I see a lot of bad resumes. Every day. But here’s the thing: I still interview some of those candidates. They might break all the “rules” with flashy logos, way too much text, and terrible formatting. But if they have the relevant skills and experience for the role I’m recruiting for, I’ll give them a call, even if my first impression isn’t great.
You might be wondering… Eli, what makes a resume “bad”?
A “bad” resume often means one that doesn’t follow traditional advice. Maybe it uses bright colors or an unusual layout. Perhaps it crams information into multiple columns or lacks a clear structure. These elements can make a resume look unprofessional or hard to read. I’ve added a fake bad example to show you visually what I mean.
How to Spot and Fix Mistakes:
1. Visual Clutter: Is your resume hard to follow? Simplify the design. Stick to one or two columns. Use clear headings and bullet points.
2. Irrelevant Information: Are you listing jobs or skills unrelated to the position you’re applying for? Focus only on relevant experience and skills.
3. Typos and Errors: Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors can make a bad impression. Proofread your resume or ask someone else to review it.
What really matters
Despite all these potential “bad” elements, what truly matters is your experience and qualifications. If I can see that you have the skills and experience needed for the job, I’ll give you an interview.
Here’s the best resume advice I can give you:
► Align your experience with the job: Ensure your resume highlights experience relevant to the position you’re applying for. This is the most important thing.
► Be clear and concise: Use clear language and keep it brief. A hiring manager should be able to quickly see why you’re a good fit.
► Ignore the noise: Don’t get caught up in debates about the perfect resume format. Focus on the content. In Australia and New Zealand, the ideal resume length is around four pages. This gives you enough space to showcase your relevant experience and skills. While the US market prefers 1 to 2-page resumes, this guideline doesn’t apply here. Prioritize a comprehensive and clear presentation of your qualifications.
In short, a “bad” resume by traditional standards can still work if it clearly shows you’re qualified for the job.
Instead of worrying about making a negative impression, focus on enhancing your resume. Make sure your experience shines through.
And please, don’t add every keyword you can find and have 7 pages.
Relevancy equals more interviews. Focus on this.
So, what does good look like?
*Example below is from the Careersy tech resume templates
To get shortlisted at top tech companies in Australia and New Zealand, you need an ATS-friendly and recruiter-approved resume.
If you like, grab your ready-to-use templates 👉 here 👈 to save time and avoid unnecessary rejections. The example above is one of two templates you'll gain access too.