A well-written resume is crucial to landing a job in today’s competitive job market. A poorly written one can be an obstacle to finding employment. You might be making the mistake of not taking the time to properly prepare your resume, which can have consequences in terms of your job search such as not getting pre-selected and not getting contacted at all.
Here are some:
1. Not tailoring it to the job you are applying for: Many resumes are generic, with little to no attention paid to the specific skills and qualifications required for the job. This is a problem, as employers are looking for candidates with specific skills and experience. A resume that doesn’t demonstrate how the job seeker’s skills and qualifications align with the job’s requirements is unlikely to get a second glance from a hiring manager. This is where I still see people making endless list about their job description instead of focus on quantifiable achievements.
2. Adding irrelevant information: This can include information about past jobs or experiences that don’t relate to the job you are applying for and irrelevant personal information. These can be a turn-off for hiring managers, as it suggests that you are not paying attention to the job’s requirements or are not serious about the job search. Also make sure you’re not including information that is considered illegal in the country you are targeting.
3. The use of jargon, buzzwords, and complex sentences: Hiring managers are busy people who don’t have time to go through them. They’re looking for concise and easy to understand resumes. Strive to use simple, straightforward language and avoid jargon or buzzwords.
4. Ill formatted resumes: Unprofessional formatting and typography can make your resume look unprofessional and unorganized. Too many colors and fonts or a weird layout can distract the hiring manager from the crucial information on your resume.
To avoid these mistakes and give yourself the best chance of landing a job, you must create an effective resume that makes a positive impression on hiring managers to get invited to sit for an interview.