Why Simple Resumes Work

Providing detailed information about your achievements helps a recruiter further understand your skill level. Using a simple resume helps those reviewing your resume skim your content quickly. A simple format also makes it easier for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan your resume.

Companies have changed from mentoring employees to demanding benefits from employees. We're in the “what can you do for us?” era.

While your resume with beautiful fonts, specially formatted indents, and nice graphics on the border might look attractive to you, it does not look good to the hirer. In fact, all that great, creative work it took to make your resume layout stand out might actually block it from successfully passing the ATS.

Companies and hirers want simplicity in resumes and resume layouts. One to two simple fonts, maximum. No fancy borders. Plain white paper. Most application submissions are electronic now, anyway, so the hiring company will be printing the resume — on its own plain white paper. Interviewers want the resume to be calming and easy to read so they can, you know, read it. Remember, the hirer might be reading hundreds of these things.

Companies don't want glitz and glamor. They want simplicity. And accomplishments.