Your resume is your first chance to make a good impression on potential employers. Make sure you don't blow it by avoiding these common resume mistakes.
1. Inaccurate or Outdated Information
Any inaccuracies, whether intentional or not, can reflect poorly on you and cost you the job.
Be sure to review your resume regularly and update any outdated or inaccurate information, such as:
Your current title or position
The dates you worked for previous employers
Your education (if you've recently completed or are in the process of completing a degree or certification)
Your skills (if you've recently learned new software or acquired new skills)
2. Omitting Relevant Information
When writing your resume, include all relevant information. Omitting essential details, such as job duties, responsibilities, or accomplishments, can give potential employers the wrong impression of your work history and qualifications.
3. Grammar and Spelling Errors
A single spelling or grammar error can make your resume look unprofessional and give potential employers the impression that you're not detail-oriented. Proofread your resume carefully before sending it off.
4. Using meaningless or "filler" words
Use strong, active language. Avoid using filler words or phrases, such as "responsible for," "duties included," or "tasked with." These words don't add value to your resume and can make you sound like you're trying to pad your experience.
5. Using first-person pronouns
Your resume should be written in third person. This means avoiding pronouns such as "I," "me," "my," or "mine." Using first-person pronouns can make your resume sound less professional.
6. Including personal information
Your resume should be about your professional qualifications, not your personal life. Avoid including irrelevant or personal information, such as:
Your age, date of birth, or ethnicity
Your marital status or number of children
Your religious affiliation
Your political views
7. Using unprofessional language or slang
Your resume is a professional document, so it should be written in a professional tone. Avoid using slang, abbreviations, or emoticons.
8. Making your resume too long or too short
Your resume should be long enough to include all relevant information but not so long that it becomes tedious to read. A good rule of thumb is to keep your resume to one or two pages.
9. Creating a generic resume
A generic resume is a one-size-fits-all document you send to every employer without tailoring it to the specific job. This is a big mistake. Your resume should be custom-specific to every job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
10. Using an unprofessional email address
Your email address is another opportunity to make a good impression on potential employers. Avoid using an unprofessional or childish email address, such as "lazybum@gmail.com" or "partyanimal123@yahoo.com." Instead, use a simple, professional email address that includes your first and last name, such as "janesmith@gmail.com" or "johnsmith@yahoo.com."
Making even a small mistake on your resume can cost you the job. So be sure to proofread carefully, update your information regularly, and customize your resume for each job you apply for. Avoiding these common resume mistakes will increase your chances of landing the job you want.