Your resume is supposed to be an exact representation of you. It should put your best qualities on display. Resume mistakes however do the exact opposite. It can show you in a negative light, and characterize you in an unfavourable way. Let’s take a look at a few of these resumes mistakes:
Spelling Mistakes and Grammatical Errors: When you have these resume mistakes present on your resume it shows carelessness. Simple spelling and grammar errors can be picked up by your word document program. Run it through the spell check and proof read it. Also have someone proof it for you, they maybe able to catch something you couldn’t.
Formatting Errors: The font type, size and color should all be the same on your resume. It should be justified to one side and not all over the place. Mistakes like these show a lack of attention to detail. Employers will likely attribute these resume mistakes to errors you might have potentially working for them. Again take the time and proof your resume, even to the smallest detail.
Experience: Your experience should be listed from your most recent job to any job you have had within ten years prior. Ten years is the typical rule of thumb, however to every rule there is an exception. When you list your experience in the opposite direction, from oldest to newest it gets confusing. Employers are used to seeing the experience from recent to oldest – update your resume if your experience goes in the wrong direction.
Additionally, keep the description of your experience succinct. There is nothing worse than a resume that drags on about aspects of your experience that are better displayed in an interview. Here you want to highlight key parts of your experience, things that should be on display. I would advise no more than six bullet points.
Resume mistakes will say a lot about you. It will portray you negatively and could possibly put you out of an opportunity as a result. Take these tips and take it back to your resume. It might be time for a refresher or just a quick read through. Your resume is your ticket it, make sure it is the best it can be!
Great tips, Manraj! These are very useful, there are always ways to improve your resume. Keeping things succinct is key – focus on the aspects of your past experience that will be most applicable to the desired position.
Hi Sam! Being succinct is key for your resume, and especially focusing on past experience as you’ve mentioned. I appreciate the comment, and thanks again for stopping by!