As a recruiter with over a decade of experience and a person who loves data, I've been tracking the most common mistakes that job seekers make.
Hiring teams are often looking for someone who not only fulfills their need but also has attention to detail on their mind. Here are 10, okay really 8 of the most common resume mistakes that job seekers tend to make.
Typos and Grammatical Errors: This is your first impression! Spelling mistakes, incorrect grammar, and other typographical errors can give a negative impression about you, your attention to detail, and your ability to communicate.
Generic or Overused Phrases (watch out for AI generated writing!): Terms like "hardworking," "team player," “value-oriented”, and "results-oriented" do not stand out. Instead, focus on demonstrating these traits through achievements. Tell your true story!
Length Maters (Too Long or Too Short): A resume should be concise.. but detailed enough to tell the world about your skills and experience. Typically, one page is ideal for entry-level positions, two pages for more experienced roles and in some circumstances even longer for technical or executive level roles. Keep in mind, sometimes the most impactful way to present yourself is to clarify your focus/value add to just 1-2 sentences.
Lack of Customization: Sending out the same resume for every job application won't yield the best (or any) results. Tailor your resume to highlight skills and experiences relevant to each specific job. Starbucks makes more than one type of coffee for a reason.
Poor Formatting: Inconsistent fonts, cluttered layouts, or walls of text can make resumes difficult to read. Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent styling to enhance readability. Don’t forget it is not just formatting for readability, but for the ATS scanning your resume!
Not Highlighting Achievements: Simply listing job responsibilities doesn’t show what you have accomplished. Include measurable achievements (e.g., "increased sales by 30%") so you can demonstrate your impact and value add. What did you do besides show up?
Irrelevant Information: Avoid including outdated or not pertinent experiences, personal details (like marital status or age), or hobbies unless they are directly related to the job.
Incorrect or Missing Contact Information: Double-check that your email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if included) are accurate and up-to-date. Also… how professional is your email address? Some companies will hold it against you if you have an unprofessional email address. Standard process should be some combination of your first name and last name, if needed you can add numbers but not something like 69 because you know...
Have you made these mistakes?
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