Spotting red flags in tech candidates’ resumes

Recruiting top tech talent goes beyond scanning resumes; evaluating project descriptions can uncover hidden details. Whether you’re a startup founder or a recruiter without deep technical expertise, knowing how to identify warning signs in candidates’ project descriptions is a valuable skill. At Get on Board, we provide insights to help you read between the lines and make smarter hiring decisions.

🚩 What are warning signs in IT resumes?

Resumes and LinkedIn project entries often serve as the first representation of a candidate’s skills and achievements. It’s common to see:

• Vague or generic language: Buzzwords without specifics can mask limited or unclear contributions; phrases like "optimized performance" or "worked on several projects" without detail may signal caution.
• Missing measurable outcomes: Strong summaries include quantifiable results such as "reduced load time by 30%" or "increased user engagement by 20%" that highlight real impact.
• Overambitious claims: Be attentive to projects that seem too impressive or suggest rapid gains without supporting evidence.
• Lack of role clarity: Candidates should clearly communicate their responsibilities; ambiguity can indicate limited involvement.
• Copied generic job descriptions: Some candidates duplicate standard role descriptions rather than personalizing their contributions, which can question authenticity.

Explore our article on common tech resume traps for a detailed look at these points and ways to avoid them.

📊 Use Data-Driven questions to validate candidate claims

Preparing well for interviews helps clarify unclear project descriptions. Try these approaches:

• Request specific metrics: When results aren’t mentioned, ask for KPIs, outcomes, or data that illustrate impact.
• Clarify team role and structure: Knowing if they led, collaborated, or contributed partially builds a clearer picture of seniority and expertise.
• Ask about technologies and tools: Candidates should explain how they used particular stacks or frameworks within the project.
• Use scenario-based questions: These reveal problem-solving abilities and project complexity beyond surface details.

Clear communication about a candidate’s role and measurable achievements is key to understanding their true contributions.

For tips on assessing seniority and roles from project descriptions, especially when details are limited, check our post on defining senior developers beyond years of experience.

Leveraging AI tools can simplify this process significantly. Get on Board offers Superpower AI, which integrates with your ATS to analyze project information efficiently, highlighting inconsistencies or possible exaggerations. This lets you spend less time stuck on unclear resumes and more time connecting with genuinely qualified candidates.

Being able to identify warning signs in project descriptions helps you hire professionals with authentic skills. Let data guide your decisions to build a stronger team.