Common Resume Mistakes

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Biggest mistakes made in developing or submitting resumes

The most critical error made in writing resumes is to fail to mention specific accomplishments.

Resumes often include excellent job descriptions, but indicate little about how well the job was done. It is very important to include your accomplishments, using data to back them up if possible. It is not sufficient to merely describe a new initiative you introduced, but describe how it benefited the organization in cost savings, product/service improvement, or other tangible ways.

The second major mistake that seen frequently is the use of the functional resume format, where a list of accomplishments is given first. While that approach does highlight achievements, it leaves the employer guessing as to where and when your accomplishments took place. Employers will not spend the time trying to determine sequence and prefer a straightforward chronological approach so that they can see clearly the progression of your career.

Common mistakes to avoid in the resumes

  • Don’t download a resume from the internet or blindly copy anyone’s look. You will be restricted by someone else’s arrangement and not have a place or sufficient place to put in special items. Design your own resume and it should be neat, readable, not cute and gimmicky.
  • Sending your resume to any all jobs irrespective of the fit. When responding to job postings or ads you should only your resume if your background closely fits the description.
  • Making obvious that the recipient is part of a mass mailing.
  • Trying to go around the person designed to recruit for the position.
  • Being too pushy: calling too often, calling when posting says “No calls please.”
  • Mailing it instead of E-mailing it.

Items never be listed on a resume

Personal information relating to physical characteristics, martial status, age, sex or religious affiliation has no place on a resume. Any thing that does not relate to your talent and experience only takes up valuable space-and possibly lessens your chances of getting in front of the interviewer.

Best way to organize a resume

There are two main methods of organizing a resume. These are referred to as the reverse chronological format and the functional format. The chronological format-which emphasizes career progression over time-is by far the most frequently used as it is the easiest for most readers to follow. In this format, a candidate’s work experience is listed in reverse chronological order, in other words with the most recent position first. Recent studies show that employers and executive recruiters continue to prefer this format to the functional style, because there is no guesswork required when it comes to identifying a person’s work history and career progression.

The functional format stresses the job seeker’s most marketable skills, but de-emphasizes career progression, job titles, and chronology. This approach works best for career changers with little or no direct experience in the field they are targeting or for individuals who have multiple gaps in their work history. For those pursuing a career change, however, it is critical that they effectively network to gain access to key contacts in their new target field and not simply rely on their resume. Ultimately, the decision regarding whether to use a functional format should always be weighted against the fact that most traditional employers and executive recruiters still prefer the chronological approach to resumes.