Top 9 Resume Mistakes

Top 9 Resume Mistakes
mubashir30 Apr 05, 2015 10:59

Does it matter if you make a mistake on your resume? It does. In fact, the quickest way to get screened out as an applicant is to submit a seriously flawed resume.

In addition to typos and grammatical errors, the biggest mistake is submitting a resume that doesn't match the job for which you are applying. It will knock you out of contention for the job, both by hiring managers and by the talent management software they use to screen resumes. Here are the most common resume mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

Top 9 Resume Mistakes

1. Misspellings and grammatical errors are killers. Spell check then proofread by placing a finger on each word and then have your document reviewed by a career coachor a friend or family member. It's hard to catch your own mistakes, so having someone else read your resume for you will help. Reading it out loud is another option for catching mistakes.

2. Not including keywords that match the job posting. Your resume should include the same keywords that appear in the job listing. If your resume doesn't have the right keywords, it most likely won't get noticed because you won't appear to be a fit for the job.

3. An outdated resume will make you look obsolete. Your resume should be updated for every job you apply for. Be sure to update your skills section as well as your work history. Check to be sure that the computer, and the other, skills you list are current.

4. Writing a resume objective which doesn't match the job. Avoid using an objective statement which doesn't correspond well with the focus of the target job. Many job seekers now leave an objective off their resume or use a profile instead. If you include either, make sure it underscores your interest in the type of work for which you are applying.

5. Including a career summary that doesn't match the job requirementsDon't use a mismatched summary of qualifications at the top of your resume. Your key assets in the summary should match many of the key job requirements or else leave it off.

6.Writing position descriptions that don't show what you accomplished. Avoid job descriptions which simply list your duties or responsibilities. Instead write active statements which showcase relevant skills and accomplishments. Make sure the employer can easily see how you added value in your role.

7. Leading your paragraphs with mundane or irrelevant duties. Start with the hardest hitting statement which shows that you have key skills related to the job at hand. Otherwise your reader might just skim by that description.

8. Not quantifying accomplishments. Avoid empty self-congratulatory phrases by quantifying accomplishments or providing other concrete evidence to support your assertions.

9. Being too modest. Share any awards or recognition you have received in a matter-of-fact manner i.e. "Promoted to associate director after increasing annual donations by 25%."

Tags:Expat Rants & Advice Business & Jobs Teaching & Learning General

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