Reviewing resumes is one of the most important parts of the hiring process. But do you know what you’re looking for? While they aren’t necessarily dealbreakers, there are a few signs that you should take a closer look. Here are some resume red flags to watch out for.
Gaps or Oddities
Gaps in employment are incredibly common, especially in the wake of a global pandemic. But more than a couple of gaps are worth digging deeper. Also look for other oddities like frequent job hopping or a functional resume that does not list dates of employment.
Most of the time, there is a simple and rational explanation for these situations. Maybe the person took time off to care for a sick family member. Perhaps someone relatively new to the workforce is still looking for the right fit. But it’s worth asking questions and listening carefully to the answers.
Lack of Attention to Detail
Does the resume look (badly) cut and pasted together? Is data missing? Are there errors in punctuation or other typos that could have been easily caught through proofreading? If the candidate doesn’t pay attention to the details while job-hunting, it could be a red flag for how they will perform on the job.
Backsliding Career
In general, careers tend to follow an upward trajectory. Most resumes will reflect a history of progressive responsibility. But sometimes a resume seems to show a backslide, with the person moving into a lower-level position. Don’t assume the worst, as it could be that the candidate took on new responsibilities at home or simply decided on a better work-life balance. But it’s worth asking for an explanation, since it could be a sign of a career in trouble.
Lack of Customization
One of the biggest pieces of advice for job seekers is to tailor their resume and cover letter to each employer. A generic application package is a big red flag that you might be looking at an unqualified candidate who is simply shot gunning their resume to everyone they can find. It may be worth giving the resume a quick scan to see if it fits the position, but a complete lack of customization can make it tough to tell.
Overqualification
Overqualified candidates can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, your company may benefit from their advanced skills and knowledge. On the other hand, they might be more inclined to leave when a better offer comes along.
However, sometimes people have another reason for applying for a role for which they’re overqualified—getting a foot in the door. If yours is a big name company, or does something unusual within your industry, or is known for an excellent company culture, some people might be willing to take a pay cut and lesser job title in order to work for you. You’ll need to do some extra digging into overqualified candidates to see if there are red flags, but don’t dismiss them out of hand.
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