When reviewing your resume for the first time, hiring managers look for 'red flags' and reasons not to hire you. So, any mistake or shortcoming can jeopardize the success of your job search. To help you evaluate the quality of your resume, we've collected the list of the most common mistakes in resumes that can cost you an interview:
Grammar and spelling issues
77% of hiring managers reject resumes that have typos or grammatical issues. So, when it comes to grammar, punctuation, style and meaning of your resume, each line should be perfect. As a rule, recruiters see mistakes as the lack of attention to detail or general sloppiness, which isn't the impression that you'd like to make.
Incorrect resume length
Quite often, job-seekers submit a resume that takes less than one page, or send a five-page resume. Both cases show that you cannot present yourself and prioritize information. Keep your resume to one full page if you are a student or changing careers, and use the second page if you have 5+ years of experience or are applying for a management position. Longer resumes can turn off the hiring managers.
Lack of achievements and results of work
Listing daily job duties and skills without evidence of how you used those skills is one of the biggest resume mistakes. The employers wish to see the results you've achieved in the previous roles, and the achievements that prove your professionalism. So, make sure to use facts, numbers, context, and awards to show that you are ready to exceed expectations if hired.
Sending the same resume to all jobs
When it comes to resume writing, you need to optimize the resume for each specific job posting. Generic resumes don't work as they don't contain the needed keywords, and ATS software tosses them. Moreover, a generic resume does not explain the hiring manager how your past expertise aligns with the role and can be helpful for their company.
No keywords
Any certified professional resume writer will tell you that, without the right keywords, your resume will not be seen by a human hiring manager. Thus, it is essential to add the keywords from the job posting and industry keywords to pass the ATS screening. Do not copy and paste the keywords, use them naturally in bullets and the skills list.
Including the irrelevant details
A resume should be written with a specific role in mind, so you can remove any irrelevant details such as early jobs, outdated skills and hobbies, if irrelevant. If you have decades of experience, you may skip jobs you had over 15 years ago.
Stretching the truth
It is normal to brag about your achievements and other impressive results. Yet, including a fake degree, employment or listing a programming language you don't know can lead to negative consequences. Once the employer finds out the truth, they are most likely to reject your candidacy, and other companies might not want to work with you in the future because of your bad reputation.
These are only a few examples of mistakes that can jeopardize your job search. If you want to be confident in the quality of your resume, our San Diego resume writing services will help anytime.
