Biggest Resume Mistakes
No matter how qualified you are, you can’t score a great job without the right resume. Your CV is often the first and only chance you have to make a good impression. You’re just one job hunter out of potentially hundreds vying for the same position. If your resume is filled with the following mistakes, your job prospects could be doomed.
Bad Grammar and Spelling
There’s no excuse for misspellings or typos in the age of online grammar checkers and word processing programs. Whether you’re applying for an entry-level job or an executive position, an inability to use correct punctuation, spelling and grammar makes you look bad. Run your resume through spelling and grammar checkers, and have a friend give it a read-through for good measure.
Incomplete, Irrelevant or Outdated Information
Accuracy matters in any employment situation. In fact, 27 percent of managers cite lack of exact dates as one of the major issues that will cause them to give an applicant a pass. You should also make sure that your resume is updated regularly, and only include experience and training that’s relevant to that specific job.
Personal Information
It’s illegal for employers to ask personal questions about age or marital status. On the flip side, it’s inappropriate for you to add such information to your resume.
Being Too Vague or Wordy
If your CV is more than one page, chances are that it will end up in the wastebasket. Be concise and to the point. You should clearly state qualifications and experience.
Using Inflated Language
Self-aggrandizement is another no-no. If you’ve accomplished something, state it plainly without hyperbole or exaggerating your achievements. Assume that all of your information will be checked.
Omitting Skillsets and Keywords
Many managers will look for certain keywords or skillsets to weed out applicants before making callbacks. Read the job description clearly, and use words and phrases that highlight your suitability.
The average hiring manager looks at a resume for approximately six seconds before deciding whether to pass or not.