8 Typical Resume Mistakes and Fixes
Posted on April 02, 2021 by Jeff Rothman, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
Whether it's been a few years since you last updated your resume or are giving it a tune-up, here are 8 ways you can make sure it doesn't get tossed.
Mistake #1: One General Version
The Fix: Customize to Reflect the Employer’s Needs
Resumes that try to appeal to everyone appeal to no one. Your resume should be tailored to highlight skills and accomplishments that mirror the job posting.
Mistake #2: Focusing on Job Tasks and Responsibilities
The Fix: Focus on Results
Employers want to know what you can do for them, so wherever possible, include bullet points that highlight quantifiable, impactful accomplishments.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Keywords
The Fix: Don’t Underestimate the Power of Keywords
Identify keywords and phrases that are common in your target industry or job and weave them throughout your resume (Tip: job postings are a source of keywords).
Mistake #4: Not Thoroughly Proofreading
The Fix: Get Help
• Get help from a meticulous friend or colleague who can read it with fresh eyes.
• Use spell check, but be aware it won’t catch everything.
• Use an online grammar checker like Grammerly or Hemmingway
Mistake #5: Not Considering the Reader
The Fix: Filter Everything Through the Eyes of the Employer
Assume the person reading your resume will only read it all the way through if they see something in the top 1/3 that captures their interest.
Mistake #6: You Don’t Have a Professional Summary
The Fix: Lead with a Sizzling Branding Statement
Capture the reader’s attention by starting your resume off with a brief summary that highlights your greatest strengths and what makes you different from other qualified candidates.
Mistake #7: No Clickable Links
The Fix: Make it Interactive
Your resume is likely to be read on a screen, so take advantage of the opportunity to include links to your LinkedIn profile, employers’ websites, articles you’ve published, etc.
Mistake #8: Too Wordy
The Fix: Make it “Skim-able”
Assume the reader has only a few seconds to decide if your resume is worth reading all the way through. Be concise and use bullet points where appropriate.
