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If you're reading this article, chances are you might be a college graduate looking for your first job or you're restarting your career after time off. Either way, the resume is one of the most important tools for getting a foot in the door. But there's a lot that can go wrong even if you've got years of experience and accomplishments to show for it. In this article, I'll share with you 10 common mistakes to avoid in your resume.
10 Common Resume Mistakes That Aren't So Obvious
When it comes to your resume, you want to make sure that it is error-free and perfect. However, even the most well-written resumes can have mistakes that could be hurting your chances of getting an interview.
One of the most common resume mistakes is not proofreading your resume before you send it out. Even if you think that you don't have any errors, it's always a good idea to have someone else take a look at it as well.
Another common mistake is not including enough keywords. With applicant tracking systems, resumes are often scanned for keywords before they are even read by a human. So, if you don't include enough of the right keywords, your resume may never even be seen.
It's also important to avoid using too much jargon or technical language on your resume. While you want to include some keywords, you also want to make sure that your resume is easy to read and understand. If it's full of jargon that only people in your industry would understand, it's likely that recruiters will just skip over it.
Finally, one of the most common mistakes people make on their resumes is lying or exaggerating about their qualifications or experience. It's important to be honest
Your Email Address and Phone Number
When it comes to your email address and phone number, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, make sure that your email address is professional. Avoid using cute or cutesy nicknames, as well as anything that could be considered offensive. It's also a good idea to use a separate email address for your job search, rather than your personal email address. This will help to keep things organized and will make it easier for potential employers to contact you.
As far as your phone number goes, make sure that it is a number that you can be reached at easily. Avoid using your home phone number, as this can be a turn-off for some employers. Instead, use a cell phone number or a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) number. This way, you can be reached at any time, no matter where you are.
Your Education
One common resume mistake is listing your education in the wrong order. Your most recent degree or program should be listed first, followed by any previous degrees or programs. This is the order that potential employers are going to be looking for.
Another mistake is to list your GPA on your resume. Unless you are a recent graduate or your GPA is particularly high, there is no need to list it. Your potential employer is more interested in your experience and skills than your academic record.
Finally, don't forget to proofread your resume! Check for typos and grammatical errors. These can make you look unprofessional and could cost you the job.
Your Professional Experience
One of the most common resume mistakes is listing your professional experience in chronological order. While this may seem like the most logical way to organize your information, it can actually hurt your chances of getting an interview.
Employers are typically more interested in what you have accomplished in your career than in where you have worked. They want to see that you have progressed in your field and that you have acquired new skills.
Organizing your professional experience by chronology will make it difficult for employers to see your accomplishments. It is much better to organize your information by topic. For example, if you have experience in marketing and sales, you could create a section for each. Within each section, you can then list your experience in chronological order. This will help employers to see your skills and accomplishments more easily.
Weak Objectives
One of the most common resume mistakes is having a weak objective. Your objective should be specific and clearly state what you are looking for in a job. For example, rather than writing, “I am looking for a challenging position with a reputable company,” try something like, “I am seeking a position as a web developer with a company that specializes in e-commerce.”
Another common mistake is including too much personal information on your resume. Your resume should be focused on your professional accomplishments, not your personal life. So, there is no need to include things like your hobbies or interests. Stick to the facts and keep your resume concise and to the point.
Finally, avoid using clichés on your resume. Phrases like “results-oriented” and “team player” are overused and can make your resume sound generic. Instead, use specific examples of your skills and accomplishments to show employers what kind of employee you are. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make sure your resume is as strong as it can be.
Entry Level Jobs
One common resume mistake that entry level job seekers make is including too much information about their education and not enough about their work experience. Your education is important, but employers are mostly interested in your work experience. They want to see what you have done and what skills you have acquired. So, focus on listing your relevant work experience and downplay your education.
Another common mistake entry level job seekers make is trying to present themselves as something they're not. Don't try to embellish your skills or experience. Be honest about what you have to offer and focus on highlighting your strengths. Employers will appreciate your honesty and it will help them see if you're a good fit for the job.
Finally, don't forget to proofread your resume before you send it off. Check for any typos or grammatical errors. These can be easily overlooked, but they can make a bad impression on potential employers. Take the time to review your resume carefully and make sure it's error-free before you submit it.
Entry level job seekers often make common mistakes that can hurt their chances of getting hired. Avoid these mistakes by being honest about your skills and experience, focusing on your work experience, and proofreading your resume
Skills and Achievements
One common resume mistake is including too much information about skills and achievements. While it is important to list your skills and accomplishments, it is not necessary to include every single one. Instead, focus on highlighting the skills and achievements that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.
Another common mistake is to use flowery or overly technical language. This can make your resume difficult to read and understand. Instead, use clear and concise language that anyone can understand.
Finally, avoid using abbreviations or acronyms on your resume. These can be confusing for employers who are not familiar with them. If you must use abbreviations or acronyms, make sure to explain what they mean.
Keywords and Accomplishments
One of the most common resume mistakes is failing to include keywords and accomplishments. Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. These systems are designed to scan resumes for certain keywords and phrases. If your resume doesn't include these keywords, it may not be seen by the employer.
Accomplishments are also important to include on your resume. They show employers what you have accomplished in your previous roles. without them, your resume may just be a list of your duties and responsibilities. Be sure to include accomplishments that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
If you want your resume to stand out, make sure to include keywords and accomplishments. These two things will help employers see what you have to offer and why you are the best candidate for the job.
Objective Statement (Objective vs. Goals)
One of the most common resume mistakes is using an objective statement instead of goals. An objective statement simply states what you want to achieve in your career. Goals, on the other hand, are specific and measurable. They explain how you plan to achieve your objectives.
For example, an objective statement might say something like, "I want to become a marketing manager." This doesn't really tell the employer anything about your plans or how you will achieve this objective.
A goal, on the other hand, might say something like, "I will complete a marketing management training program within the next year." This tells the employer that you have a plan and that you are already taking steps to achieve your goal. It also shows that you have the necessary skills for the job.
If you're not sure which to use, it's usually best to stick with goals. They are more specific and show that you have a plan for your career.
Conclusion
Landing a job is tough enough, so you want to make sure your resume is as error-free as possible. Unfortunately, even the most qualified candidates can make mistakes on their resumes that could hurt their chances of getting hired. To help you avoid making these common resume mistakes, we've compiled a list of 10 errors that you should avoid at all costs. By ensuring that your resume is free of these common mistakes, you'll improve your chances of getting called in for an interview and landing the job you've always wanted.