It takes a lot of time to get your resume right, from brainstorming accomplishments to editing and proofreading. The last thing you want to do is spend hours on it, only to get it tossed by a simple mistake.
So how can you ensure this doesn’t happen to you? The professional resume writers at ResumeSpice have the answers you need. Start by avoiding these mistakes.
Not sending a cover letter.
You might think cover letters seem dated. But hiring managers still expect them. As a result, if you don’t send one, you’ll stand out in a negative way. Not only that, but you’ll miss out on an opportunity to market your background, accomplishments and credentials.
Not following proper formatting rules.
When it comes to your resume, there are certain formatting rules to follow. For instance, you should use a common font, like Arial or Times New Roman. Also make sure there’s plenty of white space and that you use bullet points when describing your career history.
Making it too long.
Resumes are tricky because you need to offer just the right amount of detail. Not enough and hiring managers will be left scratching their heads; too much, however, will make it harder for the hiring manager to get through. So edit out irrelevant information and focus on those positions and key strengths most relevant to the job.
Focusing too much on tasks, not accomplishments.
While it’s important to give a quick overview of the responsibilities you had in a certain position, don’t stop there. Take it a step further and make sure you’re also quantifying your track record. For instance, if you work in sales, include numbers that back up your claims, such as that you “increased sales by 10% over a six-month period.”
Not customizing each resume.
While you’ll have a core resume, you should also tweak it each time you send it out, so you’re focusing on the most pertinent information for every position you’re applying to. That way, you’ll better be able to demonstrate why you’re a good fit for the position.
Lying on your resume.
If you have dates or job titles that aren’t completely accurate, a hiring manager will likely uncover the truth. When that happens, you’ll not only get knocked out of the running for the job opportunity you applied to, but future ones with the company, as well.
Want to ensure you submit the best resume possible?
Turn to the professional resume writers at ResumeSpice. We can help you stand out in today’s competitive marketplace. Find out more by reaching out to our team at 832.930.7378 or by contacting us online.
