While a good resume allows candidates to separate themselves from the pack, a poor resume can prevent many qualified candidates from reaching the interview stage. In nearly every industry, there are key resume errors, or red flags, that can cause employers to discard resumes. To ensure success in the job searching process, avoid these top resume mistakes:
Grammar and Spelling Errors
According to a 2007 CareerBuilder.com survey, 63 percent of human resource managers reported that spelling errors are the most annoying mistakes they see on resumes. Grammar and spelling errors may seem elementary, but it’s easy for writers to skip over their own mistakes because they know how the words are supposed to read. These red flags can show potential employers inattention to detail and poor communication skills. To prevent this, job candidates should always read their resumes aloud and have at least one other person (preferably a professional editor) thoroughly review their resumes.
Personal Information
Resumes should highlight skills, achievements and experience necessary to perform work tasks and exceed in a working environment. Personal interests not related to the position or information about family and friends just takes up a space and a hiring manager’s time. Job applicants should also nix headshots with resumes.
Irrelevant Experience
All experience listed on a resume should be applicable to a specific open position, so job seekers may need to create multiple, customized versions of their resumes. Thirty percent of HR managers from the CareerBuilder.com survey cited resumes that aren't customized as one of the top resume mistakes.
Long Resumes
It’s standard that resumes don't exceed two pages. Longer resumes can’t be scanned quickly and often include irrelevant or personal information. Job seekers should ask a trusted advisor what he/she would consider necessary information on a resume. Reformatting should also be considered, but it’s important that resumes don’t appear crammed or have tiny fonts.
False Claims and Over-Embellishments
Lying is the ultimate resume red flag. Often, hiring managers will double check facts and call former employers to verify claims made on a resume. The potential fallout from lying on a resume is not worth the temptation to cheat, as it can destroy all future job opportunities within a company or even a close-knit industry. Applicants can beef up resumes by quantifying relevant experiences and accomplishments rather than smudging the truth.
The best resumes are concise, easy to scan and quantify relevant experience. Applicants should have at least one other person review their resumes to help eliminate minor errors and offer a fresh perspective as to which content should be included. Students and entry-level candidates can learn more at Resume Tips for Recent Graduates.
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