Let’s be honest. Resumes in 2026 aren’t what they used to be. Hiring managers are scanning faster. ATS systems are smarter. And recruiters? We can spot a weak resume in seconds.
So we went straight to our recruiting team and asked one simple question: “What makes you lean in…and what makes you move on?”
Here’s what they said, no fluff, no theory. Just real-world insight from people reviewing resumes every single day.
DO #1: Lead with impact, not responsibilities
What we love: Clear, measurable results. Numbers. Outcomes. Proof.
Don’t #1: Submit a one size fits all resume
This is still happening, and yes, we can tell.
What turns us off: Generic summaries. Buzzwords copied from job descriptions. Zero customization.
Tailor your resume for the role. Keywords matter. Context matters. Effort shows.
Do #2: Optimize for ATS and Humans
2026 hiring means two readers: Applicant Tracking Systems and real people
Recruiter tip: Use clean formatting, standard section headers, and relevant keywords without sacrificing readability.
If the system can’t read it, we never will.
DON’T #2: Overdesign at the Expense of Clarity
Creative roles get more flexibility but even then, clarity wins.
What we see too often: Hard-to-read fonts, graphics replacing text, resumes that feel more like posters than tools.
Simple. Clean. Skimmable. Always.
DO #3: Show Progression, Not Just Tenure
We’re not just looking at where you’ve been we’re looking at how you grew.
What stands out: Promotions. Expanded scope. New skills learned. Bigger responsibilities.
Growth tells a story. Make sure yours is obvious.
DON’T #3: Leave Gaps Unaddressed
Career breaks aren’t deal-breakers. Silence is.
What we prefer: A brief explanation. Consulting work. Upskilling. Freelance projects.
Transparency builds trust. Always.
DO #4: Highlight Skills That Match Today’s Market
Skills age fast. Make sure yours haven’t expired.
2026 favorites:
– Data literacy
– Automation & AI exposure
– Cross-functional collaboration
– Industry-specific tools and platforms
Relevance beats length every time.
DON’T #4: Bury the Good Stuff
If your strongest achievements are on page two… we may never see them.
Recruiter reality: Most résumés get 6–8 seconds on first review.
Lead with your strongest wins. Front-load value.
DO #5: Use a Strong, Modern Summary
Your summary isn’t a biography. It’s a hook.
Best summaries: Short. Specific. Role-aligned. Outcome-focused.
Tell us who you are professionally and why we should keep reading.
DON’T #5: Rely on Buzzwords Alone
“Hard-working.” “Team player.” “Detail-oriented.”
We’ve seen it. A thousand times.
Show those traits through results—not adjectives.
DO #6: Get Feedback Before You Apply
This one matters more than ever.
What we always recommend: Have a recruiter—or hiring manager—review your résumé before you hit submit.
Fresh eyes catch gaps. Experts know what employers really want.
DON’T #6: Assume Your Resume Is ‘Good Enough’
If it hasn’t been updated in the last year… it’s outdated. Period.
Final Word From Our Recruiting Team
Your résumé isn’t a history lesson. It’s a marketing document and in 2026, it needs to work harder than ever.
If you want honest feedback, strategic guidance, or help aligning your résumé with what hiring managers are actually looking for, we’re here for you!
Connect with ITAC Solutions or follow us on LinkedIn for more insights.
