Former Google Recruiter Reveals the Critical Resume Mistake That Can Cost You the Job

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In today’s competitive job market, crafting a standout resume is more challenging than ever. With an overwhelming number of resume templates and online builders available, job seekers often struggle to choose the best format. Yet, despite these resources, many resumes fail to make a positive impression. According to Nolan Church, a former Google recruiter, a single common mistake can drastically reduce your chances of landing an interview.

The Number One Resume Mistake: "Text Bricks"

Nolan Church, who served as a recruiter at Google and later as the Head of Talent at DoorDash, knows exactly what hiring managers are looking for—and what they’re not. In a recent interview, Church highlighted a resume flaw that can instantly disqualify an applicant: the "text brick."

A "text brick" is a block of uninterrupted text that overwhelms the reader with too much information at once. Church emphasizes that resumes filled with dense paragraphs are a big turn-off for recruiters. In the fast-paced world of recruitment, where each resume receives only a few seconds of attention, clarity and brevity are essential. A resume cluttered with lengthy sections of text is likely to be overlooked.

Why Short and Concise Communication Matters

In a digital era where attention spans are shorter, conveying your qualifications quickly and effectively is crucial. Church advises job seekers to avoid overwhelming recruiters with unnecessary details and instead focus on delivering clear, concise information. He suggests that job seekers:

  • Use Bullet Points: Break down your achievements and responsibilities into bullet points for easy readability.
  • Be Brief: Stick to the most important information and remove any irrelevant content.
  • Seek Feedback: Before submitting your resume, get feedback from at least 5-10 people to ensure it’s both clear and impactful.
  • Utilize AI Tools: Tools like ChatGPT can help refine your resume, making your sentences shorter and more precise.

By following these guidelines, you can create a resume that not only stands out but also increases your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.

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