Resume Mistakes to Avoid
Resumes are like product advertisements. In this instance, the product is your resume! This is your first impression. It should be amazing! Your goal is to make your target audience feel like you’re a product advertiser. They must act now to purchase your products before they disappear. Limited quantity! Get in touch now! Your resume will do its job, and you’ll be invited to the next stage. A phone interview or face-to-face meeting. How do you make a resume that is effective?
Writing is an essential skill when creating a resume. Your resume will be evaluated on many factors and will be used as the basis for your interview. Hiring managers will review hundreds of resumes. Sometimes, yours may only have a few seconds to complete its task. It can be tedious to go through a lot of resumes, especially if they are complicated or flawed. Keep it simple and free of errors.
An advertising agency’s Human Resource Manager recounted a memorable resume error. “There were many resumes that contained strange and unneeded personal details, such as weight and hair color but did not include necessary details like skills or achievements. Sally also recalls a cover letter that came with a resume. “The cover letter wasn’t extraordinary, but the mother’s personal recommendation was. This applicant was not considered for an interview, it is obvious.
Ask any human resources manager, and they will tell you that the best resume shows the applicant as a problem solver. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your resume doesn’t get rejected.
1. Grammatical Errors and Typos
You must be professional in your resume. Use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Your resume will be found in the round file if you make mistakes. A 2013 survey found that 58% of employers cited typos as the main reason they tossed out a resume. Proofread and spell-check your resume multiple times. Do you ever read your resume aloud? This can help to spot errors. Sometimes it’s hard to spot mistakes in one’s own resume. Ask a friend to proofread your resume. A fresh pair of eyes is a great help, no matter how skilled you are in editing and writing.
2. False Claims about Previous Work Experience
While a resume can be an advertisement, don’t exaggerate your abilities. Although lying or exaggerating your work experience can help you get an interview, it could backfire on you. Some companies may call to verify employment history or check references. Fibs can be unraveled if you are hired. Skills and job abilities will be tested. Follow the straight and narrow to avoid embarrassing situations. When it comes to selling your skills and work history, and achievements on your resume, you need to distinguish between exaggeration and emphasis.
3. You can’t tailor your resume to a specific position
Resumes are not meant to be generic. Your cover letter should be a description of the value you bring to the company. You can also tailor your resume to the job you are applying for. A tailored resume shows that you are organized and focused.
Congruent value refers to aligning the employer’s needs with your value.
Include keywords from the job posting. Digital scanners are used by most Fortune 1000 companies and other companies to scan resumes. Scanners can find your resume online by using keyword searches. To increase your chances of getting an interview, use a keyword strategy. Remember to use keywords that emphasize the company’s goals in your objective statement.
4. Doing more with your Duties than you do with your Achievement
Your resume can be more than a listing of your responsibilities and duties. A resume can also be used to highlight your achievements and skills. Active statements are a way to demonstrate the value that you have added to your current and previous positions. Don’t be vague when you write “Responsible to raise funds.” Write down your role in “raising funds.” You might try this: “Organized a marathon to raise $50,000 for Hurricane Sandy victims.” Your achievement and value will be better illustrated with numbers and specifics.
While your resume does not have to be your whole life story, it should highlight the key elements that will help you land your next job.
Your achievements and skills will be highlighted. You can customize your profile to highlight only the relevant sections according to the job that you are applying for.