Looking for a new job, whether you’re unemployed or want to make a career change, can be stressful. The resume is usually the first impression employers get of applicants, so it should make the right impression.
Job-seekers tend to make errors on their resumes. We’ll explain the resume writing mistakes every job hunter must avoid to start the application on the right foot.
1. Making Spelling and Grammar Errors
Every job seeker must confirm their job credentials, including their resume, cover letter, and application, are free of spelling and grammar errors. When recruiters and employers spot these basic mistakes, they might immediately move on to the next applicant.
Spelling and grammar errors are the easiest things to fix yet can go overlooked. Simple errors tell recruiters that the applicant lacks attention to detail. A serious infraction for employers. Reread your resume to identify potential mistakes, have friends read it to look for errors, and use online grammar and spelling tools to ensure your resume is mistake-free.
2. Using a Generic Resume
One-size-fits-all doesn’t work when it comes to resumes. Submitting a generic resume that doesn’t relate your skills and experiences to the job you’re applying for can leave hiring managers unimpressed. Customizing your résumé demonstrates genuine interest and effort. Analyze the job description, identify the skills and qualifications it demands, and integrate them into your resume.
3. Focusing on Tasks, Not Achievements
A resume that lists your previous job duties will seem mundane and fail to demonstrate your true value. Employers want to know how you contributed to the success of past employers. Highlight your achievements and quantifiable results.
For example, if you want to write a freelance resume, you need to let yourself shine by listing your achievements and what it means for your skills and work ethic. This is especially important for freelancers, as it shows they can work on their own successfully.
4. Including Irrelevant Information
While you might be proud of your many skills and experiences, not all of them are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Including irrelevant information can clutter your resume and distract from your qualifications.
Instead, list skills and experiences that directly relate to the position you’re targeting. Leave out extraneous details, and align each section with the job requirements to make your application concise.
5. Overstuffing or Understating Information
Another resume-writing mistake every job hunter must avoid is overstuffing the document. A resume that looks too busy can overwhelm hiring managers and dilute key points. While underplayed details might leave them questioning your qualifications.
Consulting a professional résumé-writing service can help you find the right balance and tone of information for your resume. Consider reaching out to professional resume experts to get a specialist’s opinion on how much and what information to include in your résumé.
Craft Your Perfect Resume
Many mistakes can trip up job seekers as they try to craft the perfect resume. As long as you can avoid these common errors, you’ll create a resume that’s professional, eye-catching, and compelling to job recruiters everywhere.