A resume is the key to landing that great job, but it isn’t perfect. If you make a few common mistakes when writing a resume, you could be setting yourself up for failure. Employers spend only six seconds scanning through a resume, so make sure every word conveys the right message. Keep these common mistakes in mind, and you’ll have no trouble writing a stellar resume! Just remember: the more information you include, the more attractive you’ll appear to prospective employers.
First, avoid listing irrelevant skills. Listing skills you’ve had no real use for are a surefire way to turn off a hiring manager. Instead, focus on those that directly relate to the role you’re applying for. For example, if you worked as a programmer, you might want to highlight your experience with computer programs. However, if you worked in customer service, you don’t need to include these skills in your resume.
Employers look at your extracurricular activities as a positive indicator of your potential. However, an employer may question your performance during such a period. If you’ve taken up new skills or traveled to another country, include the details of these activities in your resume. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all recipe for resume writing. Make sure to tailor your resume to the position you’re applying for, and use keywords to make it easier for recruiters to find it.
Another common mistake is missing the contact information. The contact information section of your resume should be on the top, with a brief professional summary on the next page. The professional summary section should contain your skills, work experience, and education. A sloppy resume could make you appear careless and unprofessional. You don’t want to make the hiring manager laugh, or worse, turn the interview down because of a careless mistake.
Avoid excessive length. A resume should be no more than two pages, but it should be long enough to paint a complete picture of your abilities. Employers often have a large stack of resumes to read, so don’t drag out unnecessary details. The length of your resume is also crucial, as employers often scan resumes based on their length. You must remember to be precise. A resume should convey your experiences and soft skills, not be too lengthy or too brief.
