Thinking of "white-fonting" your resume? ⚠️ Try these 4 ethical alternatives instead ✅

You find a job opening that you've been waiting for. Worried that your resume won't reach a recruiter, you're tempted to look for quick shortcuts to help your resume stand out.

You consider using "white-fonting" by hiding keywords from the job description in white on your resume to improve your chances with the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

Image created by the author using AI

Hang on! You don't need to rely on such tricks. There are better and more ethical ways to make your resume visible to ATS and human recruiters.

Don't send the same resume everywhere. Customize it for each role you're applying for, instead of white-fonting keywords from the job description. Image created by the author using AI

• Read and review the job description carefully.

• Identify the skills, responsibilities, tools, and qualifications relevant to the role.

• Adjust your resume and add the primary keywords in appropriate sections.

• Add skills that you can honestly prove and vouch for.

• Use titles from the job description if they mirror your experience correctly.

• Use ChatGPT to compare your resume with the job description and identify ways to align it better.

Example

For this job description:

"We are looking for a Customer Service Representative with active listening and conflict resolution skills. They should be able to handle customer concerns professionally. Responsibilities include responding to customer inquiries, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction, and handling complaints effectively."

Instead of a generic resume with white-fonting:

Submit a resume that you've customized to the role:

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Don't hide keywords from the job description in white text. Instead, include them naturally throughout your resume. Image created by the author using AI

• Choose 3-5 keywords from the job description. Add them to your Professional Summary and show how they relate to your experience.

• Create a Core Skills section and include relevant hard and soft skills you have.

• Incorporate keywords into your Experience section to show how you used them to achieve results.

• Avoid repeatingthe same terms excessively.

Example

For this job description:

"We are hiring a Digital Marketing Executive to support online marketing campaigns across multiple channels. At least 1 year of experience in SEO, Google Analytics, email marketing, and content creation is required. The candidate will be responsible for improving website traffic, tracking campaign performance, and developing engaging content for target audiences." Instead of white-fonting keywords (SEO, Google Analytics, email marketing, content creation)... ...weave them in naturallythrough different sections of your resume.

Image created by the author in PowerPoint. To hear an audio description of the image, click play on the audio player below.

Note: Bold text is used here only to highlight how keywords can be included in your resume.

Don't resort to white-fonting to make your resume appear more relevant. Support your skills and experience with evidence. Image created by the author using AI

• Use numbers, percentages, ratings, or measurable results whenever possible.

• Show the impact of your work instead of simply listing skills.

• Back up keywords with examples of how you solved a problem or achieved a goal.

Example

For this job description:

"We are looking for an English Teacher with strong classroom management, lesson planning, student engagement, and differentiated instruction skills. The ideal candidate should be able to create an effective learning environment and support student achievement for learners with diverse needs."

Instead of white-fonting keywords (classroom management, lesson planning, student engagement, differentiated instruction)...

...make your resume stronger by backing up keywords with evidence:

• Developed and delivered lesson plans for 120+ students across grades 9 and 10.

• Maintained 80% classroom engagement through interactive lessons and group discussions.

• Designed differentiated learning activities that improved participation by 20% among diverse learners.

• Managed classrooms effectively, reducing behavioral incidents by 25% over one academic year.

Don't depend on white-fonting to get past the ATS. Make your resume both software and recruiter friendly. Image created by the author using AI

• Use standard section headings such as Professional Summary, Skills, Experience, and Education.

• Choose standard, easy-to-read fonts and consistent formatting.

• Use simple layouts and avoid graphics, tables, or text boxes.

• Submit your resume in the format mentioned by the employer.

Example

Instead of using complex formatting:

Use a simple layout and formatting:

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Priya is applying for the role of Event Coordinator. As she reads the job description, she realizes that several key skills and requirements are not clearly reflected in her resume. She remembers watching a video about white fonting but decides it is too risky. Image created by the author using AI

What actions should Priya take to improve her resume safely and ethically?

A. Add metrics and measurable outcomes to support the skills listed in her experience section.

B. Include relevant keywords naturally in her professional summary and skills section if they accurately reflect her experience.

C. Add a hidden keywords section in the footer using 1-point white text.

D. Add specific keywords multiple times in every section of her resume to improve ATS matching.

Image created by the author using AI

If you're tempted to use shortcuts like white-fonting when applying for jobs, pause and try these alternatives instead: