Don’t make a fancy resume: Google, Apple HR expert advises job seekers on how to get hired

In the competitive job market, a straightforward resume could be your best tool, according to Stefanie Fackrell, a seasoned recruiter with over 15 years of experience at tech giants like Google, Apple, Samsung, and Nvidia. Speaking to CNBC Make It, Fackrell advises against flashy resume designs, emphasizing simplicity and clarity.

Stick to the Basics

“Make it boring,” Fackrell suggests, recommending that job seekers avoid using colors, charts, graphs, or pictures on their resumes. She believes that a clean, straightforward format allows an applicant’s achievements to stand out.

“When I used to work at Google, people would always submit artistic resumes with charts and the Google colours,” Fackrell noted. These designs often included columns and quadrants instead of a straightforward list of titles and accomplishments. Fackrell cautions against this approach, stating, “You’re just being a little gimmicky,” and highlighting that such resumes are often “not easily readable,” making it harder for recruiters to identify key qualifications.

Showcase Achievements, Not Tasks

Fackrell also emphasizes the importance of focusing on accomplishments rather than daily tasks. “A resume is showcasing you in a 10-to-60-second format on paper,” she explained. Telling a compelling story through clear and concise content is crucial. She advises that while powerful achievements should be listed, the document should not exceed two pages.

She warns against merely listing job duties, noting that “where a lot of people make mistakes on their resume is they’re listing out their daily job duties.” Instead, resumes should highlight significant projects, revenue generation, and contributions to company growth. “Recruiters aren’t interested in your daily grind of emails and meetings,” Fackrell stated, stressing the importance of demonstrating impact and effort.

Final Advice

To stand out in a crowded job market, Fackrell’s advice is clear: keep your resume simple, focused, and impactful. By doing so, you allow your achievements to shine and make a strong impression on potential employers.