Resume Mistakes You Really Want to Avoid

If you're looking for a job, it's important to make sure your resume is perfect. Unfortunately, many people make common mistakes that can cost them the job they want. In this blog post, we will discuss 17 of the worst resume mistakes to avoid. These mistakes can range from typos and grammar errors, to including inappropriate information or photos. So if you're looking for a new job, be sure to avoid these blunders!

17 Resume Mistakes:

1. Typos and grammar errors: Nothing screams "unprofessional" louder than a resume with typos and grammatical errors. If you can't take the time to proofread your own resume, how can an employer trust that you'll be able to do the same with important company documents? Make sure to have someone else read over your resume before you submit it, to catch any errors you may have missed.
2. Inappropriate information or photos: It's important to remember that your resume is a professional document, and should only include information that is relevant to the job you're applying for. That means no personal details (like your age, religion, or relationship status), and definitely no photos! A photo on your resume can be a major distraction, and can make it harder for an employer to focus on your qualifications.
3. Inconsistent formatting: Another sure way to make your resume look unprofessional is to use inconsistent formatting. If you use different font sizes or styles, or if your margins are all over the place, it will look like you don't know how to format a document properly. Stick to one or two font styles and sizes, and make sure your margins are consistent throughout the entire resume.
4. Too much "fluff": When writing your resume, it's important to focus on quality over quantity. Don't pad your resume with unnecessary information, or "fluff" it up with empty phrases. Instead, focus on providing concise, relevant information that will actually help you get the job you want.
5. Length: As we mentioned before, quality is more important than quantity when it comes to your resume. That means there's no need to include every single job you've ever had, or every responsibility you've ever had. Stick to the jobs and experiences that are most relevant to the position you're applying for, and keep your resume to one or two pages at most.
6. Lack of action verbs: Another common mistake people make on their resumes is failing to use strong, active language. To make your resume more powerful, use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and duties. For example, instead of saying "was responsible for customer service," you could say "provided excellent customer service."
7. Repetition: Another mistake people often make is repeating information from one section of their resume to another. For example, if you list your job duties under your Work History section, there's no need to repeat them in your Skills section. This just takes up valuable space on your resume, and can make it look like you're trying to pad it out.
8. Outdated information: It's important to keep your resume up-to-date, so that employers can see your most recent experience and skills. If you're still including your high school education on your resume, it's time for an update! Make sure to remove any outdated information, so that employers can see that you're keeping up with the times.
9. Omitting important information: Just as important as keeping your resume up-to-date is making sure that it includes all the relevant information an employer would need to know. That means including your contact information, work history, education, and skills. If you leave something important out, it could cost you the job.
10. Wrong keywords: In today's technological age, many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes and determine which candidates to interview. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords, so it's important to include the right ones in your resume. If you don't, your resume may never make it to a human being!
11. Spelling and grammar errors: This one should be a no-brainer, but unfortunately, many people still make spelling and grammar errors on their resumes. These types of errors can make you look careless and unprofessional, so it's important to proofread your resume carefully before you submit it.
12. Unskilled jobs: If you're applying for a job that requires specific skills or experience, don't waste space on your resume listing jobs that don't demonstrate those skills. For example, if you're applying for a job as a web developer, there's no need to list your experience as a server at a restaurant. Stick to jobs and experiences that will actually help you get the job you want.
13. Lack of measurable results: Whenever possible, you should try to quantify your accomplishments on your resume. For example, instead of saying "was responsible for customer service," you could say "provided excellent customer service to 100+ customers per day." This helps employers see the scope of your experience and the results you achieved.
14. Wrong bullet point format for your experience: Many people don't realize that there's a right and a wrong way to format their bullet points on their resume. When listing your experiences, make sure to start each bullet point with a strong action verb, and follow it with specific details and results. For example:
  • Led team of 5 customer service reps in providing excellent service to 100+ customers per day
  • Trained new employees on customer service procedures
  • Resolved customer complaints in a timely and efficient manner
15. Bullet points that are too short or too long: Another common mistake people make with their bullet points is making them too short or too long. You want to strike a balance between providing enough detail to demonstrate your experience and accomplishments, without going into too much detail that your resume starts to look like a novel. In general, one to two sentences per bullet point is a good rule of thumb.
16. Having your graduation year: One piece of information you don't need to include on your resume is your graduation year. If an employer is interested in your education, they will ask you about it during the interview. Including your graduation year can make you look older than you are, which could work against you.
17. Your hobbies and interests: Unless your hobbies or interests are directly related to the job you're applying for, there's no need to include them on your resume. For example, if you're applying for a job as a graphic designer, listing your interest in design might be relevant. But if you're applying for a job as a receptionist, your interests are probably not relevant.
Bonus:
18. Not using AI to help you write your resume: In today's competitive job market, it's more important than ever to make sure your resume is the best it can be. And with ResumeGlow, you can do just that! ResumeGlow is an AI-powered resume writing tool that will help you identify and fix errors on your resume, so you can get one step closer to landing