5 Not-So-Common Resume Mistakes And How To Fix Them!
- Sep 21, 2016
- 4 min read
We all know the typical common mistakes made on resumes right?
Like:
1. Spelling and grammatical mistakes
2. Inconsistency in formatting, dates etc
3. Using an unprofessional email address << My favorite!
4. Omitting contact information... Yes! It does happen!
We can go on with many more listings of common mistakes, but I'll stop there.
Yes, yes... I know you're smart and the above mistakes will never be found on YOUR resume, that's good!
I bet you just went to check! Right!? That's also good!
But I want us to focus on the not-so-common mistakes.
Like:
1. Omitting volunteer activities
2. Listing your job description verbatim
3. Listing responsibilities as accomplishments
4. Not having a LinkedIn profile
5. Not adding meat to the bones of your job summary
Did I get your attention? Or just a raised eyebrow?
1. Omitting Volunteer Activities
There are so many volunteer activities that you partake in, without even realizing it. All of which contribute to your arsenal of inventory of skills you can use in an organization in a paid role.
Not only can you identify skills you've developed through your volunteering activities, it also shows the employer that you 'give back', you think of others... not just yourself, you acknowledge that you're apart of a bigger community.
They may look insignificant to you, but each position or volunteer activity has the potential to bring out a different competency within you.
Just take some time to reflect on what skills you've developed, as a result of your volunteering efforts, roles and positions.
2. Listing Your Job Description Verbatim
I know listing your job description verbatim is typical across all industry and cultures; but answer me this one question...
"Does your job description best showcase your ability to contribute to the organization?"
If your answer is no... Then read on. Yes! Flaunt It On Your Resume!, lists how your contributions impact the organizations bottom line. Include numbers, make it easy for them to visualize your impact.
Employers want to know the numbers right? Well give it to them! I'm not saying you should have random irrelevant numbers noted throughout your resume. No!
What I'm suggesting you do... IF you want the job; is to show the employer the impact you had on the company using a dollar amount, percentage, figures etc.
Here's an example: "Successfully recommended and launched a new inventory system that generated an additional 7% markup on profit".
How's THAT for numbers!?
3. Listing Responsibilities As Accomplishments
Another uncommon mistake I come across is listing 'responsibilities' as 'accomplishments' and vice versa. This doesn't help you, remember... you're goal is to let the employers see your valuable assets, within the first 6 seconds.
If your accomplishments... Something you want to highlight, is hidden throughout your description of your job duties; then you've lost an opportunity to capture their attention.
Your accomplishments should be listed under an 'Awards or Accomplishments' section of your resume, so it stands out and is easily seen.
4. Not Having A LinkedIn Profile
In this era, not having a LinkedIn profile is doing you more harm than good. LinkedIn is like Facebook... But for job hunting. If you've always thought that LinkedIn is used only by 'old people', then you've missed the mark completely!
Similar to Facebook where you 'add friends' etc, you do the same in LinkedIn and build a 'network' of people. Through these networks you'll hear of opportunities within companies seeking to hire.
Also! If you have a killer profile... Like the ones we create...Then agencies may reach out to you and encourage you to apply for positions they have advertised.
Which is the BEST part!
So, have you had a look at your LinkedIn profile? Does your job descriptions set you up for an opportunity in the field you're trying to get into?
Well this is your opportunity... start here, start now.
5. Adding Meat To The Bones Of Your Job Description
Another uncommon mistake or missed opportunity is; not adding meat to the bones of your job summary; more is good in this case, it really is... to an extent though. Similar to my comment earlier with the quantitative piece, don't over do it! I'll explain...
This is your ONLY opportunity to give the employer a first impression of who you are and what you can offer. Give them just enough to pique their interest and curiosity, that's the aim... for them to invite you to an interview to know more about you.
So put some meat on the bones! Don't just write a one sentence summary of what you were responsible for. Give more details on some of your successes and wins while in the position... take the opportunity to brag a little! Yes! You're allowed!
Right! So is this time for you to tweak your resume? I would say so! Do what you must, but you must work on your resume if your aim is to get a job... I'm just saying!
Don't forget...
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