Resume mistakes can easily land your application in the “maybe next time” pile. Your resume is the first impression you make on employers and if you find you aren’t landing any interviews, you may need assess whether you have been making any of the mistakes listed below.
Are you almost a college grad drafting your resume for the first time or a recent grad trying to land your first big kid job? Or maybe you have been in the working world for a hot minute and you are job searching…whatever your job status is in life, having a stand-out resume is a must!
If you are wondering what the perfect resume looks like, you will get a different answer every time. What you include or don’t include is very subjective. My personal resume has gone through a complete 180 transformation since my college days and I have certainly made my fair share of resume mistakes. Is my current resume the end all, be all of resumes…no! But it has landed me some pretty incredible career opportunities.
As the intern liaison for our Forensic Services Unit resumes come across my desk on a regular basis. I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing some impressive resumes and some not-so-stellar resumes (unfortunately).
So what exactly are those resume deal-breakers that are costing you the interview or the job itself? Below is a list of my top resume mistakes to avoid! If you want hiring managers to feel super optimistic about you, avoid these cringe-worthy resume mistakes!
Resume Mistakes to Avoid
Typos/ Grammar Mistakes
Y’all, cannot spell to save my life…just ask my mother! And my grammar? Forget about it! I think I slept through all of my language arts/English classes as a kid because I seriously lack in these departments. Luckily for me and all of you, technology has advanced and we have access to spell check and free Grammarly apps that check our spelling and grammar for us…USE THEM!
I’m sure you are rolling your eyes reading this as checking for typos is clearly obvious, but I put it on my list for a reason. We are human and we make simple mistakes. Typos are one of them. After you have run your resume through the grammar and spell checker, give it to someone you trust to review. A second pair of eyes on your resume never hurt!
Too Vague or Not Customizing to meet Job Listing
When someone is reading your resume, they want to have a clear understanding of what your experience was like at your internship or past areas of employment. They want to know that you are capable of performing the skills of the job you are seeking. Make sure to include your job title, dates employed, and responsibilities.
Also, make mention of any pertinent certifications and professional memberships. Hiring agencies like to know that you are an active member of the professional community.
Lacking Buzzwords
When reviewing resumes employers like to see buzzwords or action words, specifically in your job history section. Words like “advised, developed, implemented, prepared, trained, etc” make your resume stand out and seem strong. #lovetoseeit.
On the flip side, do not go overboard with the buzzwords. Make sure you are using them organically and where they actually fit. Stuffing your resume with overused action verbs makes it feel less genuine and forced. There is a fine line to walk on this hot tip.
Too Cluttered
You want your resume to be a condensed, to-the-point summary of your education, work experience, and accomplishments. Make sure to only include imperative information that is going to help land you the job. Having your high school part-time job on your resume is most likely null and void at this point. If it is not relevant to the job/position you are applying for, take it off!
The design of your resume is something to consider as well. When it comes to the actual layout or format, less is always more! (Disclaimer: Unless you are in a design field, then this tip may not be for you) You are not Elle Woods…your resume does not need to be flashy, on pink paper, or scented HAH! A simple, crisp design that is easy to read is what employers are looking for. Easy to skim!
Using an Objective Statement
Unless your objective statement is going to knock a hiring manager’s socks off and sets you so far apart from every other “eager applicant looking to pursue xyz”, don’t include it! This move is very 5 years ago and screams “young and inexperienced”. Do your future self a favor and do not waste any more of your precious time coming up with the perfect opening statement.
Too Long
Resumes are meant to be short and sweet. If you are exceeding more than two pages, try considering a CV (curriculum vitae). Go through each of your important headers and weed out sections that won’t make or break you. Also, try condensing your wording…your resume is not a novel.
When it comes to the final draft of your resume, make sure it is a complete representation of the education and skills you can bring to the table. If this is the first impression you are making on hiring managers, make sure to dazzle them with your greatness!
