It’s no secret that the job market is tough. Competition is fierce, and it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. Your resume is your most important tool if you’re looking for a new job so that’s why it’s vital to ensure your resume is done professionally. Unfortunately, many people make common mistakes when writing their resumes.
1. Not Tailoring Your Resume to the Job
One of the most common resume writing mistakes is not tailoring your resume to the job. Many people simply send out the same resume to every job they apply for without taking the time to customize it for each position. This is a huge mistake! Each job requires different skills and experience, so your resume should reflect that. Take the time to read the job description and highlight the skills and experience that match the employer is looking for.
2. Failing to Quantify Your Accomplishments
Another common mistake is failing to quantify your accomplishments. Many people simply list their responsibilities or describe their work in general terms. However, employers want to see numbers! They want to know what you accomplished and how it impacted the company. So, be sure to quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. For example, instead of saying, “I increased sales by 20%,” say, “I increased sales by 20% over the course of one year.”
3. Focusing on Job Duties Instead of Achievements
Many people mistake focusing on their job duties instead of their achievements. Your job duties are what you are required to do, while your achievements are what you have done above and beyond your job duties. Therefore, it is important to focus on your achievements rather than your job duties when writing your resume. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
4. Omitting Important Information
Another common mistake is omitting important information. Many people leave relevant skills or experience because they think it isn’t important. However, you never know what information an employer might find relevant, so it’s important to include everything!
5. Using Unprofessional Language
Many people make the mistake of using unprofessional language in their resumes. This includes using slang or jargon that may not be familiar to the employer. It is important to use language that is clear and concise. Be sure to proofread your resume for any errors before sending it off!
6. Making Your Resume Too Long
One of the most common resume writing mistakes is making your resume too long. Many people try to cram as much information as possible into their resumes, resulting in a difficult document to read. Be concise and focus on the most important information when writing your resume. If you have a lot of information to share, consider creating a separate portfolio or résumé summary.
7. Not Proofreading Your Resume
The last common mistake is not proofreading your resume. This is a huge mistake, as it can result in embarrassing errors. Before sending it off, be sure to proofread your resume for spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes, and formatting errors!
By avoiding these common resume writing mistakes, you will be sure to create a stand-out resume that will help you get the job you want!
