Our recruiters are often asked whether a summary makes a candidate’s resume look outdated. The answer is no, but in 2025, we are still receiving resumes that look like they’re from 1995. Here’s how to make sure your resume doesn’t fall into that category.
Don’t:
Do:
Don’t include a picture of yourself.
While many resume templates include a space for a profile photo, it’s an unprofessional and unnecessary addition. Recruiters and hiring managers care about your experience, who you are, and what motivates you. Your appearance should not be a factor in whether you are hired for a job. If a potential employer or recruiter asks you to include a photo during the application process, it may even indicate discriminatory hiring practices.
Don’t use multiple columns.
Using more than one column may seem like a good way to include as much information on your resume as possible. This can actually make the resume more difficult for hiring managers and some applicant tracking systems (ATS) to read. Too much information can be overwhelming and may not paint a clear picture of your relevant background. It's more effective to use a single column that only lists your experience, education, and certifications most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Don’t write more than 2 pages.
Like multiple columns, multiple pages of information can present hiring managers with more information than they need. Even if you have enough experience to fill more than 2 pages, you should only include your most recent and relevant experience. Don’t list any jobs from more than 10 years ago unless you’ve been at the same company for a decade or more.
Do include a professional summary.
A summary can grab the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager. Highlight your greatest achievements and proficiencies. Tell a story about your career so far and what you’d like to achieve going forward. Be sure to keep this brief (3-5 sentences).
Do use bullet points to describe your experience
Our recruiters appreciate concise bullet points under each position listed in your experience section. Listing your accomplishments and responsibilities gives us everything we need early in the hiring process. If we move forward with your application, you can elaborate on each position more during screening calls and interviews.
Do keep things clean and simple.
Unique designs may catch someone’s eye, but they probably won’t give you an edge over other candidates. Going overboard with custom fonts and colors may even cause hiring managers to discard your resume before reading it. ATS may also be unable to process complex formatting and discard your resume before a human can review it. A simple, organized document is often the most effective approach.
Our Recruiters can help.
If you’re searching for your next job in a specialized field, SRG Stillwater may be able to help. Our Recruiters frequently work with candidates to optimize their resumes before we send them to the companies we work with. If you’re seeking a new role, feel free to contact us or call us at 651-383-2020.