The Recruiter Friendly Resume
A well-written resume is your first step, and the most important step, in any job search. The key to this is simplicity. While AI and applicant tracking systems present their own challenges that we can assist you with, your real concern is the human at the other end reading that resume. Make it as easy as possible for that human to see you as the best fit for the job.
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Leave margins at default settings. Your resume does not have to be limited to one page, and it's important to have good use of blank space.
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In most cases, your resume is going to be reviewed by a recruiter before anyone else. While some companies or individual managers operate differently, the end result will be the same. Your resume will likely be read alongside hundreds of others. This template is geared towards making your resume not only physically easy to read, but also accessible and comprehensive.
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Font size and style is important; use a basic sans serif font no smaller than 10pt. Serif fonts are exhausting to the eye, you want your resume to be accessible and easy to read.
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Do not include a location; you do not want to be discounted because the employer decides you live too far away. Maybe you like a long commute, maybe you're moving to a new location, but don't give too much information that invites bias.
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Controversial opinion, but I am against including an objective. Resume space is precious, so you don't want to waste any on a statement that says your objective is the job you're applying for. Save the space and focus on factual information about you that showcases the value you bring.
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This is where you should ensure that the requirements listed in the job posting match your skills.
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The more information a recruiter has to look up, the more likely they are to move on to the next resume. Make it easy by providing a short sentence about the company you worked for, so they can quickly grasp the industries you have experience in.
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Don't waste precious resume space giving a list of all your duties. Just one simple sentence that summarizes the position.
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This is a fantastic opportunity to shine. Use metrics to put specifics to the awesome things you've done. This tells me that you understand measurement is important, you know the ones that are used in your position, and you made an impact.
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Do not include dates of graduation, this can invite bias. Include professional certifications and memberships; many are free and great for networking. Steer clear of including irrelevant or even divisive personal information, again, protect yourself from potential bias.