely that they are confident showing their area of expertise. This not only makes it easier to evaluate them but also gives a much better idea of how they'll fit in with the team.
3. Outdated presentation
Opening with an objective statement, adding personal hobbies, and ending with a declaration of truth is a dated way to present a resume. This approach signals that the candidate is either inexperienced or didn't put in the effort to learn how resumes are presented today.
A modern resume should be up to date with the latest experience, content relevant to the role, and a clear summary of all achievements.
4. Job hopping
Switching jobs can be a sign that the candidate is simply progressing in their career. But if a candidate has gone through four jobs in two years, that may be a red flag. Put a pin in it and evaluate other parts of the profile. If you are shortlisting the candidate, make sure they are able to justify the frequent job changes during the interview.
Job hopping might be a sign that the candidate doesn't want to commit to a role or disengages when encountering difficult situations. Leaders and high performers are people who confront challenges and remove bottlenecks through initiative and smart work.
5. Pointlessly lengthy
A long resume with no notable highlights is a sign that the candidate hasn't created meaningful impact in their previous roles. Candidates who coast through jobs don't typically have many work-related achievements, so they tend to list every little responsibility and skill they've acquired over the years. The maximum length for a resume is two pages. A one-page resume is better.
When a candidate is able to concisely summarize their achievements as key points, it's a sign that they're focused on making a significant contribution to their organization.
Always remember, these red flags are just cautionary pointers to consider. A candidate is more than just a piece of paper. Always do your due diligence before shortlisting or rejecting a candidate.
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