Resumes are the first thing that a hiring manager will see to decide whether or not you’re someone they want working for them. It needs to convince them to invite you for an interview in only one page. It needs to be pristine. Mistakes are not an option. Don’t let any of these common resume errors lose you a perfectly good job opportunity!
1. Misspellings
Straightaway a misspelling reflects a lack of professionalism. Not exactly the impression that you’re trying to make.
2. Your head shot
Unless specifically asked, a photo of yourself is unnecessary to include with your resume.
3. Slang
Just like in an essay or professional email, slang terms aren’t appropriate to use on a resume.
4. Irrelevant information
As a general rule, leave out high school experience or any work experience that doesn’t pertain to your field. It’s a waste of space, unless it’s the only experience you’ve got.
5. Comic sans
Comic sans, and any other tacky or strange fonts, should be avoided on a resume. Stick to more prosaic fonts like Garamond, Arial or Helvetica.
6. Outdated experience
Your resume should be a page long and really focus on the most recent and relevant experience. Summer jobs from high school get the ax.
7. Awards outside the industry
A resume is the place to brag about your experience – but only if it pertains to your industry. Awards should only be listed if they are directly related to your sector.
8. Visuals
There is no need for pictures, images or photos to be part of your resume. If you are including design samples or illustrations as part of a portfolio, that needs to be separate.
9. Big chunks of text
A resume shouldn’t have large paragraphs explaining your experience, but rather a series of short bullet points that outline what you did in past positions. It should be very clear, easy to read and to the point.
10. Your first email address
Nobody wants to hire prettykitty94@hotmail.com. Include a professional email address on your resume, with preferably your first and last name. If you don’t have one, make one immediately.
11. Outdated information
Don’t forget to make sure that your email, phone number and address are up-to-date on your resume! What if they call to offer you the job and can’t get a hold of you?
12. Jargon
Studies show that hiring managers trust resumes with more straightforward language rather than using a bunch of high-level vocabulary or industry jargon. It doesn’t look like you’re trying too hard.
13. Colored ink or paper
Sorry, but you don’t get any extra points for creativity in this context. Save your colored ink for another day. Stick to a more professional approach and go with black ink on white paper.
14. Any additional pages
Your resume should take up one page – nothing more. Eliminate some text and make your font a little smaller to get everything to fit if you’re having issues.
15. Hobbies
For most jobs, this information won’t really play into the decision to hire you. It’s best to save this room on your resume to talk about your work experience.
16. Misleading statements about your experience
Lying about your experience is a bad idea. A terrible, disastrous, catastrophic idea. It won’t just lose you the job opportunity, but will also permanently stain your reputation with the firm you applied for.
Remove these common resume errors and apply today to boost your career with an international internship!
Sources: http://skillcrush.com/2015/12/29/22-things-to-remove-from-your-resume-immediately/
Photo 1. based on resume, by marshillonline, CC-by-2.0
Photo 2. based on Resume – Glasses, by Flazingo Photos, CC-by-2.0
Photo 3. based on Scrabble – Resume, by Flazingo Photos, CC-by-SA 2.0
