4 Critical Resume Mistakes To Avoid

Sometimes it can seem impossible to create an effective resume that captures the hiring manager's attention and gets you the interview. You've spent tons of time thinking about what to put on your resume and yet you still aren't getting any calls. One simple reason for this could be that you are making common mistakes that are easy to miss, but can have a huge impact and cause the potential employer to toss your resume to the side.

If you are on the job hunt then you need to make sure you aren't making these critical mistakes.

1. Not Proofreading Your Resume
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how many resumes I have read that are littered with typos and grammatical errors. No matter how focused you are, how well you type, or how much attention you pay, you need to proofread your resume. Even if you think you did not make any mistakes, you would be surprised at what you will find. There are free programs online that you can use to make sure everything is grammatically correct and to check all of the spelling. For example, typing "than" instead of "then" could easily cost you an interview. Another easy way would be to have a family member or friend proofread your resume before you send it in. Some people get embarrassed when showing their resumes to their peers, but if you are not proud enough of your resume to show a friend then how can you be willing to submit it for a job?

2. Being too modest
This is another huge mistake many people make. They don't want to look as if they are bragging or they think that anyone could have accomplished what they did. That is not what is going to get you hired. Humility is a virtue and many companies like for their employees to display humility, but that does not mean you need to let it cost you an opportunity for an interview. Submitting a resume is the time that you need to build yourself up. Remember, you are selling a product and you are that product. If you have great things you have accomplished, you need to include these so that the company knows what you are capable of.

3. Not Providing the Correct Contact Information
This is the most common mistake that people make when creating their resume. Today, most resumes are sent via email and you need to make sure that you include your email address at the top of your resume as well as a current cell phone number. One small typo and the hiring manager could be calling or emailing someone else for a job interview. You need to double check your email address and make sure that you are not using your work email address. You may want to set up a new email account to use when sending out resumes because if you still have the email account that you opened when you were 16, it may not look that great to an employer. For example, a friend of mine's email used to be shannonrocks420_6tynine. This is not the type of address you want to send to a potential employer. Instead, try something like john.doe@email.com

4. Not Making Sure Your Resume is Up-to-Date
If you do not have an up-to-date resume, it is going to make you look as if what you have to offer is obsolete. One thing I have found is that many people will think that they did not get an interview because they were over 50 but when I look at their resume, it looks as if it is over 50 as well. You need to make sure that all the information on your resume is updated to be as recent and accurate as possible. The format and layout of your resume should also match the most current formats available. You don't want to be applying for a job in 2016 with a resume format from 1991.

If you are serious about getting hired, then it is important for you to make sure your resume and cover letter are perfect. One of the best resources I have found is a book called The Winning Resume by Steve Williams. It dissects every section of a resume and cover letter with visual examples explaining what you should and should not include to maximize your chances at getting an interview.

Click here to view it on Amazon:   https://www.amazon.com/Resume-Winning-Hired-Groundbreaking-Secrets/dp/0692551875



By Ryan Thames



Article Source: 4 Critical Resume Mistakes To Avoid