Have you heard of the ‘white font’ resume hack? Essentially, it’s when job seekers take specific, relevant keywords that appear in a job posting or job description and add them to their resume in white font (white text).  

The intent in inserting this hidden text is to make a resume stand out in the eyes of applicant tracking systems (ATS). Recruiting firms and employers use these systems during the talent search and hiring process to screen job applications and resumes, and identify the most qualified candidates.   

White font comes into play during initial ATS screenings. These screenings match keywords that align with a specific job description or job opening. Even though some of those words are hidden in white font, applicant tracking systems often parse resumes using plain text while resumes are being uploaded into the system. This allows keywords to get picked up, whether the text is black, white, or another color.  

The white font hack isn’t just reserved to the world of resumes. For example, college professors and teachers are adding certain keywords or phrases in small white font into their prompts (essay titles). If those words or phrases appear in a student’s work, it can help educators identify when a prompt was copied and pasted into ChatGPT or another artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can generate an essay.  

So, back to the title question: Does the white font hack really work? Ultimately, it doesn’t work in the ways you might hope for or think. It can backfire. Here are the biggest pitfalls in using this and other tactics to enhance a resume – along with ethical approaches that will protect your reputation and lead to better outcomes.   

Can talent recruiters and hiring managers identify when white font is used?  

In short, YES! Yes, we can. 

From the expertise of a professional talent recruiter, please do not use white font in your resume. It can do much more harm than good. When detected, using white font quickly brings a job candidate’s credibility into question and knocks them off the list of potential candidates straightaway. 

Can recruiters and hiring managers tell if a resume is embellished? 

Initially, recruiters and hiring managers are unable to tell if a resume has been embellished. However, depending on the extent of what has been inflated or exaggerated, we quickly catch on during the job interview process. When this happens, it’s extremely uncomfortable for both the candidate and interviewer.  

Here’s an example. I recently interviewed a candidate who previously worked with a different recruiting firm. The candidate mentioned that the other firm had embellished a bit on his resume and described an unfortunate experience that followed…

During his interview with a potential employer, the hiring manager asked specific questions about the qualifications detailed in his resume. The candidate chose to be truthful. He told the hiring manager that pieces of information were added to his resume by a recruiting firm, and that he did not in fact have experience in some of those areas.  

In addition to the embarrassment, this experience did no favors for the candidate’s reputation. After all, he submitted the resume, knowing it misrepresented his qualifications.   

Takeaways:    

• Take complete ownership of your own resume: Never allow anyone to manipulate or control what appears in your resume. A good talent recruiter can help you identify your greatest strengths and give their professional opinion and recommendations for projecting your best professional self on your resume. But it’s essential that you take full ownership in editing your own resume to ensure it is truthful in representing your experience, qualifications, accomplishments, and other bona fides.

• If you partner with a recruiting firm, make sure it’s a trustworthy one: At Goodwin Recruiting, our core values are centered on Integrity in Everything We Do. In a world of other recruiting companies seeking to make quick placements and a quick buck, Goodwin Recruiting distinguishes itself through honest business practices that bring meaningful results to our clients and job candidates. This sums it up best: 

“We value always doing what is right, fair, and honest. Whatever situation we are presented with, this is what guides our decision. If it’s the right, fair, and honest solution – that’s ultimately what we’re going to do.” — Scott Gaba, Chief Operating Officer, Goodwin Recruiting   
 

How to make your resume stand out without using white font   

Your resume is the first thing about you that a talent recruiter or hiring manager sees. It’s the sell sheet that can get you in the door for an interview (or not!). Here are ways to make it shine with strength, authenticity, and credibility – and without the need for white font or embellishment. 

• Consider working with a professional resume writing service to hone your resume for the specific position or career opportunity you intend to pursue. Making this investment in yourself will pay you back by increasing the odds of being invited into the interview process and landing your ideal job. This article, Best Resume Writing Services – 2025, reviews many of today’s leading service providers.    

• If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, here is some sage advice from one of my fellow recruiting partners at Goodwin Recruiting, including what to add, what to remove, and other important tips on what makes a great resume: The Best Ways to Market Yourself with Your Resume 

• Find great job opportunities and resume advice in one place. The experts at Goodwin Recruiting can help you refine your job search with access to top jobs that are great fits for you. We can help ensure your resume showcases how your real-world experience matches the qualifications for the roles you want to pursue. And if your resume is missing some components noted in a job description, that’s fine! We know if you’re a good fit for specific jobs. We also know our clients and will go to bat for you to make sure you land that job interview. While our clients are looking for the best-matched candidates for their job openings – they’re also looking for ethical people.

Let us help you rise above the crowd  

You don’t need white font when you’re already a perfect match for the right job opportunities. And I promise, you don’t want to needlessly risk your credibility or professional reputation by using white font or embellishment in your resume.  

What you need is a professional career advocate and coach who genuinely wants you to succeed and has the integrity, expertise, and resources to make it happen. 

Reach out to me and let’s work together in presenting you to hiring companies in the right ways and for the right reasons. I am a DEI-certified senior recruiting partner with Goodwin Recruiting and would value the opportunity to help advance your career.