Resume Faux-Pas!
Published on Nov. 28, 2013
5 Tips to keep in mind when crafting your resume
Our current workforce is saturated by too many people and not enough jobs. Unfortunately, this is our reality and the competition to secure a job is getting fierce…or is it?
Many resumes get submitted for great opportunities, but many will be surprised as to how the majority of these resumes aren’t competitive enough. Simply following basic rules on the presentation of your resume is enough to get you noticed. Here are a few things you should keep in mind:
Proofread like there’s no tomorrow
Always double check your resume for spelling mistakes, awkward sentences, or grammatical errors. Reading your resume out loud is an excellent way to hear errors related to grammar and/or awkward sentences. Mistakes on your resume could sway your prospective employer away from your resume and can indicate a lack of attention to detail on your end. If necessary, have it reviewed by another person to ensure your resume is error-free.
If you don’t know how to format a resume, look it up!
There are plenty of readily available resources that outline all types of resumes and how to format them appropriately. Run a google search or visit your local community centre for free tools/tips to format a resume. There is nothing more frustrating than receiving a resume that does not follow a readable format. It’s sure to put that resume in the reject pile. Don’t let it be yours!
Always stay consistent
Inconsistency in style, font, and bullet points is enough to drive any potential employer crazy. Always double check your resume and watch out for these common mistakes such as font color, font type, spacing, and margins.
Tailor your resume! If not for the hiring manager, do it for yourself
Yes it is plenty of work tailoring your resume for 10 jobs. It’s tedious but any hiring manager can spot a generic resume. It makes better sense listing relevant experiences for a particular position. Another approach is to add a thoughtful, customized cover letter which will allow you to highlight select experiences and qualifications. Tailoring your resume and cover letter is a great way to get noticed, but always ensure that you are not concealing or embellishing information to the point where it becomes an inaccurate portrayal of your experience and/or qualifications.
Ditch personal interests…
Listing personal interests is outdated. The reason for listing your personal interests may be to highlight who you are and hope that somehow you can make a connection with the individual who will read your resume. However, the best connection is often made in the interview room. Use your resume to summarize your experience and express why you’re the best fit for the job. If you do this right, you’ll get a chance to show more of who you are in person.
You’ll get yourself noticed just by staying away from these major mistakes. By following these simple rules – proofread, formatting, consistency, tailoring your resume, and avoiding that personal interests section, you can be the first one called in for an interview. Happy Job Hunting!
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