The down economy that created a flooded market of job seekers is definitely a difficult wall to break through when it comes to finding a job. It might also be that your resume could use a little spit shine. Putting together a refined resume sounds like obvious advice, but you wouldn’t believe the sheer volume of applicants who send out sloppy resumes. To make sure yours doesn’t get sent to the shredder check out these 5 mistakes to avoid:
1. Wrong Company Name
Sounds stupid, right? But it’s an easy mistake to make when you have seen your resume a billion times and no longer register the important details. To help ensure you have the right company name listed, keep a template resume on hand and highlight the spot where the company name goes in a bright shade so that each time you scan through your resume, you’ll know what needs special attention.
2. Irrelevant Skills and Achievements
If you are applying to be a web designer, there is no need to mention having won the state title in track and field your freshman year of college. It also is not relevant to mention that you are an ethical person and therefore have no intentions of stealing office supplies. Stick to the relevant facts and you’ll be fine.
3. Being too Creative
Sure you want to set yourself apart from the masses, but going overboard and creating a mini-novel or a resume so fancy it’s no longer professional does not send the right message. Instead, look through books and websites for cool resume formatting ideas and take cues from them. Blend a few formats together to create your own signature style that will help get you noticed.
4. Being too Honest
Honesty is the definite route to take, but steer clear of opening up the flood gates in your objective by saying you are desperate for a job. On that same note, always disclose jail time when you are asked about it, but there is no need to mention in italicized bold at the top of a resume that you just finished a 4 year stint in prison.
5. Spelling Mistakes and Contradictions
Nothing looks worse than priding yourself on your attention to detail, then following it up with a spelling mistake. Definitely have a proof reader go through your carefully crafted resume to at least make sure the basics like spelling and grammar are covered.
Once your resume is in top shape, bask in the phone calls and interviews as they roll in. Make sure to save the jeans for casual days and show up to your interview in a sharp suit that, if possible, is tailored to fit you well; even if it’s just the sleeves and pant length.
This article was contributed by Nadine Bedford.
lol proof reading is a must, one of my friends was trying to find a summer coop through the university and never got any responses. The following year he got his resume reviewed by the coop coordinator and right away she pointed out that he had spelled “Extra-Circular Activities” instead of “Extra-Curricular Activities”. That was 2-3 years ago and we still make fun of him.
My advice, never settle with one resume. Make sure every time you prepare to submit a job application that you review your resume and compare it to the job description. Does your resume clearly state that you have all the necessary skills? Can the reader (your potential employer) understand what skills/experiences you have obtained (i.e. is it direct and not too technical)? After asking these questions be sure to correct or modify your resume so it is tailored for the position you are applying for. FYI, this is NOT 100% applicable, some employers or HR personnel look for key words and other semantics you may not have any clue about. Just hope for the best and put that 150% into each job application you submit.