Enter the resume detective: 5 "creative" resume red flags to spot

In recruitment, a resume is often a candidate’s first impression. But when creativity takes over, it can hide the truth. In this fun piece, HRO plays detective to spot the red flags behind overly creative resumes — helping HR professionals distinguish real talent from resume fiction.

As HR professionals, we are sure you’ve seen it all — resumes with fonts as flamboyant as a neon billboard, skills that could rival a superhero’s resume ("can fix a printer with just a look"), or experiences that seem too good to be true.  

While creativity is an asset, a resume dripping with it can sometimes raise more questions than answers. So, let’s don our detective hats and sharpen our magnifying glasses as we uncover how to decode these "creative" resumes without falling for their glossy allure. 

The case of the disappearing dates  

A red flag as old as time: suspicious gaps between jobs, with no explanation. When the timeline looks like concerning, it's time to ask questions. Perhaps their 'world tour' coincided with a period of quiet self-reflection — or they just couldn’t hold down a job. 

The mystery of over-the-top titles 

'Chief Happiness Officer' or 'Genius of Spreadsheets' might sound impressive, but don’t let fancy titles fool you. A deep dive into their actual responsibilities can reveal if they were truly a leader — or simply a 'jack of all PowerPoint presentations'.

The skills sleight of hand 

Beware of candidates who list buzzword-heavy skills such as 'quantum AI innovator' or 'professional procrastinator whisperer'. While these sound fun, it’s important to separate reality from resume fiction during the interview. Ask for tangible examples of how these skills were applied. 

The photoshop phenomenon 

A beautifully designed resume can be a double-edged sword. While aesthetically pleasing, it shouldn’t overshadow the substance. If the design is hiding vague details about achievements or job scope, dig deeper into their contributions. 

The hobby hijinks 

When hobbies include 'binge-watching inspiration', 'extreme brainstorming', or 'world-class napping', it’s time to smile, nod, and move on. While fun, these entries can reveal a lack of professionalism or seriousness about the application. 

With every resume, comes a story, but it’s your job to uncover the truth behind the tale. A truly exceptional candidate will strike a balance between creativity and credibility, with a resume that sparks curiosity but doesn’t leave you scratching your head.  

By honing your detective skills, you can solve the mystery of the "creative" resume and find the perfect candidate for your team. Happy hunting!  

READ MORE: 10 weirdest stories straight from the HR office