‘Don’t Add Too Many…’: Ex-Google Expert Shares Top Resume Red Flags

With every job application, making that perfect resume is imperative. As much as a wonderful resume can be the turning point in an otherwise mediocre one, it‘s equally vital to not get carried away and remain professional while being creative. Jenny Wood, with her 18 years as aGoogle executive, shared what makes a resume stick and what most people might miss about while creating it.

Keep It Short and Sweet

To draw attention to your achievements, Jenny says that things need to be concise. “Short, one-line bullet points under job descriptions work best,” she says. As per Jenny, one-liner bullet points make it easy for readers to scan through your resume while at the same time making you appear like a productive and impactful professional. “It makes you look like an absolute superstar,” she says.

Prioritise Essentials: Stick to Five Bullet Points Per Role

A common mistake people make is to put too many bullet points under one job title. Jenny stresses that an endless list of responsibilities and tasks can make you seem disorganized. Instead, limit each role to no more than five bullet points. “If you include 10 or more, it can appear unclear,” she warns. This approach ensures that hiring managers see your ability to prioritise and focus on what matters most.

Avoid Overloading with Links

While linking on your resume may help to show off your work, Jenny advises against overdoing it. Linking every project, portfolio, or piece of work can make your resume appear cluttered. Only include links that add value: significant projects with measurable outcomes or a professional portfolio aligned with the job you‘re applying for. Too many links can overwhelm the reader and lessen your impact.

Don’t Overcrowd Your Resume: Use White Space Effectively

A resume should always be clean and visually attractive. Jenny explains that in order to make a visually easy-to-read resume, white space is important for creating visual hierarchy and letting the information be digested more easily. “A lot of content crams in, and it does not read well,“ she says, which may impact how your communication skills are perceived by hiring managers. Clear margins and adequate space between sections help guide the reader’s eye and make your resume more accessible.

Final Thoughts: Prioritise Clarity and Impact

Jenny‘s golden rule in resume writing is to be clear, concise, and focused on the most important information. Using short bullet points, limiting links, and making sure that the layout is clean and organised will make a resume professional and memorable.

Following these simple yet effective tips, job seekers will surely ensure that their resumes make an impression on hiring managers to ensure a good chance of landing the job they desire.