10 Common Resume Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer, so it's important to get it right. Avoid common mistakes and stand out from the crowd by following these DOs and DON'Ts when crafting your resume.

Don’ts:

• Don’t use a generic or inappropriate email address, such as hotstuff123@email.com.

• Don’t use fancy or decorative fonts, and avoid using too many bold, italic, or underlined words.

• Don’t include irrelevant information, such as your hobbies or personal interests, unless they are directly related to the job.

• Don’t lie or exaggerate your skills, experiences, or accomplishments.

• Don’t use vague or generic language, such as “team player” or “hard worker,” without providing specific examples.

• Don’t make your resume too long, and try to keep it to one or two pages.

• Don’t include references unless the employer specifically requests them.

• Don’t use slang, jargon, or overly technical language that may not be understood by the employer.

• Don’t forget to customize your resume for each job application, as a generic resume may not stand out among other applicants.

Dos:

• Do use a professional email address that includes your name and avoid using any unprofessional names or nicknames.

• Do use a clear and easy-to-read font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, and ensure that the font size is between 10 and 12 points.

• Do use bullet points to highlight your achievements and experiences, and keep your sentences short and concise.

• Do include relevant keywords and phrases that match the job description and industry you are applying for.

• Do tailor your resume to each job application and include only relevant information that demonstrates your skills and experiences for the specific role.

• Do include quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your accomplishments, such as how much revenue you generated, how many customers you served, or how much time you saved.

• Do proofread your resume carefully for grammar and spelling errors, and ask a friend or colleague to review it as well.

• Do include a professional summary or objective that highlights your strengths and summarizes your professional background.

• Do include your education and any relevant certifications or licenses you have earned.

• Do provide contact information, including your name, phone number, and email address, so that the employer can contact you for an interview.

Do proofread your resume carefully for grammar and spelling errors.

One of the most common resume mistakes is failing to proofread for grammar and spelling errors. These mistakes can make you appear careless and unprofessional, and may cause your resume to be overlooked. Take the time to carefully review your resume, and consider asking a friend or family member to review it as well. You can also use online tools like Grammarly to help catch any errors you may have missed.

Don't include irrelevant information.

When crafting your resume, it's important to only include information that is relevant to the job you are applying for. Including irrelevant information can make your resume appear cluttered and may cause the hiring manager to overlook important details. Stick to highlighting your skills, experience, and achievements that directly relate to the job you are applying for.

Don't use passive language.

Using passive language on your resume can make it seem like you are not taking ownership of your accomplishments. Instead of saying "Responsibilities included..." or "Tasks were assigned...", use active language to showcase your achievements.

For example, "Successfully managed a team of 10 employees" or "Increased sales by 20% through strategic marketing campaigns." This not only highlights your accomplishments but also shows that you are proactive and take initiative.

Don't exaggerate your skills or experience.

It can be tempting to exaggerate your skills or experience on your resume, especially if you feel like you don't have enough to stand out from other candidates. However, it's important to be honest and accurate about your abilities. If you do get hired based on false information, you may not be able to perform the job duties effectively, which could lead to termination or other negative consequences. Instead, focus on highlighting your strengths and accomplishments in a truthful and compelling way.

Do tailor your resume to the job description.

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is submitting a generic resume for every job they apply to. Instead, take the time to tailor your resume to the specific job description. This means highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position and using keywords from the job posting. Not only will this make your resume stand out to the hiring manager, but it will also show that you have taken the time to understand the job requirements and are a good fit for the role.