For those of us still manually screening resumes — what are your quietest pet peeves? [N/A]

Navigating the Manual Resume Screening Process: Common Pet Peeves from Recruitment Professionals

For those of us still committed to reviewing resumes manually—without the aid of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) or automated filters—the experience can be both rewarding and challenging. While the human element allows for nuanced assessments, it also brings about certain frustrations that can slow down the process. Today, I want to share some understated pet peeves I’ve encountered during manual resume reviews, with the hope of fostering a broader conversation among HR practitioners and recruiters.

1. Ambiguous or Unhelpful File Naming Conventions

One of the most straightforward yet persistent issues I face involves resume file names. Resumes often arrive labeled as “resume_final_v3,” “doc1,” or other generic titles that provide no insight into the candidate’s identity or the role they’re applying for. This lack of clarity forces me to open each document individually and spend time renaming files to keep my workflow organized. While not a dealbreaker, these unnecessary steps accumulate, leading to avoidable delays and frustration. Clear, descriptive filenames—such as “Jane_Doe_Project_Manager.pdf”—can streamline the process significantly.

2. Overly Decorative or Cluttered Resume Designs

In the age of digital creativity, some candidates opt for visually elaborate resumes crafted on platforms like Canva. While creativity can be a plus, overly decorative resumes—think gold swirls, multiple fonts, layered text boxes, and ornate borders—often hinder the primary goal: quickly and easily understanding a candidate’s qualifications. Such designs can be distracting and make it difficult to locate key sections like “Experience” or “Education.” As recruiters, we value clarity and simplicity; a clean, modern layout with organized sections serves both candidate and reviewer better.

3. Lack of Context and Focused Content

A resume should serve as a clear snapshot of a candidate’s skills and achievements relevant to the role. Yet, some resumes tend to be cluttered or lack focus, making it harder to assess suitability efficiently. Consistency in formatting and straightforward presentation ensure that the most pertinent information—such as previous roles, accomplishments, and skills—is immediately accessible without sifting through layers of decorative elements.

Calling All Recruiters and HR Professionals

What are some of your quietest pet peeves when manually screening resumes? Are there specific nuances or recurring issues that irk you but might go unnoticed amid the busy hiring process? Sharing these insights can help us collectively improve our workflows and candidate experiences.

In Summary

While manual resume review allows for personalized evaluation, simple habits—like descriptive file naming and clean, uncluttered formatting—can make the process more efficient and less frustrating. Let’s continue to advocate for clarity, professionalism, and simplicity in our candidates’ materials, aligning with our own needs as diligent recruiters.