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1. Typographical errors
Many resumes are eyesores to the recruiters because they are written with a lot of typographical errors. It is not surprising that such a poorly written resume will never stand out among the resumes of other candidates. Some of the biggest typographical errors in resume writing include:·
- Incorrect spelling·
- Wrong use of punctuation marks·
- Misused words
If you want to avoid this resume mistake, you should take the time to proofread your resume. You can also use one of the proofreading software programs available online nowadays. These programs can check spelling, punctuation marks, wordiness, sloppiness, overuse of some words and so on.
2. Skills with evidence
A professional resume should not just tell the hiring managers the things you can do; it should be able to show them evidence of how you have demonstrated them in the past. Showing evidence of the things you can do boosts your credibility in the eyes of the recruiters; hence, giving you a chance to be invited for an interview and get the role. So, don’t just describe your skills; show instances where you have displayed your skills by using the STAR approach. The approach involves:·
- Situation – the issue that made you showcase your skills·
- Task – the work that you needed to accomplish·
- Action – the thing you did to complete the task·
- The result – the metrics of what you achieved after the action
3. Generic resumes
Considering the troubles involved in resume writing, you may be tempted to submit a generic resume for all jobs that you are applying for. However, this is one of the most common resume mistakes that can hamper your chances of getting a job. Your generic resume will probably end up in the reject pile. So, you must learn to take the pain of customizing your resume to suit each job that you are applying for.
4. Lack of relevant keywords
Nowadays, many recruiters are using software to choose the right resumes, especially when there are many candidates interested in the job. The software programs often select resumes based on the relevant keywords that are inside them. Therefore, if you make the mistake of not adding keywords that are related to the role you are applying for, the hiring managers may not even notice your resume.
5. Overused phrases and clichés
Some phrases and words appear so often in most resumes. These words and phrases make your resume look like every other resume and may make the hiring managers lose interested in what you are capable of offering. Similarly, vague wording can also make your resume look boring and meaningless. Some of the overused words and clichés to avoid include innovative, creative, expert, and excellent. You should rather find creative and meaningful phrases and words that can give your resume a competitive edge over others.
6. Irrelevant experience
Another common mistake is adding irrelevant experience to your resume. Unless they are all important to the job position you are currently trying to get, there is no need for you to include all the jobs you have done in the past. Before adding any particular experience in your resume, ask yourself if the experience will add any value to your resume or not. If the experience is irrelevant to the position you are applying for, you should leave it out.
7. A resume that is too short or too long
When it comes to the length of your resume, moderation is key. Avoid the mistakes of writing a resume that is too long or too short. Generally, your resume should create a good first impression that shows the relevant experiences you have, your academic qualification, and other important information. But adding these sets of information does not mean your resume should have 4 or 5 pages. On the other hand, your quest to keep the resume short should not make you leave out the vital information that will boost your chances of getting the job. Unless there is a reason to do otherwise, make sure that your resume does not exceed two pages. Typically, a well-written two-page resume should be able to show your suitability for a job.
8. Incorrect or wrong contact information
As unbelievable as this resume mistake may sound, many job applicants submit resumes with wrong or incorrect contact information. As a result of this error, it may be impossible for the potential employer to contact you. So, when writing your resume, double-check your contact information and be certain that it is correct.
9. Unprofessional email addresses
Funky and unprofessional email addresses may sound amazing and eye-catching but they may work against you when they are added to your resume. So, if you are one of those using email addresses such as sexyhippyboy@email.com, you should consider changing it now. You should rather use an email address that has your name or something else that sounds professional and mature.
10. Inconsistent format
Generally, your resume should be sent as a PDF because this format does not change the format of your resume irrespective of the operating system of the person opening it. Besides, make sure that you use easy-to-read and clean font sizes, colors, and types throughout your resume. However, in some situations, your potential employer may want your resume to be submitted in a particular format. Hence, you have to stick to the required format.Overall, if you have issues with writing a great resume, think about hiring resume writing professionals to help you.
