A resume is one of the most essential documents in your job applications. It showcases your achievements, academics, skills, and work history. Employers use it to help determine your fit for a particular position. Whether you are an entry-level or an experienced professional, it is important to make sure your resume is free of mistakes. Learning about common mistakes can help you better craft your resume that employers will want to read. In this article, read and learn about what mistakes you could be making and how to correct them.
Spelling and Grammar Errors
According to CNBC, one of the most common mistakes is spelling and grammar errors. One single spelling or grammar mistake might be the one obstacle between you and your desired job. You may find yourself not editing closely if your desired job does not pertain to writing or editing. However, no matter what position or job field you are applying for, being free of grammar and spelling errors is crucial. Having an error-free resume shows your attention to detail and communication. This shows employers you can communicate effectively with co-workers supervisors and clients.
Some of the most common mistakes are missing words and using the wrong tense. Even if you have read your resume multiple times, it is easy to miss missing words. Typically these are small words that you might skim over but can make or break your resume. To avoid this mistake, have someone you know to read it over for you to make sure you do not miss anything. Additionally, make sure you talk about old jobs in the past tense and your current job in the present tense.
Using the Same Resume for Multiple Job Applications
If you are in the midst of the job search and are sending in applications, you might find yourself sending in the same resume. Most job postings are not the same and require different skills and knowledge. Even if you are applying to similar companies, the culture and needs might be different. For each job you apply to, create a different version of your resume for it.
For example, use keywords and skills that are in the job description in your resume. This further shows your attention to detail and makes a lasting impression on employers. Show care and initiative by catering your resume to each position you apply to. This small effort can make a big impression on employers.
Too Much Information
When writing your resume, use the “less, is more” principle. Focus on the quality of the content you are providing, not the quantity. The average recruiter spends 7 seconds reviewing your resume, so make every word count. Helpful tips include writing short and concise sentences. In addition, make sure these sentences start with an action verb. Focus on specific results of your work, significant achievements, and recognitions received. If you are writing a traditional resume, try to keep all of your information on one page.
To shorten your resume, omit sections that are not as important. This includes irrelevant volunteer work, outdated credentials, class lists, and irrelevant jobs. Too much information can potentially make your resume difficult to read. Maximize your resume space by using current, and relevant career information.
Formatting Your Resume Incorrectly
When crafting your resume, there are plenty of ways to organize and design it. However, there are several design mistakes you might be making. As much as hiring managers want to hire someone that stands out, the simpler you keep your resume the better. The risk of being overlooked is greater than the benefit of being creative.
For example, leave overly creative and uncommon fonts off your resume. As much as hiring managers want to hire someone who stands out, uncommon fonts can make it difficult to read. Instead, opt for common fonts. They are common for a reason as they are easy to read and liked by most readers. In addition, do not use too much color or polarizing color. A little color can add emphasis to important parts of your document. However, too much color or using a color that people do not like can make the resume difficult to read. The best colors to use on a resume are black, blue, and gray.
Lastly, similar to your font and color choice, using overly complicated formats run similar risks. The goal is for your resume to be easily read. If your format is hard to follow, your recruiter or employer will struggle to read and process the information. A simple format to follow is using your name as a header, followed by the contact information, education, and then work history.
Follow This Final Tip
If you have followed these tips and are seeking resume help, contact your local Michigan Works!. Our dedicated staff in our Career Centers can help you craft the perfect resume to secure your next position. In addition, Michigan Works! also has no-cost employability workshops. Our “Resume In A Day” workshop helps our job seekers prepare and polish their resumes in just one day.
At Michigan Works! we can help you with: focusing and tailoring your resume, writing a career summary, organizing your work history, and more! We can even help with other important career documents.
