How to Impress Recruiters: Resume Do's and Don'ts (2024)

It’s a tough world out there, especially in the world of resumes. You are competing against a large number of other candidates, who also have great experience and impressive skills and knowledge.

You need to have what it takes to stand out both as a person and also have an impressive resume that makes you special and unique. This means you can’t be making any silly errors that may get you noticed for the wrong reasons.

So how can you do this? Here are sometop statistics and dos and don’ts of a resume from AkkenCloud, take note!

Think like a recruiter

  • Recruiters spend 6 seconds looking at a resume before deciding if the person is worthy of an interview.
  • 78% of resumes are discarded for an unprofessional email address.
  • 88% discarded if they include a photo!
  • They spend 80% of their resume review time on name, current title/company, and past titles/companies.

What questions do recruiters ask when reviewing a resume?

  • What was this candidate’s most recent role?
  • What is this person’s overall experience?
  • Do they have a personal web presence?
  • Did they have any gaps in their career and why?

Resume Do’s

  • An organized layout is VERY important.
  • Put format first.
  • Triple-check spelling and grammar!
  • List experience in chronological order.
  • Identify your achievements: Challenge, actions, and results.
  • Show leadership.
  • Incorporate statistics.
  • Use words such as achieved, created, and influenced.

Resume Don’ts

  • Don’t use overcomplicated formatting.
  • Don’t change tense throughout.
  • Don’t exaggerate titles/responsibilities.
  • Don’t make spelling mistakes.
  • Don’t use an inappropriate email address.

Read more dos and don’ts below!

How to Impress Recruiters: Resume Do's and Don'ts (1)

How to Impress Recruiters: Resume Do's and Don'ts (2024)

FAQs

How to write a resume for DOS and DON'Ts? ›

Showing Off Your Experience
  1. Do Highlight Your Most Relevant Experiences. ...
  2. Don't Freak Out if You Have No Relevant Experience. ...
  3. Do Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems. ...
  4. Don't Steal the Job Description's Exact Wording. ...
  5. Do Use Data. ...
  6. Don't Include Anything Confidential. ...
  7. Do Include Soft Skills, Too! ...
  8. Don't Include Obvious Skills.

What not to tell a recruiter? ›

7 Things to Never Say to a Recruiter When Looking for a Job
  • How much is your commission? ...
  • I'm just casually looking. ...
  • I'll take anything. ...
  • My previous job was terrible. ...
  • I work to live, not live to work. ...
  • My old manager and I didn't get along. ...
  • It's on my resume. ...
  • Recruiters navigate the job search process for you.

What should I know that's not on your resume sample answer? ›

Here are seven unique tips to help you answer the question, "Tell me something that is not in your resume":
  • Personal Passion Project. ...
  • Impactful Volunteer Experience. ...
  • Language or Cultural Proficiency. ...
  • Leadership in Professional Associations. ...
  • Unique Training or Certifications. ...
  • Adversity and Resilience. ...
  • Recognition or Awards.
Jun 28, 2023

What is the best way to impress a recruiter? ›

Top Ten Tips on Impressing Recruiters
  1. Focus on Keywords. When creating your resume, think about how recruiters will discover it. ...
  2. Be Consistent. ...
  3. Differentiate Yourself in Your Cover Letter. ...
  4. Network Your Way Into a New Job. ...
  5. Call to Follow Up. ...
  6. Demonstrate Your Passion. ...
  7. Write Effective Thank You Notes. ...
  8. Be Patient Yet Persistent.

What are the biggest DOS and DON'Ts of resumes? ›

Resume dos and don'ts

Update skills regularly and remove ones that are irrelevant. Focus on achievements in past positions instead of copy/pasting job descriptions. Add sections outside the five essential ones (contact information, professional summary, education, experience, skills) when relevant.

What is 3 items that should not go into a resume? ›

There's no need to include personal information on a resume such as your social security number, marital status, nationality, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs. In fact, it is illegal for employers to ask for these personal details.

What turns off a recruiter? ›

Negative Nancy or Negative Ned

Speaking negatively about past employers or colleagues can make recruiters wary.

What are the red flags when working with recruiters? ›

It is normal to wait 24 hours for a response or for a recruiter to let you know that they will follow up with you as soon as possible. It's a red flag for them to completely ignore your emails or to go a week without responding once you are already in the interview pipeline.

Should I tell my recruiter everything? ›

The most important thing when it comes to meeting with a military recruiter is to always tell the truth. It's far better to be honest and to be disqualified early on, rather than to waste your time - and risk an administrative discharge later on down the road.

How do I answer why should I hire you? ›

A: When answering, focus on your relevant skills, experience, and achievements that make you the best fit for the role.You should hire me because I am a hard worker who wants to help your company succeed. I have the skills and experience needed for the job, and I am eager to learn and grow with your team .

How do you flatter a recruiter? ›

How to Impress a Recruiter: Eight Tips for Success
  1. Polish Your Resume and Champion Your Skills and Accomplishments. ...
  2. Research the Company You're Applying to Ahead of the Interview. ...
  3. Maintain a Professional Online Presence. ...
  4. Be Punctual. ...
  5. Dress Appropriately for Interviews. ...
  6. Highlight the Skills That Aren't on Your Resume.

How do you convince a recruiter to hire you? ›

“Why Should We Hire You?” Best Answers
  1. I am a very teachable individual - easy to correct and instruct. ...
  2. I am a very agreeable individual. ...
  3. I will work hard to complete the given assignment. ...
  4. You won't need to tell me twice what to do. ...
  5. I want to work at your company because… ...
  6. One of the things I would watch for if hired is…

How do you charm a recruiter? ›

Ask some specific, relevant questions to demonstrate you have read the ad. Be courteous and respectful of the recruiter's time. Don't: Ask an obvious question like, “What can you tell me about the role?” or expect the recruiter to listen to your entire life story on this call.

Which of the following you should avoid using on your resume? ›

12 Things to Leave Off Your Resume
  • High School Information. ...
  • References. ...
  • Personal Information. ...
  • Your Age. ...
  • Your Exact Street Address. ...
  • A Career Objective. ...
  • Your Current Work Contacts. ...
  • Your Personal Email Address.

Do you have to list duties on resume? ›

You often hear that your resume should list your accomplishments, not your job duties. What's the best job for you? And it's true—accomplishment statements are the best way to showcase the amazing things you've done at your past jobs, plus show prospective employers what you can do for them.

How do you make yourself stand out when writing a resume? ›

Make your resume stand out
  1. Consider the hiring manager's needs. Read the job description closely and explore the company website. ...
  2. Make sure it looks good. Hiring managers review countless resumes each day. ...
  3. Proofread for errors. ...
  4. Demonstrate industry knowledge. ...
  5. Get an objective eye.

How to write a strong resume? ›

Resume Writing Do's
  1. Keep your resume clear and concise. ...
  2. Proofread your resume numerous times. ...
  3. Limit your resume to two pages. ...
  4. Tailor your resume to suit the position you are applying for. ...
  5. Highlight what you have accomplished. ...
  6. Be honest. ...
  7. Quantify your achievements. ...
  8. Use simple words and action verbs.
Oct 13, 2021

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Corie Satterfield

Last Updated:

Views: 6110

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Corie Satterfield

Birthday: 1992-08-19

Address: 850 Benjamin Bridge, Dickinsonchester, CO 68572-0542

Phone: +26813599986666

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Table tennis, Soapmaking, Flower arranging, amateur radio, Rock climbing, scrapbook, Horseback riding

Introduction: My name is Corie Satterfield, I am a fancy, perfect, spotless, quaint, fantastic, funny, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.