Your resume is the first point of contact with the recruiter. Think of it as your first chance to demonstrate to a potential employer that you have the appropriate skills and experience for the job. However, a poorly drafted resume with grammatical, structural, or conceptual errors may leave a lasting negative impression. Sending in a flawless resume is a surefire way of impressing recruiters right away. Here are some resume writing errors to avoid.
1. Overselling the Resume
While you want to showcase your accomplishments to demonstrate that you are the ideal candidate for the job, refrain from overselling your resume. The key is to strike a balance. Including irrelevant material or inflating your accomplishments is nearly certain to get your resume thrown out.
Excessive use of words like “reliable,” “innovative,” and “professional” should be avoided. It’s fine to use them once in the first sentence, but not beyond that. Allow your achievements to speak for themselves. The recruiter doesn’t need to be reminded again if the projects you’ve worked on demonstrate your inventiveness. Concentrate on how you can contribute to the company’s goals and demands by utilizing your skills and talents.
2. Including a Resume Objective
One of the most common resume-writing mistakes people make is replacing a professional summary with an aim. Career advisers used to urge students looking for their first job to write an objective like “Find an entry-level position in sales.” However, this is out-of-date advice.
It is best to write a professional summary instead of an objective to show recruiters why they should hire you. Include relevant experience and skillsets that you can bring to the job. Consider your professional summary as your introduction that will persuade employers to learn more about you.
3. Using a Generic Resume
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to resumes. While it may be tempting to utilize a generic resume, customizing your resume according to the job description will make it more personal and tailored to the position at hand. You can customize the resume using keywords and industry terminology found in the job description.
4. Overlooking Social Media
When used properly, social media can enhance the value of your resume. Add links to relevant social media sites, such as your LinkedIn profile, to improve your professional portfolio. Ensure that your profile is up to date and have references from prior coworkers or managers to endorse your talents and recommendations. Including a link to your updated profile might help your application gain credibility. It may also provide recruiters information about your values and personality.
Upgrade Your Resume with Professional Resume Writers
It’s time to make a change if you notice any of these faults in your resume. Don’t let a few minor errors on your resume cost you your dream job. At The Resume Factory, we can assist you with creating a flawless resume that highlights your skills and achievements. Check out our services and get in touch with us right away!