It’s no secret that resume mistakes can cost you a job opportunity. In fact, according to a study by CareerBuilder, 58% of hiring managers said they would automatically dismiss a resume if it contained any one of six common mistakes. So, what are these mistakes? And more importantly, how can you avoid them? This blog post will discuss the top six resume mistakes to avoid at all costs!
I’ve seen my fair share of resume mistakes as a hiring manager. I’d say that there are twelve common mistakes I see regularly. And unfortunately, they can be a deal breaker for many employers. So, if you’re looking for a job, you must avoid making these mistakes on your resume.
What are the top twelve resume mistakes to avoid at all costs?
1. Starting with a resume objective
Beginning your resume with an objective statement can often cause hiring managers to dismiss your resume without reading any further. So instead, a better strategy is to lead off with a summary of your skills and experience. This will immediately show the hiring manager that you are qualified for the job.
2. Typos and grammatical errors
One of the most common resume mistakes is having typos and grammatical errors. This can be a significant turnoff for hiring managers and make you seem unprofessional. To avoid this, always proofread your resume before sending it out and have a friend or family member look it over as well.
3. Not tailoring your resume to the job you’re applying for
One of the most common mistakes is not tailoring your resume to the job you are applying for. This means you are not highlighting the skills and experience relevant to the position. Instead, you include information that is not relevant or that may even be irrelevant. To avoid this, take the time to research the job and the company and then tailor your resume to match.
4. Keyword stuffing
Another common resume mistake is keyword stuffing. This means including so many keywords that it becomes difficult to read. Hiring managers often review resumes electronically and skip over keyword-stuffed resumes. To avoid this, only include the most relevant keywords and ensure they are scattered throughout your resume, not just in one section.
5. Lack of specifics
A vague resume or lacking specific details about your experience, skills, and accomplishments can be very frustrating for hiring managers. They may not clearly know what you are capable of and may pass on your resume entirely. So instead, try to be as specific as possible when describing your experience and use keywords that accurately reflect your skillset. This will help hiring managers to see exactly what you bring to the table and increase your chances of getting called for an interview.
6. Highlighting responsibilities instead of accomplishments
Highlight your accomplishments rather than your job duties to show that you can deliver results. This can be done by using numbers to quantify your achievements or by describing the impact you had in previous roles.
7. Not having action verbs
Action verbs can help to showcase your skills and accomplishments, making your resume more engaging for hiring managers. Without them, your resume may seem tedious or difficult to read. To ensure your resume is action-packed, include a variety of verbs that accurately reflect your skillset and experience.
Strong action verbs include: led, developed, managed, created, and organized.
8. Too busy and cramped
Having a too busy resume with a lot of information crammed onto one page can be a huge mistake. This can make it difficult for hiring managers to read and understand your experience and skills, which may lead to them passing on your resume entirely. On the other hand, a resume that is well-organized and easy to read will make a much better impression and increase your chances of getting called for an interview.
9. The resume is too long or too short
A resume that is either too long or too short can be a big mistake when looking for a job. A resume that is too long can be challenging to read and may not include all of the information the hiring manager is looking for. On the other hand, a resume that is too short may not provide enough information about your experience and skills. Try to find the perfect length for your resume by including only the most important information while still being specific and accurate.
10. Using an unprofessional email address
When applying for a job, it is important to use a professional email address. However, an unprofessional email address can be a major turnoff for hiring managers and may decrease your chances of getting called for an interview. Some examples of unprofessional email addresses include [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected]. Instead, try to use a professional email address that includes your name. This will make you appear more professional and increase your chances of getting called for an interview.
11. Overly used acronyms or jargon
Using acronyms or jargon that is not commonly understood can be a resume mistake. This can make it difficult for hiring managers to understand what you are capable of and may lead to them passing on your resume entirely. Instead, try to use common words and phrases that accurately reflect your skillset and experience. This will help hiring managers to see exactly what you bring to the table and increase your chances of getting called for an interview.
12. Listing hobbies unrelated to the job
Hobbies that are unrelated to the job can be a resume mistake. This can make it difficult for hiring managers to understand what you are capable of and may lead to them passing on your resume entirely. Instead, try to list hobbies that are related to the job you are applying for. This will help hiring managers to see exactly what you bring to the table and increase your chances of getting called for an interview.
It’s crucial to avoid making common resume mistakes when applying for a job. By avoiding these mistakes, you can make a better impression on hiring managers and increase your chances of getting called for an interview. We’ve outlined the top 12 resume mistakes to avoid in this article, so be sure to read them carefully and apply them to your own resume. Are there any other tips you would add? Let us know in the comments below!
