What are Recruiter Likes and Dislikes when it comes to CVs?

Several hundred recruiters and head-hunters in USA and Canada were interviewed to find out what they are saying about CVs.   Here are their top ten likes and dislikes, to aid you in preparing a recruiter friendly CV ..   

10 - Resumes Written in the 1st or 3rd Person

A resume should not be written in the first person. No recruiter or future employer wants to read a resume full of "I did this and I did that..." Furthermore, writing a resume in the first person often leads to it becoming too verbose.

Writing a resume in the third person was also slated a major "pet peeve" among many recruiters. A resume is simply a marketing piece about the job seeker's background and how it matches the requirements of the position. It is not a biography for a book jacket cover. So avoid saying: "Mr. Smith is an excellent HR Manager ..."

9 - No Easy to Follow Summary

A resume has to GRAB the reader in 10 seconds. If not, they move to the next candidate. An effective summary section helps the recruiter identify if the job seeker is a viable candidate for the position quicker. This summary section should be customised to the position you are applying.  

8 - Pictures, Graphics or URL Links

Unless you are a super model or are applying to a position such as an actor or TV personality that might require a “headshot,” there is absolutely no need to include your picture. In addition, sending a picture only increases the file size and download time of your resume. The same goes for graphics and endless URL links which few if any recruiters will ever spend time “clicking” on. 

Furthermore, because of the fear of computer viruses, many recruiting departments are set up not to accept graphics, pictures, downloadable files, etc. Your resume may be deleted before it is even opened.

7 - Resumes not sent as a WORD Attachment

Unless specifically requested otherwise, your resume should be sent as a Word Attachment. Do not send your resume as a PDF, ZIP file, etc.  A recruiter simply does do not have time to download and convert special files. 

A top reason for avoiding formats other than Word is that it becomes increasingly difficult to download into many HR information systems. Often a recruiter will not have a job for you today, but if they cannot enter your resume into their system, they will be unable to match your resume with any positions that do become available.  

Recruiter TIP ... many recruiters advised that it is a good idea to name your Word document “Smith, John Resume”. Recruiters have no time to “guess” the author of the attachment.

6 - Poor Font Choice

Keep your font simple and easy to read on a computer screen. Microsoft seems to have settled on 10 point Arial as their default font in most of their applications so people are accustomed to reading such on their computer screen. For headings, recruiters shared that 12-point bolded is the best choice.

Recruiters told us that that second best choice is 11 or 12 point Times Roman as every newspaper and magazine is printing with such. Once again, people’s eyes are accustomed to reading text in this font.

5 – Incorrect Information (Lying)

Recruiters stated the most common misleading information being put on CVs is:

·         Inflated titles

·         Inaccurate dates to cover up job hopping or gaps of employment

·         1/2 finished degrees, inflated education or "purchased" degrees that do not mean anything

·         Inflated salaries

·         Inflated accomplishments

·         Out and out lies in regards to specific roles and duties

4 – Personal Info Not Relevant to the Job

Not only is including personal info that is unrelated to the job a waste of space, but it can actually hurt you. Recruiters do not need to know your age, height, weight, martial status, sexual orientation, religious or political affiliations, or even about your hobbies. They are trying to fill an open job requisition, not match you for a blind date.

3 - Long Paragraphs  or CVs

Recruiters want a résumé's details to be short, concise and to the point. No recruiter has the time to read long paragraphs, which look like a narrative out of War and Peace.  A CV should never be more than 2 pages. No matter how tempting it is to go into detail about the first job you had 25 years ago, don’t! Instead, let your resume showcase your most recent accomplishments. Recruiters are only reviewing the last 5-8 years of your career.

2 – Too Duty Oriented

The second most common complaint among recruiters was reading a resume that is "too duty oriented." Resumes need to describe more than just job duties. A good resume must also detail your accomplishments. Mention the business benefits and results attributable to your direct effort, involvement or leadership.

Also, do not just rely on long lists of buzzwords to describe work or accomplishments. Not only are you risking "burying" the important details from your reader, but also doing so often makes a resume appear too generic.

1 – Spelling Errors, Typos, and Poor Grammar

In the world of technology and ‘Spell Check’, you would be amazed at how many resumes come through with errors! Candidates need to remember that their resume represents them! If there are careless errors, it directly reflects on the candidate.

The general consensus among recruiters is that your resume will more often than not be your one opportunity to make a first impression. You need to make it a positive one! 

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