75% of resumes are rejected automatically without any human intervention. If you are struggling to find a job, you may have been part of this statistics as well. You may even think that you are not enough to get that job you want and, as days pass, your frustration increases dramatically. But the reality is that** you are not the problem, it is your resume!** In this article, I will provide some details of common mistakes on resume writing and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Submitting non-relevant resume
As pickup lines, resumes are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Even for same profiles, employers have different needs and expectations to be fulfilled by the candidates. So while a generic resume can give a broad overview of the applicant's skills, experience and qualifications, personalized resumes that match the employer's requirements are much more effective when they are trying to make a good impression.
Most jobseekers are just sending the very same resume over and over, for all positions they can find. This turns them into non-relevant candidates, and increases their chances of being rejected because of that. I know it is more time-consuming to create tailor-made resumes for every position you apply, but in the long run it will be way more effective than just summiting hundreds of CVs and getting no interviews.
Creating resumes tailored to every position involves researching and properly filtering jobs opportunities, understanding their requirements and incorporating them into your resume without losing your individual style and personal brand. Taking some time to craft the content of each resume is important, in order to make it awesome. As many things in life, quality is better than quantity.
Mistake #2: Showcasing your functions and not your achievements in your work experience
Detailing your functions and not your achievements in your work experience is a mistake for many reasons. First, the point of the resume is to demonstrate the value you can bring to an employer and present yourself as a powerful candidate. Therefore, it is critical to showcase what you have achieve, specially with strong quantitative details. For example, if you are applying for a job as a software engineer, simply stating that you "wrote code" is not as impactful as stating that you "wrote code that increased the speed of the software by 30%". This demonstrates to the reader how you can bring value to the company, and the benefits they may receive if you join them.
In addition, limiting your resume to present plain job descriptions of your past positions does not help you stand out from other applicants. Employers are bombarded with CVs and need a way to quickly sift through applicants. A resume that focuses on achievements will help you make a more lasting impression and stand out from the competition. It also proves that you not only understand the job, but also how you can make a positive impact on the company.
Finally, when you showcase your achievements, it gives potential employers the opportunity to gain insight into how you think and how you approach problems. This is especially important in highly competitive industries. Being able to demonstrate a track record of success in terms of the goals you've achieved using your skills can be a great advantage to have over other candidates.
Mistake #3: Relying on graphics to demonstrate your abilities proficiency
Most recruiters and hiring managers prefer simple, straightforward resumes, without any graphics or fancy formatting. Recruiters have to scan dozens, sometimes hundreds, of resumes in a day. They are looking for information quickly, and a graphic will only slow them down.
Graphics can be distracting and make it difficult to focus on the important information in a resume. Additionally, many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, and these systems often cannot read or interpret graphics.
Recently, most jobseekers are using stars or bars graphics to present their proficiency on certain skills. This is confusing and extremely subjective. Think about it: who decided that a candidate got 5 of 5 stars in C# programming for example? Himself? Compared to whom?
If you want to add some personality to your resume, you can do so with your words. Use clear and concise language to describe your experience and skills, and be sure to highlight your accomplishments. With a well-written resume, you'll be sure to stand out from the crowd -- no graphics necessary.
Mistake #4: Generic and buzz worded profile
Using generic and buzz worded phrases can make the resume appear impersonal and unoriginal, which can make it difficult for employers to determine if you are the right fit for the job. If an applicant doesn't include specific information about the job they are applying for, or if they use generic phrases that don't apply to the job, they can come off as lazy or lacking creativity.
Buzzwords are often used as a way to pad a resume and make it appear more impressive than it actually is. Words such as "results-driven", "team-oriented", and "strategic" can be seen as meaningless when overused and can create a negative impression of you as a candidate. Keep in mind that employers are not likely to be impressed by a resume filled with buzzwords and jargon, and may be more likely to overlook the candidate.
Instead, it is helpful to use meaningful and specific information to highlight skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the job they are applying for. These more specific details will give employers a better understanding of how your abilities and qualifications will benefit their business. Remember, a good candidate is that who provide added value to the organization.
Mistake #5: Spelling or grammar errors
Spelling and grammar errors on a resume are the most common blunders a job applicant can make. Not only do they make an applicant appear careless and unprofessional, but they can also take away from the content and prompt recruiters to question an applicant's attention to detail.
In this day and age, employers and recruiters expect applicants to take the extra steps in ensuring that their resumes are as polished and professional as possible. The best way to do this is to avoid spelling and grammar errors altogether --- which can be done through spellcheck, getting another pair of eyes to review the resume, and utilizing an online grammar and spell checkers like Grammarly.
Aside from spellcheck, another important step is to have the resume proofread. Resumes are filled with industry-specific words that may not be caught by a spellcheck program. Having someone else check your resume before submitting it is the best way to make sure that it meets all the key points in the job description and is error-free.
Finally, applying the same writing principles to a resume as you would if you were to write an essay or an article can help ensure that mistakes are not overlooked. Check capitalization, verb-subject agreement, and make sure that there is consistency in terms of tense throughout the resume.
By avoiding spelling and grammar mistakes on a resume, job applicants can make sure that their resumes are focused on their achievements and are making the best first impression --- rather than detracting from the content and from their overall professionalism
Mistake #6: Not optimizing your resume for the ATS
When it comes to job-seeking, one of the most important things is to get your resume seen. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done as companies often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to weed out irrelevant resumes. Here's the thing, ATSs are programmed to search for specific keyword combinations, which means if your resume doesn't contain the right keywords, you will miss out on getting seen by potential employers.
This is why it is important to do your research beforehand and find out what keywords the company you are applying to is looking for. Once you have these keywords, you can strategically position them in your resume. Make sure you use phrases rather than standalone keywords as this is more likely to trigger the correct intent for the ATS.
You should also review your resume to ensure it has the right formatting. ATSs might not understand tables or columns, and they might not be able to accurately process graphics, images, or charts. Therefore, it is best to keep your resume simple and text-based.
Many jobs opportunities are lost just because the submited resume was not optimized correctly for the ATS. Don't let this happen to you. Research the company beforehand and use keywords and phrases strategically to ensure that your resume stands out and gets seen.
Our solution
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If you need some inspiration to write down your achievements in a powerful way, we implemented a wizard that will guide you to write remarkable qualitative achievements for several industries and positions.
In addition, after you have created your resume, you can compare it against any job description within our platform and get some industry related keywords recommendations to include if they are applicable in your case. Also, you can use our own spell-checker if you don't have an integrated spell checker in your system.
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