Avoid These Common Resume Writing Mistakes
Applying for a new job is a multi-part process. You can’t just give up your general resume and cover letter; everything must be tailored to a specific position. It makes sense – and it presents you in the best possible light to potential employers – but it’s also a lot of work.
Of course, when you are preparing your application for a job, it will be helpful for you to make sure that your resume is in great shape. But what exactly does it look like? ResumeLab consulted with 100 professional resume writers and career professionals to identify the most common resume mistakes and how to avoid them. Here are the top three that shouldn’t be done.
Ignoring a job posting
We said this at the top, but it bears repeating: it would definitely be easier to submit the same resume for every job you are applying for, but unfortunately that doesn’t work. In fact, 100% of the professionals surveyed stated that this could lead to immediate rejection of your resume. The best way to avoid this fate is to adapt your resume draft to include the keywords from your job posting. According to ResumeLab :
Each resume you submit must be personalized according to the requirements of the vacancy you are applying for. This is not rocket science. In fact, you have a very clear outline of the keywords to include on this resume: the job offer itself!
Why is it so important? First, most large companies nowadays use Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to scan a resume before it reaches the decision maker. ATS is programmed to search for relevant keywords in a resume. If he can’t find them on yours, you won’t get a pass, that’s all.
In addition, on your resume, you must show that you are the right candidate for the role – in fact, this cannot be done without specifying keywords related to the required skills or areas of expertise.
Applying for a job may seem like a numbers game, but taking the extra time to list keywords for that job on your resume can help you stand out – or avoid being completely overlooked.
Using a non-professional email address
Does the email address you use on your job application contain anything other than your first and last name, and possibly a tasteful number (like not 69)? If so, you’ll want to get a new one (even if you only use it for work): 100% of resume professionals surveyed said that listing a non-professional email address on your resume is a big problem, noting that the only elements that may be Your e-mail address:
- Your names
- Your initials
- Numbers
In addition, career experts advise against using your current work email address when applying for a job because “it looks unprofessional and casts doubt on your honesty.”
Typos
This should be taken for granted, but check your resume (or have someone else do it) before submitting it. Then subtract it again. Everyone is wrong and includes a typo here or there, but that’s not what you want on your resume. In fact, 99% of the resume writers surveyed stated that this is also a serious issue that can send your resume straight to the trash can.