10 resume red flags to watch out for when hiring candidates

If you're ready to start reviewing resumes for your next hire, be sure that each one includes the information you requested or the details listed in the job description. You'll also want to watch out for resume red flags that indicate you might have challenges if you hire that candidate. Here are 10 resume red flags your HR department should note to avoid hiring the wrong people for your team.

Grammar and punctuation mistakes

A resume with typos and grammatical errors could demonstrate a lack of effort or attention to detail. If candidates are willing to turn in bad resumes that have punctuation mistakes or inconsistencies, they may not be the best choice for your organization. You want an employee who can do exceptional work, and submitting a resume with significant or frequent errors doesn't give you confidence in an applicant's ability to perform.

It may be a good idea to set aside resumes full of obvious errors. However, if it's just a small typo or a misplaced comma, assess their abilities in the interview to determine if it was an honest mistake or a true lack of an eye for detail.

Failure to follow directions

Failure to follow guidelines on a resume indicates a candidate may not take direction well or may not pay attention to instructions. For example, if you specifically ask someone to provide a cover letter and they fail to do so, this is a red flag. While it might just be something they've overlooked, it's more likely that they didn't look closely enough at your requirements. An applicant who overlooks something important during the hiring process may be prone to mistakes on the job.

No relevant job experience

It's not always necessary to hire someone who's worked in the exact position you're hiring for, but it's important to verify that they have relevant job experience. When a candidate's experience is irrelevant, such as being in a different industry or only in positions that are unrelated to the open role, they may have a hard time succeeding in the new job. They may not have a strong understanding of the requirements. Similarly, if someone has extensive experience in different areas, but none in your industry, they may not be fully committed to the job or confident in their career goals.

Bad formatting

When you get an application with a poorly formatted resume, it could be a sign the applicant has a lack of care and organizational skills. A well-designed resume shows that someone has taken the time to showcase their experience, skills, and background in a way that's easy for hiring managers to review. This shows a dedication to and familiarity with the job application process that often makes people great candidates. Conversely, when a resume has bad formatting, it can convey that the applicant isn't concerned about the impression they make.

"An applicant who can overlook something important during the hiring process may be prone to mistakes on the job."

No customization

Some of the worst resumes you can encounter use a template for the content. If a resume contains generic material that could be for a job anywhere, it might mean they're using the same resume for several different job applications, meaning they may not be as serious about the job you're offering. Every person is unique, and the job you're offering is one-of-a-kind as well, so the resumes you receive should be personally tailored to your company and role.

The resume should demonstrate that the candidate did some research on your organization and that they know your industry well. Their document will explain how they're qualified for the role and how they might fit in with your company's culture. You may also be able to determine their career goals and why they're interested in the role. If you can't, then they may not be the right person for the job.

Unusual job history or job hopping

An unusual job history that doesn't relate to the role you're hiring for or one that has many seemingly unrelated roles is another of the most common employer red flags. A person who has worked many jobs could still be figuring out their career path. If you hire someone with a history of job hopping, it's best to plan for extra training to ensure they can succeed in the role.

Someone may also list qualifications that aren't related to the role because they aren't sure of the qualifications they need or because they lack those skills. Listing unusual skills may make them feel like they're making up for not having skills.

Gaps in employment history

If the job seeker has a single short gap in their employment, it may be something inconsequential. Several short gaps in employment on a resume can be for a variety of reasons, but regardless of what the reasons are, it's important to take note of them. Long gaps in a candidate's history could point to challenges, so you can address this during an interview if you're unsure about it.

Someone who isn't sure which industry they want to stay in may have a lot of different roles listed on their resume, with gaps between roles, while someone with a large gap may be reentering the workforce after a long time away, such as caring for a family member or serving jail time. This could mean they need training or classes to get their skills up to date, which is a significant commitment.

Lack of growth or development

The growth and development you see on a candidate's resume can tell you about their ambition and ability to achieve goals. Depending on the applicant's work history, you may see that they currently hold a management or leadership position or recently completed training of some kind to improve their skills.

However, if you notice that the resume doesn't demonstrate growth and development, it could be a red flag. An employee who has stagnated in their job may be feeling burnout or lack the drive to advance. Your company likely wants employees who feel motivated to work hard and achieve company goals, and someone who has held a similar role for decades may not be your best bet.

Omission of key details

Another resume red flag to look for is when all the information isn't filled in. For example, if the candidate has lengthy experience but leaves the dates off their resume, they may be afraid of age discrimination or trying to hide employment gaps and job hopping. Check to see if they filled in their location and other personal information completely. Not providing references when asked can also signal that the candidate doesn't want you to speak to previous employers.

Unprofessional social media profiles

One of the most popular hiring red flags in recent years is an unprofessional social media presence. Many applicants include their social media profiles on their resumes, and even if they don't, it may be easy for both you and your customers to find them. It's important to look for candidates who have a professional social media presence that doesn't contain derogatory or inappropriate content. A job seeker's online presence can tell a lot about their personality and values, so a person with a profile that's aligned with your views often makes the best hire for your organization.

Knowing these resume red flags can help you determine whether you want to pursue hiring a candidate. Make sure you constantly update your hiring strategy so that you always have a pool of potential employees who can work for you.