Having an impressive resume is one of the keys to job search success. While that generally means ensuring your application highlights your value clearly, you also need to ensure that you’re not making specific common resume mistakes.
Certain resume missteps make a poor impression, so they could cost you an opportunity. Additionally, other mistakes keep you from showcasing all you have to offer, make you hard to reach, or come with different consequences. Here’s a look at some resume mistakes that could be hurting your job chances and how to avoid them.
Spelling Mistakes and Grammatical Errors
Typos and grammatical errors are one of the most common mistakes found in resumes. These errors can lead to negative impressions about a candidate’s attention to detail or their level of professionalism, neither of which works in a job seeker’s favor.
In today’s job market, where competition is increasing in some fields, these simple mistakes can cost you a job. Since that’s the case, it is essential to ensure that your resume is free of any grammatical errors or typos.
Along with proofreading your application yourself, have someone else review your resume. It’s easy to overlook mistakes in your own work, but a fresh pair of eyes can catch errors that you might have missed. Consider asking a trusted friend or mentor to review your resume and provide feedback, as they may spot mistakes you overlooked or could have other tips.
Incorrect Contact Details
When you’re creating your resume, it’s essential to check and double-check every detail, including your contact information. Incorrect contact information can prevent potential employers from being able to reach you if they want to schedule an interview or otherwise follow up. As a result, it’s crucial to verify that your email address, phone number, and other details are accurate before submitting your resume.
Not Enough Specifics
If your work history information is too vague, the hiring manager will struggle to envision how you provide value. As a result, offering specific details about your experiences is crucial during a job search.
Instead of simply listing your job responsibilities, highlight your achievements and the difference you’ve made in your previous roles. Showcase problems you solved or challenges you overcame, working to quantify the details for a more significant impact.
Cutting Important Information
Many candidates dramatically reduce their resumes assuming that they need to fit their entire work history and other pertinent information on a single page. While being concise isn’t a bad idea, job seekers shouldn’t leave off any vital information.
First, it’s important to note that a two-page resume is acceptable in the majority of cases. Second, even if a position doesn’t seem directly relevant to your career, that doesn’t mean leaving it listed isn’t wise. For example, it’s a chance to highlight valuable transferable skills or ensure there isn’t the appearance of a gap in your work history.
Employers are looking for specific skills and experiences, and leaving out relevant information that could position you as a stronger candidate can hurt your chances of getting the job. As a result, it’s wise to be selective but don’t make unnecessary cuts just to fit everything onto a single page.
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If you’d like to learn more about how to create a strong resume or are currently seeking out new opportunities, TekCom wants to hear from you. Contact us today.
