Recruiter is a Consumer, Your Resume should be an Advertisement
When it comes to job applications, the top half of the first page of your resume is where the battle is won or lost. If you have 5+ years of experience or a salary package above 25 LPA, this article is for you.
A recruiter typically reviews 50 to 100 resumes a day and spends no more than 20 seconds on each, unless something grabs their attention immediately. To make sure you’re in that shortlist pile, your pitch needs to be upfront and impactful.
Yet, many candidates miss this golden opportunity simply because the top half of the CV is filled with irrelevant details, and critical information only shows up on the second page. This is a big mistake. Recruiters may not get there. If at all, they would have already lost interest by then.
Here are some key tips to make sure your resume pitches you effectively from the get-go:
1. Avoid Irrelevant Information at the Top
Many resumes waste valuable space with oversized names, contact information, and generic objectives. While these details are necessary, they shouldn’t dominate the prime real estate on your resume. Keep your contact info concise, ideally in the footer with only your location visible in the header for quick shortlisting.
Ditch the lengthy objective statement; recruiters already know why you’re applying. Instead, use that space to make a direct, role-specific pitch that highlights your strengths.
2. Skip the Unprofessional Profile Pictures
If you choose to include a profile picture, make sure it’s professional. Ideally, wear business attire, use a neutral background, and keep the image small. Avoid casual, glamorous, or overly expressive photos unless you’re applying for a role where appearance is directly relevant. Remember, your resume is about showcasing your skills and experience, not your looks.
3. Be Specific in Your Executive Summary
Fluff words like “experienced,” “dedicated,” or “hardworking” add little value. Instead, use this section to share tangible metrics and achievements. Highlight your actual impact on projects, such as:
- Revenue generated or growth achieved
- The scope of projects handled (e.g., number of downloads, user engagement metrics, NPS scores)
- Key clients or industries you’ve worked with
For example, rather than saying, “I’m highly experienced in business development,” say something like, “Generated a 25% increase in revenue through strategic partnerships with clients in tech and finance sectors.” This not only demonstrates your experience but also showcases your contribution in a quantifiable way.
4. Avoid Canva Resume Formats for Mid-Senior Roles
While Canva and other design templates might look visually appealing, they are often better suited to junior roles. For mid-senior positions, a clear, professional layout is more appropriate and ATS-friendly.
Many Canva templates also have generic names like “blue wellness counsellor resume,” which can be distracting or irrelevant to recruiters. Stick to straightforward formats that highlight your accomplishments without overwhelming graphics.
5. Highlight Core Educational Qualifications
In India, full-time degrees from recognised institutions carry weight. While additional certifications, online courses, and part-time programs can add value, they don’t usually replace core qualifications in the eyes of recruiters.
Make sure your primary educational qualifications are clearly visible at the top. Additional courses that are relevant to the role can be highlighted, but less relevant credentials can be placed towards the end.
Think of Your Resume as a Marketing Tool
When writing your resume, imagine you’re creating an ad for a consumer. The resume is your advertisement, and the interview process is the trial. The goal is to communicate your value effectively and make a compelling first impression immediately.
Here’s a sample resume top section that has proven successful for many candidates we’ve guided. We hope it serves as inspiration for crafting your own.
Best of luck with the job hunt, and remember: capturing attention in those first few seconds can make all the difference. Make every word count!
