In today’s competitive job market, candidates often seek ways to stand out when applying for new positions. However, one common temptation is to embellish CVs or resumes with banners, graphics, or other elaborate visual elements. While these designs may seem appealing, they can significantly reduce effectiveness, especially when the document is processed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). At Sheridan Maine, we emphasise the importance of clear and concise formatting to ensure that essential information—such as your name, contact details, email, and LinkedIn profile—is easily accessible and recognisable by both hiring managers and software systems. Overloading your CV or resume with decorative elements can obscure vital information, potentially leading to disqualification from the hiring process.
Understanding the role of ATS is critical. Many organisations use these systems to streamline recruitment by scanning CVs or resumes for specific keywords and relevant information that match job descriptions. Excessive graphics or complex formatting can make it difficult for the system to read your document, increasing the likelihood that it will be automatically filtered out, regardless of your qualifications. We encourage candidates to adopt a structured format that highlights qualifications clearly. This includes using straightforward headings, bullet points, and consistent font styles, ensuring the CV or resume is readable for both ATS and human reviewers.
Ultimately, the focus should be on showcasing your key achievements, skills, and experiences that are directly relevant to the role. Quantifying accomplishments with metrics—for example, percentage increases in sales, project completions ahead of schedule, or efficiency improvements—demonstrates your ability to add value. At Sheridan Maine, we stress that a well-structured, content-rich CV or resume is far more effective than one cluttered with unnecessary visuals. By prioritising clarity, simplicity, and substance, candidates can maximise their chances of securing interviews and landing the job they desire.
If you’d like to explore this further, get in touch today.
