Ask a Resume Writer: Does White Fonting Work on Resumes?

There’s no doubt that AI is impacting the job search process, including resume writing. In an iHire survey earlier this year, 17.2% of job seekers told us they have used AI to help write their resume or cover letter, and 40.3% said they haven’t but would use these types of tools.

Interestingly, along with all the buzz about AI, the “white font” resume trick has started making headlines and showing up on discussion boards as well. What is white fonting, and how can it help job seekers as AI makes its way into even more aspects of hiring?

We asked Freddie Rohner, Certified Master Resume Writer at iHire, for his take on this trend.

What Is White Fonting?

“Put simply, white fonting is stuffing your resume with keywords from a job description using white text so it remains hidden,” explained Rohner. “While this technique has come to light again recently, it actually isn’t new. Ever since applicant tracking systems came on the scene decades ago, job seekers have been trying to find ways to get around them.”

The idea is that by copying and pasting content from a job ad directly into your resume (essentially, keyword-stuffing your resume), you’ll increase your resume’s chances of getting past applicant tracking systems and into the hands of a hiring manager.

These systems are just one of the AI-powered tools HR pros are using to make their lives easier, so finding ways to outsmart “the robots” is key. And since you’ve used invisible white font, the hiring manager is none the wiser… right?

Does White Fonting Work?

“Ensuring your resume has the right keywords and phrases is a smart move. But, you can’t know for sure how an employer is using their specific type of ATS,” Rohner said. “Yes, white fonting may help you get past the robots, but the ATS may process your resume file in a way that exposes your hidden text to a human reader.”

Additionally, some ATS programs will take different sections of your resume and parse them into an application. When the ATS finds the job description content in white font, it may disregard it as irrelevant data or – worse – put it into the wrong section of your application.

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Why You Should Not Use the White Font Resume Trick

While white font may seem like an easy way to hack an ATS by keyword stuffing your resume, you run the risk of being seen as dishonest and untrustworthy when it’s ultimately exposed. We asked Chrisanne Bowden, Senior HR Consultant at iHire, to weigh in from a recruiter’s perspective.

“White fonting resumes can be really tempting, especially in a challenging employment environment such as the one many candidates find themselves in now. We all know how hard it can be to get a resume viewed, but it simply comes with too much risk,” said Bowden. “Should it be discovered, there will be questions surrounding your ethics and honesty. There are better ways to give yourself a competitive edge, like networking within the organization to build connections and hopefully become someone’s internal referral.”

“If you’re wondering, ‘does an ATS detect white font?’, you should assume it does and that the hiring manager will see your hidden text eventually,” added Rohner. “Instead of trying to trick the ATS with white font, work those keywords and phrases into your actual resume. Use a key skills section and show those skills in action in your career history with specific, quantified achievements.”

If you’re qualified for the role, your resume should reflect that on its own without the need to resort to tricks that could harm your candidacy.

“Yes, it will take more time to customize your resume than simply copying and pasting in the job description in white text, and yes, it is frustrating to know that a software system often stands between you and your next great job, but it’s worth it to put your best foot forward and showcase why you’re the right candidate for the role,” Rohner added.

Explore our Resource Center for additional advice from our certified resume writers, improve your existing resume or create a new one with our Resume Builder, or learn more about how to work with our team to get a professionally written resume or cover letter.