Aug 30, 2025
A resume is a concise document summarizing your professional qualifications and experience. In the eyes of a recruiter, it is often your first handshake – it “speaks before you do”. For Indian applicants to multinational companies (MNCs), a resume must present your story clearly and professionally.
Resume is the primary marketing document that tells MNC hiring teams why you are a good fit. Because MNCs often receive hundreds of applications for a single job, recruiters and automated systems screen resumes extremely quickly. In fact, research shows employers spend only about 6–7 seconds on an initial resume scan. During that brief review, they focus on formatting, relevant titles, dates, and key accomplishments. Crucially, most large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to pre-filter candidates. These systems scan for keywords, skills, job titles and dates. For example, one survey found 99% of Fortune 500 firms and 75% of recruiters use ATS to screen resumes. If your resume isn’t optimized with the right keywords and format, it may never reach a human eye.
Given this, crafting a strong resume is vital to landing an interview. A good resume highlights relevant skills, experiences, and achievements in a way that is easy to read and ATS-friendly.
Resume Dos and Don'ts for Job Success
Here, we elaborate on the do’s and don’ts of a resume for fresh graduates and experienced professionals, along with examples of effective vs. poor resume elements.
We will also discuss which resume formats are best suited in the context of Indian MNCs (chronological, functional, hybrid, ATS-optimized) and when to use each.
What MNC Recruiters Look For: ATS and Quick Scans
When you apply to a multinational firm in India, your resume typically goes through at least two filters. First it is screened by an ATS or recruiter bot, then by a human recruiter. ATS software “reads” your resume for essentials like contact info, education, and keywords from the job description. For example, if the job listing mentions “Java”, “Python”, or “Agile”, the ATS will look for those exact terms on your resume. If it finds a match, your resume is “scored” and passed on; missing key terms can result in automatic rejection. In other words, you must tailor your resume with the right keywords for each role.
After passing an ATS filter, a recruiter quickly skims the resume. They check format and content to answer questions like: Does this candidate have the right skills and qualifications? Is the work history relevant? Are there accomplishments that demonstrate impact? Indeed advises that recruiters “initially skim resumes,” so your most important points should be obvious and high up. Typically, recruiters look at format, then relevant work history, education, and any clear achievements. A clean layout with clear section headings (e.g. “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills”) makes this easy. For example, Indeed notes that a resume “easy to read” allows employers to quickly find key information.
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Because of the short time and automated screening, everything on your resume must count.
You should:
Use an ATS-friendly format: Simple, one-column layout with standard section headers. Avoid graphics, charts, text boxes or tables. Use common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman so both ATS and humans can read them.
Customize for each job: Tailor your content to the role. Highlight the skills and experiences that match the job description. For instance, if the job emphasizes “software development” and “team leadership,” be sure those keywords appear in your skills and bullets.
Keep it concise: A recruiter can’t read a novel. Aim for one page for freshers, and no more than two pages for early-career professionals. Indeed specifically advises new graduates to limit resumes to one page. When information is concise, recruiters can absorb the highlights quickly.
Focus on achievements, not just tasks: Always write bullet points that show impact. Start with strong action verbs (“led,” “designed,” “improved”) and quantify results if possible. For example, a poor bullet like “Collaborated on the website redesign” becomes a strong one by adding context and numbers: “Coordinated the $50k redesign of a client’s e-commerce site, increasing annual revenue by $100k”.
Use a professional tone: Write in a formal, third-person style (omit “I” or “my”). Use respectful language and industry terms. Avoid slang, contractions or “resumeese” buzzwords (e.g. there’s no place for “hard-working” or “team player” without proof).
By following these guidelines – tailoring to each job, using keywords, formatting simply, and emphasizing clear, quantified accomplishments – you maximize the chance that both ATS systems and recruiters give you a closer look.
Part 1: Resume Guidance for Freshers (New Graduates)
A fresher’s resume differs from an experienced one mainly in content, since you may lack formal work history. Instead, emphasize education, internships, projects, certifications, and any relevant skills or extracurriculars. Present yourself as eager, capable, and ready to learn. Below are specific do’s and don’ts for fresh graduates applying to MNC roles in India:
Do’s for Freshers
Customize per application: Tailor your resume to each role. Focus on the education, skills, and experiences relevant to that job rather than a one-size-fits-all resume. For example, if a software job posting mentions Java and SQL, your summary and skills should list those. Indeed India specifically advises new grads to “highlight skills and experiences that align with what the employer is looking for”.
Begin with a concise summary or objective: Start with a brief Career Summary at the top (under your name and contact info). Freshers can use this to highlight their best strengths – such as academic excellence or internship experience – and state their career goals. PeopleHum recommends a summary “at the top of your resume” to highlight how you fit the position. For example: “Motivated Computer Science graduate with internship experience at TechCorp and strong skills in Java and data analysis, seeking an entry-level developer role at a multinational tech company.” Keep it factual and tailored to the role, not a generic objective like “to work in a reputed company.”
List strong projects and internships: If you have done any internships, co-ops or significant class projects, list them under Work Experience or Projects. For each, use bullet points to describe what you accomplished. Focus on outcomes and your role. For instance, instead of saying “Worked on mobile app development,” write: “Developed a cross-platform mobile app using React Native, enabling real-time chat for 200+ users and improving engagement by 15%.” This follows best practices: start with an action verb, quantify results, and avoid the weak phrasing “worked on X.” (As one example from a resume guide shows, “Collaborated on website redesign” becomes “Coordinated the $50k redesign of a client’s e-commerce site, boosting revenue by $100k”.)
Emphasize relevant skills: Create a clear “Skills” section that lists your technical skills (programming languages, tools, software) and key soft skills. Use the job description to mirror keywords: if they want “data analysis,” list “Data Analysis” and tools like Excel or Python. Also include soft skills like communication or teamwork, but support them with examples elsewhere. Indeed advises listing both hard and soft skills. For instance, a skills section might look like: Java, Python, SQL, Data Structures, Git, Linux; Communication, Teamwork, Analytical Thinking.
Use quantifiable examples even in academics: If you have strong grades or achievements, note them quantitatively: e.g. “Graduated top 5% of class (CGPA 9.2/10)” or “Ranked 2nd in university coding competition out of 500 students.” Numbers stand out and convey credibility.
Keep formatting simple and clean: Use a professional font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) and consistent formatting. Leave reasonable whitespace and use bullet points. A clean format (one column, standard headings) looks polished and passes ATS parsing.
Keep it one page (if possible): As a fresher, one page is sufficient. Indeed India suggests new graduates limit resumes to one page. This forces you to include only the most important points.
Proofread carefully: Check for typos and grammatical errors, and use a professional email address. Any mistake can kill credibility. Indeed, specifically warns to proofread and avoid subjective phrases.
Examples of Strong vs Weak Entries (Freshers):
Bullet Point Example:
Weak: “Worked on developing a website.”
Strong: “Designed and implemented a responsive e-commerce website using HTML/CSS and JavaScript, increasing user sign-ups by 20% in 3 months.”
(The strong example uses an action verb, specific tools, and a numeric result.)
Summary Example:
Weak: “To secure a challenging position in a reputed MNC.”
Strong: “Detail-oriented Computer Science graduate with internship experience at Infosystems. Proficient in Java and SQL; completed a capstone project on database management that optimized query performance by 30%.”
(The strong summary is specific about degree, skills, and an achievement.)
Skills Section Example:
Poor: “Programming, Communication, MS Office.”
Good: “Programming: Java, Python, C++; Tools: MySQL, Git; Skills: Data Analysis, Effective Communication.”
(The good list is categorized, specific, and mirrors technical keywords.)
Don’ts for Freshers
Don’t use generic or personal objectives: Avoid statements like “Seeking a good job in a global company” or subjective labels like “hard-working.” Instead demonstrate traits through results (e.g. leadership in a project). Avoid first-person pronouns like “I” or “my” – keep it impersonal.
Don’t include irrelevant or sensitive personal details: In Indian private resumes, one might list age, gender, marital status or a photo. MNC recruiters do not need these, and ATS systems ignore them. Omitting personal info keeps focus on qualifications. (Likewise, do not include “Declaration” or unrequested references.)
Don’t list everything you’ve ever done: Less is more. Only include coursework, activities or jobs that add value to the role. Don’t pad with irrelevant college activities or old high-school details. If a project or certificate isn’t related, leave it out.
Don’t use fancy formatting: Avoid graphics, colored backgrounds, or creative fonts. Fancy design may look flashy, but ATS often misreads it, and recruiters may find it unprofessional. PeopleHum cautions: “Your resume is not the place to be creative. It’s all about impressing with content”. Stick to a clean, professional look.
Don’t lie or exaggerate: Never falsify grades, experience, or responsibilities. MNC interviews often include background checks. It’s not worth a resume getting spotted for dishonesty.
By following these do’s and avoiding the listed pitfalls, fresh graduates can create resumes that highlight their potential. Key takeaway for freshers: tailor each resume for the job, use clear concise language, and back up claims with specific examples and numbers whenever possible.
Part 2: Resume Guidance for Experienced Professionals (1+ Years)
Once you have work experience, your resume should shift focus from education to professional accomplishments. Indian MNC recruiters expect to see proven impact from your past roles. Here are tailored do’s and don’ts for early-career professionals:
Do’s for Experienced Candidates
Use reverse-chronological format: List your most recent job first, then go backward. This is ATS-friendly and what recruiters prefer. Indeed, explicitly states reverse-chronological resumes “work best” for ATS parsing. Always include your job title, company name, location, and dates (month/year) for each position.
Begin with a strong professional summary: At the top, write a brief summary (3–4 lines) that highlights your years of experience and key strengths. For example: “Software Engineer with 3+ years of experience in fintech. Skilled in Java, Spring Boot, and microservices; improved transaction processing speed by 40% at XYZ Corp.” This helps recruiters immediately see your relevance. (As PeopleHum notes, experienced professionals should use the summary to highlight “areas of expertise”.)
Highlight accomplishments in bullets: In your Work Experience section, use bullet points focusing on achievements. Start each bullet with an action verb and, where possible, quantify outcomes. For example: “Reduced report generation time by 60% by automating data aggregation with Python scripts.” Or: “Managed a team of 4 engineers to deliver product features two weeks ahead of schedule.” Quantified results show concrete impact and grab attention.
Emphasize relevant skills and keywords: In your “Skills” section, list tools and technologies that match your field (programming languages, frameworks, certifications). For MNC roles, also include any globally relevant skills (e.g., English proficiency, international standards). Mirror key terms from the job description. Always ensure the resume contains the critical keywords an ATS is looking for.
Format clearly for readability: Use clear headings and bullet lists. Ensure consistency (same tense, same style). If you’re currently employed at a company, you may use present tense for those bullets and past tense for prior roles. Keep your layout simple (one-column, no split columns) so ATS and recruiters can scan easily.
Keep it concise and error-free: Experienced candidates can have longer resumes, but aim for 1–2 pages. More isn’t necessarily better if it dilutes focus. Indeed notes ATS cares more about keywords than length, but also recommends concise resumes so recruiters spend more time on the important parts. Proofread meticulously to avoid any spelling/grammar mistakes – a single typo can kill an opportunity.
Update education briefly: You still list your degree(s), but put them after work experience since you’re no longer a fresh graduate. Omit high school info or old certifications that are no longer relevant.
Show progression or specialization: If you’ve earned promotions or taken on more responsibility, make that clear. For instance: “Promoted to Project Lead after 1 year for outstanding performance”. This demonstrates career growth.
Don’ts for Experienced Candidates
Don’t use vague bullets: Phrases like “responsible for managing team tasks” or “worked on software development” are too generic. Instead detail your role and impact. For example, instead of “Responsible for database upkeep,” say “Optimized and secured database servers (100+ tables), improving query efficiency by 30%.” Avoid the passive voice and fluff. Indeed warns to transform task-lists into result-oriented statements.
Don’t cram all past jobs: If you have multiple years of experience, you don’t need to list every job since college. Focus on the most recent 3–5 years. Irrelevant older roles can be omitted or summarized briefly. This keeps the resume concise and relevant.
Don’t use unprofessional details: Even for experienced hires, avoid photos, hobbies, marital status, etc. Recruiters care about professional qualifications; personal details distract and have no bearing on job skills.
Don’t complicate formatting: As with freshers, skip graphics, tables, multiple columns or text boxes. These can break ATS parsing. Also avoid unconventional section names – stick to standard headings (e.g. “Work Experience,” not “My Journey”).
Don’t exaggerate or lie: Be truthful about your experience and dates. Fabrication can be discovered in interviews or reference checks, killing your chances.
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Examples of Strong vs Weak Entries (Experienced):
Bullet Point Example:
Weak: “Responsible for customer database management.”
Strong: “Redesigned customer database schema in MySQL, reducing query response time by 45% and improving data accuracy.”
(The strong version uses a clear action, outcome, and a percentage to show impact.)
Summary Example:
Weak: “Experience in project management and software development.”
Strong: “Project Manager with 5+ years in the IT industry, skilled in Agile methodology and Python development. Successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and under budget.”
(This highlights years, domain, and specific skills.)
Skills Section Example:
Poor: “Management, MS Office, HTML.”
Good: “Project Management; Tools: JIRA, Git; Languages: Java, JavaScript; Others: SQL, Agile Scrum.”
(The good list is clearly grouped and focused on relevant tech/skills.)
By focusing on specific accomplishments and using a clear, ATS-friendly format, experienced professionals can make a strong impression. Key takeaway: highlight quantifiable achievements, use keywords, and keep the resume well-organized and concise.
Effective Resume Formats in the Indian MNC Context
Choosing the right format can help your resume make an immediate impact. In India’s MNC hiring environment, the most common and effective resume formats are reverse-chronological, functional, and combination (hybrid). In modern practice, all of these should be ATS-optimized (simple design, keyword-rich). Here’s when to use each:
Chronological (Reverse-Chronological) Format:
When to use: If you have a clear, continuous work history in the same field and no large gaps.
Description: Lists jobs from most recent backward. Emphasizes a steady career progression. Each job entry has bullet points of responsibilities and achievements.
Best for: Most candidates. It works best with ATS; Indeed, notes this format “works best” for parsing. Recruiters like it because the timeline is obvious. Indian MNCs typically expect this format for professional roles.
Functional (Skills-Based) Format:
When to use: Rarely needed; consider this only if you have a major career change (e.g. switching from teaching to software) or a very long employment gap. Functional resumes emphasize skills over chronology.
Description: Highlights skills or competencies in categories (e.g. “Project Management,” “Technical Skills”) with achievements, then provides a brief work history at the end.
Caveats: Many recruiters and ATS systems dislike pure functional resumes. As one career blog explains, functional resumes can hide your timeline, making it hard for ATS to parse and for employers to verify your experience. If used, be very clear and honest about dates.
Best for: Major career changers or those returning after extended leave (e.g. long-term illness or career break). Use sparingly in the Indian MNC context, since recruiters often prefer clarity on work history.
Combination/Hybrid Format:
When to use: If you have relevant skills to highlight and also want to show your chronological experience. For example, if you’re mid-career with technical skills and some cross-functional experience.
Description: Puts a strong “Skills” or “Summary of Qualifications” section at the top, then follows with reverse-chronological work history. Essentially it merges the advantages of both formats.
Best for: Candidates who need to emphasize specific skills (like a developer fluent in multiple languages) but still have solid recent work history. Indeed, notes that a combination resume “emphasizes relevant skills and accomplishments at the top” while still listing work history. This can catch a recruiter’s eye on key skills first, then show how they were applied on the job.
ATS-Optimized (Modern) Format:
When to use: Always. Whether you choose chronological or hybrid, make sure the final design is ATS-friendly. In practice, this means no images, minimal color, and lots of whitespace. Use simple bullet points and standard section titles.
Key points: Use a common font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) of 10-12 pt. Label sections clearly (“Experience,” “Education,” “Skills” etc.). Avoid headers, footers, graphics or two-column layouts – these can confuse the ATS. Save your resume as a .docx or PDF as specified in the job posting. Finally, always weave job-specific keywords naturally through your headings and bullet points. This “modern” approach ensures your resume will pass electronic filters while still looking professional to a human reviewer.
Each format serves a purpose. But remember: content wins over style. Even a perfectly formatted resume will fail if it lacks substance. Therefore, choose the structure that best showcases your background, and then fill it with relevant, quantifiable accomplishments and keywords.
Practical Takeaways for Indian Job Seekers
Tailor every resume: Customize your resume for each MNC job. Use the exact keywords and requirements from the job description so both ATS and recruiters see the match.
Be concise and clear: Organize your information so the most important qualifications stand out immediately. Recruiters only spend a few seconds initially. Use bullet points and short paragraphs.
Emphasize results: Whenever possible, show what you achieved in numbers or concrete terms (e.g. “increased sales by 25%,” “reduced processing time by 40%”). Start bullet points with strong verbs.
Use a clean layout: Stick to a classic font and simple formatting. Make sure your sections are labeled clearly (Work Experience, Skills, Education, etc.) and in a logical order. This improves readability for both ATS and people.
Avoid killers: Double-check for mistakes, and remove any outdated or irrelevant info. Don’t use unprofessional email addresses, and definitely no photos or sensitive personal data. Flashy graphics or fancy templates may actually hurt your chances.
Show professionalism: Use a formal, objective tone and demonstrate your “brand” through a summary or headline. In India’s MNC environment, professionalism and clarity are paramount. A well-polished resume reflects the seriousness and attention to detail that recruiters expect.
By following these guidelines, Indian job seekers can create resumes that open doors rather than close them. Remember that a resume is a marketing document: it should be tailored, keyword-rich, and accomplishment-focused.
In the competitive MNC hiring process, a resume with the right format and content will significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. Stay focused on clarity, relevance, and professionalism, and your resume will work for you – not against you.
