Hey there! 👋 Welcome to my blog where we will dissect the common resume mistakes and learn how to spruce up your CV for a potential employer. Resumes are the first impression of you in a job application. Thus, it is imperative that your resume be impeccable and error-free. In this blog, we will discuss some common mistakes job applicants make on their resumes, and we will provide tips on how you can avoid them.

The Dreaded Typos 🙄

First off, let’s talk about typos - the biggest enemy of any hiring manager. Typos on resumes are an instant turnoff. They show a lack of attention to detail and can give a negative impression to the potential employer. Always proofread your resume thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to ask someone else to proofread it for you.

An image of a stack of papers with a glaring red "X" over a typo

Too Long or Too Short - The Length Dilemma 🤔

The perfect length of a resume is a tricky thing to determine. Most hiring managers won’t even bother with a CV that is too short or too long. The golden rule is to keep it short and sweet - within two pages. For experienced candidates, it is understandably difficult to reduce years of experience into a two-page resume, but you should prioritize and include only relevant information.

A computer screen with a resume on it, with a red warning sign next to the length of the document.

Poor Formatting 🤨

Proper formatting is crucial since it enhances the readability of your resume. Use bullet points for responsibilities and achievements in your work experience section. Use font size 12, and choose a professional font, like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Also, be mindful of white space, since it makes for easy reading.

An image of two resumes side-by-side, one with poor formatting (with thick lines, different fonts per section), and one with good formatting (simple, clean, and professional)

Including Irrelevant and Outdated Information 🤦

Including irrelevant information screams “I don’t know what I’m doing.” Avoid listing information that does not apply to the job you’re applying for, like hobbies, interests, and objectives. Also, don’t include outdated or redundant experience, such as positions held over ten years ago or your first job. Focus on experiences that are relevant to the job and the skills that you have developed in recent years.

An image of a resume, with a red pen striking through hobbies, interests, and outdated experience sections

Lack of Keywords and Action Words 🤷

Most companies filter through resumes via Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which look for specific keywords and phrases that match the job description. Use keywords from the job description in your CV to demonstrate your skills and experience that make you a better fit for the job. It is better to use action verbs that show how you “developed, managed, and implemented” rather than “responsible for.”

A keyboard with a magnifying glass hovering over it

Conclusion 📝

Your resume summarizes your entire career, so make sure it is well-written, concise, and tailored to the job description. You never know what the initial impression of a hiring manager can be, and that all boils down to your resume. Remember, your CV is your opportunity to make a great impression, so avoid some common errors by proofreading, maintaining proper formatting with well-chosen keywords, and keeping it concise.

A polished resume on a desk with a "You're Hired" sticky note on it