Top 10 Resume Mistakes That Will Short-Circuit Your Job Search

Does your resume contain errors that prevent you from being considered for that “ideal” job? It most likely is, even if it was prepared by a resume professional. With an average of six job seekers for every opening in the US, recruiters and hiring managers receive thousands of resumes for every listing. With that in mind, you have about five seconds to convince them to read on and it won’t take more than 15 seconds before they decide whether or not to interview. Most recruiters will tell you that when they scan resumes, they initially look for easy reasons to eliminate candidates in order to “cut the pile” of email junk. Here are some common mistakes veteran recruiters make.

1. Non-professional contact information

If you’re using an email address that sounds like “Billy&JohnnysDad@,” you’re giving recruiters and hiring managers a quick reason to say no. A similar error is using an email address that appears as some kind of “pbi439_jht@” code. If your resume makes it to the interview pile, you may never know it because an assistant accidentally misspelled your email. Jumpstart your job search and create a new email address that’s simple and professional. Your first and last name is the best way to go, and if it’s not available through your preferred provider, simply add a middle initial or simple number to the end. As you review your contact information, please take a few minutes to consider the phone number you are providing. Make sure your voicemail sounds clear and professional. Don’t use a shared phone number, use a cell phone, or add a dedicated line through your carrier.

2. Include a “me-focused” goal

Employers don’t care what you want; They care about solving a problem. They want to hire someone who will solve their problem, and they’re not particularly concerned with where they fit into their career goals. While that may be a question during an interview, on your resume you should focus on how you can help the company. What you should include is a headline or brand statement that speaks directly to what the employer needs. This must be refined and customized for each offer.

3. Emphasize job duties, rather than accomplishments.

Resumes should primarily have high-impact statements about your accomplishments that ties directly to the job description. This allows you to sell yourself as the best candidate. Avoid phrases like “including responsibilities” or “including duties” and focus on measurable accomplishments that set you apart from other job candidates.

4. Use hard-to-read fonts and formats

Before your resume reaches human eyes, it will likely go through an applicant tracking software system that will determine if your resume should move forward. Fancy fonts and formats are unreadable by the software and will be rejected immediately. Also, since recruiters and hiring managers typically review resumes electronically first, online readability is essential. Use simple, clear fonts and avoid fancy lines and graphics.

5. Include references on your resume

Your referrals are a vital resource and you don’t want to disrespect their willingness to help you by spamming their contact information to every company you apply to. Instead, write them down on a separate sheet that you provide only when requested as part of the interview process. Also, there is no need to include the “references available upon request” line on your resume. It’s supposed to and just wastes space.

6. Including salary expectations

Never include points related to salary in the resume. It will distract the reader’s attention and they may miss the opportunity to interview you. It’s best to keep it off your resume entirely. If this information is requested in a job application, it is best to include the information in the cover letter. It’s also better to use a broad salary range rather than a specific number.

7. Not including the reason for leaving

If you have gaps in your resume or if you’ve made any job changes that may seem questionable on paper, answer the questions on your resume. A hiring manager will ask and answer the question for you if information that is not in your best interest is not provided.

8. Poorly organized

While writing your resume, you must maintain a proper order of importance. Make sure it’s organized in a way that’s easy to follow. Job titles are more important than dates of employment. It is better to put the educational details last. If you are a recent graduate, then you just need to highlight it. More importance should be given to information that meets the needs of employers.

9. Typos and grammatical errors

It may sound insignificant, but a small spelling or grammatical mistake can cost you the job you’re applying for. Your resume must be grammatically perfect; Otherwise, you will create the impression of a careless person in the mind of employers.

10. Unrelated information

Mention facts that give you credibility as a job applicant. You should avoid including information on your resume that has nothing to do with the job you are applying for. Very often, job seekers make this mistake when talking about their hobbies or achievements. If you’re applying for a software developer position, what’s the point of claiming being a wrestling champion as one of your accomplishments?