A resume is your chance to make or break the first impression on a potential employer. This is why it is so important to really nail your resume and to make it stand out from the hundreds of other resumes every recruiter is potentially going through. The resume essentially is the first deciding factor that determines if you would even be considered for any job position. There are a number of mistakes you should absolutely avoid when it comes to creating your resume. Curious? Read on.
- Spelling errors
This should come as no surprise. Proofread and run your resume through a spell checker. Spelling errors on a resume translates to a lack of interest or a careless attitude to your recruiter. This is because avoiding spelling errors is so simple, all you have to do is give it that one extra read or use any of the many free spell checkers available online. Failure to do so before submitting a resume gives you a bad image as a potential hire for any company. Be sure to have ZERO spelling errors.
- Including personal information
In the past there may have been a requirement to include personal information such as marital status, race or religion on your resume. However this hasn’t been the case for the past decade or so. Only stick to information that is relevant to the job you’re applying for. Even a picture is mostly deemed unnecessary unless stated otherwise. Pictures tend to be omitted in resumes these days to avoid the possibility of biased and unfair judgements being passed on any applicant based on their race or appearances instead of their merits.
- Sketchy email addresses
It is hardly proper for a full grown adult to have an email address reading ‘[email protected]’ or anything of that sort. Let alone to apply for any job with that being listed as your professional email. Refrain from using nicknames or short forms of your name. It is best to keep it simple and professional by sticking to your legal name.
- Vague language
Being specific and direct would actually make your resume a lot more comprehensible and believe us, any recruiter would be glad to see this for a change. It is good to use your words creatively but be sure to stay within bounds otherwise you risk losing the interest of your recruiter. Saying you’ve worked on several projects within some months doesn’t give a clear picture and can seem as if you are trying to misconstrue the recruiter. It is far better to be honest and state exact figures. You should also avoid phrases of self-promotion that you have no objective way of proving such as ‘go-getter’ ‘strategic thinker’ and ‘best of the breed’. Unless you’re applying to become a creative writer, keep your resume short and straight to the point!
- Re-using your resume for different job applications
Now this last point may seem a little counter productive. You have just spent all this time perfecting your resume in every way imaginable only to reach the end and to have us tell you not to reuse this resume you’ve worked so hard on. What a bummer! Well, not really. You don’t have to start your resume from scratch each time you want to apply for a new job, you simply have to make sure the keywords and skills you’ve highlighted in your resume are relevant for the new job you are applying for. That is all.
Now you have all the information necessary to perfect your resume by avoiding the Don’ts in creating your resume, you would also want to consider enrolling to any online training available that suits your career. This is because, after this pandemic season it is predicted that the competition in future employment will be higher than previous years due to people have ample of time to attend trainings, webinars and getting an authorized certificate for validation of their skills and reliability in their industry. Think about it, would you want to be left behind among your peers or your industry players? Visit Info Trek’s website for available trainings and certifications that is relevant to you. Do not hesitate to contact us to learn more about it before attending any programs.
