If you’re looking for a new job, then it’s very likely that your resume has become a top priority.
Resumes can make or break your chances of getting the job you want, and they’re not something that should be taken lightly.
Resume Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some of the most common mistakes that can get your resume thrown away.
Presenting a Generic Resume
We get it, it’s the information age, and there’s a template for just about everything.
You need to remember that there are many different types of resumes for many different jobs.
Your resume will only be successful if it’s tailored specifically for the position in question.
Besides, preparing a custom resume example shows that you’re serious about the job and that you care enough to make an effort.
Including References Without Their Permission
It’s polite to inform any contacts about your intentions to use them as a reference.
This way, they can be prepared to receive any calls from potential employers or recruiters, and you won’t come across as presumptuous.
It can also backfire, especially when they have a problem remembering you.
Listing Achievements When You Can’t Prove Them
When you’re listing your achievements, it’s essential to have some facts to back up the information.
For instance, if you state that you won a contest on how to write an analytical essay, it is necessary to list the year and the awarding body.
Incorrect Contact Information
Job applicants include their contacts in a resume to make it easier for the company to contact them.
So, if your email address or phone number is incorrect on your resume, that’s just going to create more work for both you and the recruiter.
Omitting Past Accomplishments
Your resume provides an opportunity to highlight your past accomplishments, so it’s vital to list them.
Who knows, one of your past wins may be all you need to edge out the competition.
You never know what your past accomplishments have to do with the new job, but you deserve a chance to showcase all of your skills and experience.
Incorrect Formatting
Your resume should be in a clear, easy-to-read format.
If you have to scroll horizontally or vertically just to read the text on your screen, then it’s not formatted correctly.
It also helps if the layout is consistent throughout so that no matter where one looks, they can find what they’re looking for at a glance.
Using Acronyms and Unclear Words
If you have to use acronyms, ensure they’re spelled out in parenthesis after it.
Likewise, if you have a word on your resume that’s unfamiliar to an employer reading it, define that word for them so they can understand what you’re talking about.
If you’re unsure about a word or phrase, always check for its meaning.
For example, if you want to use et al.
but are skeptical, type what does et al mean on your search engine and find out if it’s appropriate to use it.
Incorrect Education Dates
When you’re listing the graduation date from a college or university, make sure that it is accurate and includes the year.
Otherwise, employers will get frustrated when looking up this information on school websites only to find different dates listed.
Failure to Proofread
Once you’re done writing your resume, it’s time to review it for any mistakes or typos.
You don’t want your resume with errors getting into the hands of a potential employer because they may wonder if you have problems focusing on details and completing tasks at work.
Lying About Qualifications
One of the worst mistakes you can make on your resume is lying about qualifications.
Don’t lie about having a college degree when you don’t or take credit for somebody else’s work accomplishments.
Employers are going to check and find out the truth before hiring you anyway.
A Bad Cover Letter
If you don’t take the time to write an engaging, well-thought-out cover letter outlining your qualifications and strengths for their company, then it’s unlikely that they will give you a callback or even open up your resume.
A bad cover letter can be a deal-breaker for a company, and you should spare no effort to ensure you present a perfect one.
Not Using Professional Help
Remember back in college when you wondered about expository essay definition and found help from an essay service company? It turns out that you still need professional writing services after campus.
If you feel you’re unable to write a flawless resume, don’t hesitate to consult with a reliable writing service.
Writing Irrelevant Information
We know that you want this job badly but so does everyone else.
Avoid writing about things that may not be relevant to the position you are filling.
For example, if you’re applying for a job in a restaurant, you can talk about how much time you spent working as a chef and your experience with the menu.
But if it’s an office job, don’t mention that you enjoy cooking – it doesn’t matter to this company!
Sending Resumes to the Wrong People
Don’t just email your resume blindly, but make sure you know who will be reading it (or hiring for that position) before sending out any applications.
Chances are good they’re not going to be interested in a candidate who can’t figure out the right recipient.
Lacking a Professional Email
Unfortunately, some job applicants use amusing email addresses that are outrightly not fit for a workplace.
Examples of unprofessional email address names include, but are not limited to, “funnymonkey@aol.com” or “devilspit@hotmail.co.” If you want a company to take your application seriously, you need to use a professional email address.
To Sum Up
No one wants to hire someone with a resume full of mistakes.
These are the top mistakes that make employers cringe.
Luckily, they’re all easy to avoid.
If you can take these simple steps and remove them from your resume, then there will be nothing standing in your way of getting an interview for any position you want.
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