Good resume writing requires practice. Small things can make a big difference.
Your resume should reflect your best qualities.
We talk to resume writing specialists at Careerpro Atlanta about some of the most common resume writing mistakes people make and how you can avoid them.
So, let’s get started:
1. Failing to proofread and edit their resume
One of the most important things you can do when writing your resume is to proofread and edit it carefully. A single typo or grammatical error could be enough to eliminate you from consideration for a job, so you must take the time to review your resume before submitting it.
2. Not tailoring their resume to each job they apply for
Another common mistake people make when writing their resume is failing to tailor it to each job they apply for. Generic resumes that don’t address the specific requirements of the job are often immediately discarded by employers, so it’s essential to take the time to customize your resume for every position you apply for.
3. Writing too much about their job duties and not enough about their accomplishments
When writing your resume, it’s important to focus on your achieved results rather than the day-to-day tasks you were responsible for in previous positions. Your resume should highlight specific projects you completed or the amount of money you saved the company, rather than simply listing all of your job duties. Large amounts of text may turn off some employers, so keep your descriptions brief but filled with specifics when possible!
4. Including irrelevant information that doesn’t show off their skills or qualifications
It can also be a mistake to include too much information on your resume that doesn’t directly relate to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a position in marketing, it may not be relevant to include information about your experience as a server at a restaurant. Only have information pertinent to the position’s specific requirements and effectively show off your skills and qualifications.
5. Including too many personal details or irrelevant hobbies or interests
People make another common mistake when writing their resumes by including too much personal information, such as their marital status or religious beliefs. Similarly, it can also be viewed negatively if someone has unrelated hobbies or interests on their resume, so keep this information brief and focus only on work-related activities whenever possible!
6. Failing to showcase their unique skills and qualifications
One of the most important things you can do when writing your resume is to highlight the unique skills and qualifications that make you stand out from other candidates. Your resume should be a marketing tool that showcases why you’re the best person for the job, so don’t be afraid to toot your own horn a bit!
7. Not using industry-specific keywords or phrases
Finally, another common mistake people make when writing their resume is failing to use industry-specific keywords or phrases. Many companies now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes and determine which candidates are worth considering for a position, so it’s important to include relevant keywords throughout your resume. If you’re unsure which keywords or phrases to use, try looking at job postings for similar positions and including the most commonly used terms in your resume.
8. Not Hiring professional resume writers.
Professional resume writers have the necessary experience and knowledge to help you craft an effective resume that will get you noticed by employers. While it may be tempting to save some money by writing your resume yourself, it’s usually not worth the risk. If you’re not confident in your ability to write an effective resume, it’s always best to leave the job to the professionals!
If you’re looking for help writing a resume that will get you noticed by employers, consider hiring a professional resume writer. These experts have years of experience crafting resumes that effectively showcase their clients’ skills and qualifications, so they can help ensure your resume makes an impact.
How to avoid these mistakes?
It’s important to take the time to carefully review and revise your resume before submitting it to employers. You may also want to seek out feedback from other professionals or career experts who can offer their advice on making your resume more effective.
If you’re unsure which keywords or phrases to include in your resume. In that case, you can always look at job postings for similar positions or consult with a recruiter or other career professional for advice. With some careful planning and effort, you’ll be able to create an effective resume that will help you stand out from the competition and get hired!