On average, hiring managers look at a resume for just six seconds. To make a good impression you’ll need to keep your resume clear, concise, and readable. You’ll also need to steer clear of common mistakes that might lead your resume straight into the ‘reject’ pile. No need to worry, Adecco is here to help you avoid these mistakes and land you that next job interview.
Mistake 1: Overlooking proofreading
A solitary typo or spelling error can be the undoing of your resume. While errors are commonplace, spotting them on your resume and cover letter sends a clear signal that either a) you didn’t invest the effort to proofread, or b) you proofread but failed to catch mistakes. In either case, it doesn’t project well to potential employers.
To avert grammatical and spelling errors, it’s wise to have not just one, but several individuals review your resume. Seek individuals with strong editing skills who can meticulously assess your work.
It’s also imperative to ensure consistency in tense usage—reserve the present tense only for your current role’s responsibilities.
Mistake 2: Your Resume is longer than one page
While it might require some skillful formatting, it’s important to keep your resume to just one singular page. Even with a decade and a half of professional experience, the emphasis should be on choosing the most pertinent experiences aligned with the role you’re pursuing.
The one-page guideline might seem arbitrary, yet it promotes conciseness. A one-page format, using standard margins, compels you to be succinct and to present only the most pertinent details. With employers sifting through numerous resumes, the ability to rapidly scan, identify key information, and decide whether to retain or discard your resume within seconds is crucial.
Mistake 3: Failing to tailor your resume for each job application
Tailoring your resume for each specific role might appear tedious when applying for multiple positions. However, it’s a task that pays off- big time. A generic resume gives the impression that you are applying to every role and that you lack passion for the specific one that they’re looking to fill.
To customize your resume for a specific job, begin by meticulously studying and comprehending the job description. Which requirements stand out? Are there recurrent mentions of specific skills? Which responsibilities directly correlate with your experience and abilities?
Once the job and its requirements are clear, restructure your resume so that the most relevant experience appears toward the top of the page. Whether it’s your initial post-college employment or an earned certification, prioritize it. Sequential order isn’t a mandate; prompt the hiring manager to spot your pertinent experience first.
Mistake 4: Using subjective traits
Does your resume include any of the following?
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Works well on a team.
- Strong initiative.
- Creative individual.
- Leadership capabilities
If so, get rid of them! These hackneyed buzzwords saturate resumes and are entirely subjective. While you might indeed possess excellent communication skills and a strong work ethic, the same claim could be made by countless others without any evidence. To substantiate these skills, include any experiences that provide evidence for such claims.
Employers are prone to disregard subjective assertions and jargon on resumes. They seek factual data, quantifiable achievements, and evidence substantiating the traits you claim to possess. To determine what to feature on your resume, think about which of your accomplishments demonstrate leadership, work ethic, or any other qualities you wish to convey to employers.
Mistake 5: Omitting a resume objective/summary
Consider the resume objective/summary as an ultra-concise version of a cover letter. It’s a brief segment at the top of your resume that describes your interest in a specific role, your qualifications, and your potential contributions to the company.
Despite being such a short text, this segment underscores your confidence, communication prowess, and writing skills – attributes highly regarded by hiring managers. It’s an avenue to tailor your resume for a specific job and employer, and an opportunity to pay a compliment.
Here’s a sample resume objective:
Two decades of successfully overseeing operations at large-scale manufacturing companies. Seeking to apply my communication, organizational, and interpersonal proficiencies to bring positive change to your business and my career through the implementation of proven structural strategies.
Is your resume free of these mistakes? If you’re ready to start applying for jobs, explore our wide array of opportunities now!