Whether you’re updating your resume, creating a new one from scratch or simply giving it a facelift, there common mistakes to avoid when working on your resume. We’re human and these mistakes happen for many reasons. You’ve been staring at your resume for so long too notice or your trying to cram every detail in and losing focus in the process. Whatever the case may be, here are a few common resume mistakes we all make and how to fix them to land the job you deserve.
Not clear and correct
When reading and reviewing your resume, your objective should be clear. You don’t necessarily need a traditional objective included, but there should be a clear indication as to why you are applying to a specific job.
If you are seeking career advancement, your resume should show how the new role is an appropriate next step for you. Let’s say you held an entry level customer service position for a year and are now applying to an associate level job in the same field, this makes sense to the employer.
However, if you’re applying for a role as a marketing manger, but lack any background in that field, its unclear as to why you applied in the first place.
The Fix: Do your homework on the role. If you don’t have the skill set, consider taking a few courses and add those certifications to your resume. Otherwise, your application is unclear to the employer and to be honest, your wasting each others time.
Too few keywords
You found a job ad that speaks to you and are confident that you are a great candidate. Before applying, review your resume to make sure you included important keywords that relate to the position. If you are applying for an office manager position, words to include in your resume would be along the lines of: inventory management, corporate communications and administrative support.
In the case where you are making a career change, you’ll have to tailor your resume so that it translates well for your next role. This does not mean to lie, that is a big NO. When you tailor your resume, you are highlighting the skills you already have.
The Fix: The use of keywords is key. Do not lie on your resume. The worst thing that could happen is that you actually get hired and have no clue what you are doing.
Too long and wordy
Stick to one page. Let’s face it, employers don’t have the time to go over a 3 page resume when they have hundreds of applicants. Remember, you don’t have to include every job you ever had. Stick to relevant work experience.
When adding details on your position duties, highlight achievements rather then basic tasks. You employer can usually guess what you did as a Sales Manager, but tell them how you kicked butt in sales. If you are in events, tell employers how bad-ass you are at budget management.
The Fix: Stick to a one pager. Brag wisely with important details. Don’t turn off employers with a novel of a resume.
The silly stuff
So you wrote “there” instead of “their.” You also missed an “m” in “communications.” Or my favorite, your email address looks like a bad screen name from 2005. Grammar can get the best of us, but it is very important. It looks funny when one of your skills is, “Attention to detail” and yet your profile is missing a letter or 2. Just like your elementary school teacher said, proofread your work! Your resume is the first impression employers have of you. Make it a good one.
The Fix: Once you’re done editing your resume, look at it again the next day. Odds are, you’ll find the little mistakes that could cost you the job. And your email address should be as close to your real name as possible.
