The job search can be quite overwhelming, and a very tedious time-consuming process. From that process, creating a resume can be the most exhausting of all. One thing for sure, a resume is the most important symbol of your professional identity; it is one of the best marketing tools that represent the quality of your work. After speaking with multiple professionals, responsible for reviewing potential hires applications, they all shared both organization, and quality of resumes gets applicants to the next level of the hiring process - The Interview.
Fun Facts: Did you know employers spend an average of 5-7 seconds looking at a resume? Did you also know, to have an “unprofessional’ email on your resume get it discarded? Sheesh! Don’t worry; there are strategies and tools in place to have your resume of the best quality and neatly organized, which will prepare you to land an invitation to that job interview.
To get you off to a good start, I’ve made it easy just for you! I’ve created an essential guide with 9 things to avoid on a resume. Additionally, I gathered some advice from seasoned professionals who regularly reviews resumes, and feedback to help you make informed decisions when crafting your next resume.
Consider using these tips for getting the right company attracted to you:
9: STOP with the Inconsistent format and alignment:
Let’s start by first saying employers are picky when it comes to reviewing resumes, they want the best of the best (Quality). For them to even take a glimpse at your resume during that 5-7 second range, you'll first get judged on your organization and format. Consider Organization, Readable Fonts, and Proper Alignment; key elements for catching the employer's eye. Additionally, when searching online, many resources share comparisons of different resumes that tell you if they're right or not. However, people still make careless mistakes, which ends up costing them a job. “You come across as careless, and most employers don’t want to hire careless people” T.M Chief HR Officer
8: AVOID Irrelevant Information:
The one thing you want to avoid at all cost - “If the skill doesn’t fit the position, just leave it off” S.R Dept. of Revenue specialist. Don’t be the person applying for a position who’s resume doesn't display relevancy- put only what’s relevant to the job position. Believe it or not, your resume speaks for you before you speak for yourself, and this is the first impression employers have of you. If you’re applying for a medical job, and your resume talks about being good at specific hobbies and nothing else, I guarantee you, your resume is going to be discarded. Fun Fact: Did you know only 35% of applicants are actually qualified for the jobs they apply to. What a small percentage of qualified people, being that there is an average of 200 applicants for one job posting. Try avoiding putting irrelevant information on your resume.
You’re thinking: Although I have no experience in fashion, not even volunteer work, I want to try something new, my resume will show that I have experience working overall.
Employers are thinking: How does this person believe that this is in any way relevant to this position? Do they understand the job they are applying for?
7: DON’T use an Unprofessional Email:
Okay, this the most basic rule, but it has to be said. You want the employer to be impressed, not pressed, especially over the content your email. 76% of resumes are trashed because of an unprofessional email address. For example, this includes nicknames (best barbie, beer champ, hennything is possible, etc.), and anything thing that doesn't include your name; it’s not professional.
6: LIMIT the Number of pages:
I find this is tricky because most employers in the corporate world, a resume should not exceed one page, but in the education world ideally having two pages is just enough. In the corporate world, applications are reviewed on a daily and being that they review resumes within that 5-7 time frame, the longer your resume, the less likely they will take to look it over. Additionally, if you have a page that’s less than a quarter size, know you're pushing the limits, this can be condensed to one page. “Ideally, a one-page resume is the goal, but if two pages are needed, make sure you are not stretching the information.” J.M. Career Coach
5: AVOID Incorrect Tense (Current/Past):
Be careful, this will cost you that interview if you don’t pay attention. Most potential hires blow their shot when they use inconsistent tense on their resume. Use past tense (facilitated, advised, designed) is for jobs you are no longer employed. Use present tense (facilitate, advise, designs) for jobs you are still actively employed. “It bothers me when resumes inconsistent verb usages” M.P Sports Marketing
4: DON’T have an Unattractive design:
Again, resume organization is one of the essential elements to attracting employers. One of the best advice I can give you about an unattractive design is, it's unnecessary and not needed. Remember, your resume quality radar is being judged, and it’s at an all-time high. Employers love creativity, and the ability and skills you have to do creative things, but if the resume is not appealing to the eye, guess what? It's going to be discarded. Your sections need to be in a particular order; and your colors need to be dark and classic, avoid the bright colors (PLEASE). Nowadays, pictures are popping up on resumes, and that's a big NO-NO! Fun Fact: Did you know, when you put a photo on a resume there is an 88% chance of it being discarded? Let’s just say keep it simple, and stick to the basics.
3: STOP using Shallow Context:
Even I get annoyed when people give little to no context when describing their position. Here's an example of a short job responsibility a student indicated on their resume: “ Bi-weekly newspaper delivery round” - This is incorrect! Go in-depth, give your responsibilities more meaning, and life. Instead say, “Assisted with delivering biweekly local news articles in 7 residential neighborhoods to over 500 residents.” Putting shallow context is simple, but at the same time, give more details of your capabilities to perform the job responsibilities. “Don’t give the employer room to assume what you did in a position” L.M Manager for Career Services
2: AVIOD unclear grammar and spelling:
Watch for any spelling or grammar error - your resume will be discarded if it has 30% of errors displayed. One thing for sure, this happens a lot on resumes, and even in cover letters, but can be simply avoided. One thing you should practice is trying re-reading over everything before you submit. Have friends, mentors, professors, basically anyone who you trust to give you constructive feedback to catch the mistakes.
1: DON’T Exaggerate Jobs and accomplishments held:
It’s one thing your resume look bad, by flat out lying is another. Many employers have express lying on a resume, is one of the worst things you can do to yourself, it can ruin how you advance in your career. People you list as references, and also previous employers, know your skills, your quality, and work ethic - employers can connect with them without you knowing. Moreover, it's likely you’ll get caught up because everything is so advanced - don’t think you can get away with technology and word of mouth. Just remember people know people, that know people.
Overall, taking a new step in your career is one of the biggest challenges you can ever accomplish. As you think about taking that leap of faith, you also have to make sure your all other components of your career venture is refreshed as well, such as your resume. Your resume is symbolic of your identity, which is one of the most robust marketing sources that tells employers the “QUALITY” you bring to a position. The purpose of a resume is to showcase all the skills, experience, and accomplishments you have mastered to lead you to this new venture - a career. The job search can be overwhelming, and time-consuming when your off to a fresh start, however, all the hard work you put in only equates to a smoother transition.