A resume is a job seeker’s calling card when looking for a job. Of course, it is very difficult to make an ideal resume, because different employers have different ideas about a quality resume and an ideal candidate. But in this article we would like to highlight the main mistakes that are often seen in the resumes of job seekers.
What are the typical mistakes job seekers make in their resumes?
The response is the first contact with the future employer. Make it as simple as possible, answer exactly the questions asked in the resume.
- Too much information
In this case, remember that a resume is not an autobiography, and there is no need to give as much detail as possible about every position you have worked in.
A professional who is looking for a job needs to align the resume with the vacancy / desired position. To do this, you should mentally answer the following questions and adjust the information based on them:
- What knowledge, skills, abilities, skills does the employer want to see in the job seeker?
- What skills he considers the most important, key, and which can be considered secondary?
- What points in work experience are key for the employer (general experience, work with certain tasks/technologies, experience in large companies/in international markets, etc.).
If there are points where the employer’s requirements and your skills match, write about it in your cover letter and be sure to reflect them in your resume.
- Too little or no information
Many job seekers believe that brevity is the sister of talent. But don’t forget about the key skills you have to offer a potential employer.
Demonstrate your key competencies. Think about what knowledge, skills, and accomplishments are appropriate for a particular job opening.
For example, if you want to get a job as a website promotion specialist, it makes sense to mention taking courses in SEO and bringing the company’s website to the top positions in a search query.
- grammatical errors
A recruiter looks at hundreds of resumes in a day. Errors in writing can be different – the employer will easily understand the presence of a typo in the resume. But if a specialist makes mistakes in professional terms, the chances of getting a job are significantly reduced.
We advise you to double-check the spelling of words. This can be done with the help of online services. Also try to avoid complex sentences with excessive use of participial and de-partial turns. It is better to write simple short sentences that are easier to understand.
- Presence of negative information
Include only positive information about you and your activities in your resume. Do not criticize past employers, do not focus on difficulties and disappointments (except for situations where you were able to overcome difficulties and gain recognition).
- Inappropriate photo or lack thereof
Remember that it is important for the employer to have an idea of who is coming to the interview. Try to avoid formal photos like a passport photo or selfies from a coffee shop. We advise choosing a shot in a neutral setting where you are relaxed and happy. Also provide true information about yourself (full name, age, city).