You’ve been applying to job after job, anxiously awaiting an email or a phone call. As time goes on, and you hear nothing but crickets, you’re left to wonder: am I underqualified?
If you’re applying for jobs that are a good fit for your background, then probably not. It likely has more to do with your resume. Here are some mistakes you could be making that are all-too-common and scare off hiring managers.
Mistake #1: Typos and errors in grammar.
First impressions count, and if your resume is filled with misspellings or incorrect grammar, it will send the wrong message to potential employers. Make sure you carefully proofread your resume several times before submitting it. Even better, ask a friend or family member to review it.
Mistake #2: No track record of accomplishments.
Hiring managers want more than a bullet list of duties and tasks you handled. They want to know what your track record of accomplishments and success has been. It’s why adding facts and figures wherever you can is key to bringing your background to life.
Mistake #3: Using generic language.
If you copied and pasted a resume from the Internet and simply tweaked it for your background, hiring managers will notice. Your resume will sound just like countless others, and you won’t stand out. You can use online samples as a guide; however, write your own resume in a way that’s personalized, detailed, and specific.
Mistake #4: Forgetting to tweak your resume.
Your resume should be tailored for each job you apply to. That doesn’t mean a total rewrite. It does, however, mean making the most relevant points for each position front and center. So take time to review the job postings and your resume, carefully tailoring it to the opportunity.
Mistake #5: Exaggerating.
When you make your background sound more impressive than it actually is, you could wind up in trouble if you get the job. Your new boss will be expecting a certain skill set, one you won’t be able to deliver. So put your best foot forward but in an honest way.
Mistake #6: Making it too long or too short.
There are a few rules of thumb for resume length. If you’re a new college graduate or just entering the job market, your resume should be one page. If you have a few years or more of experience, it can go to two pages, no longer.
On the flip side, if you’re highly experienced and your resume is short on detail, hiring managers will be left to wonder if you have what it takes to perform the job.
Mistake #7: Including the wrong information.
Skip the dated objective statement and include a Summary of Qualifications or Strengths instead. Likewise, don’t include interests or hobbies unless they are related to the job or the company. Finally, skip the “references available upon request” statement, which simply wastes space.
Need more help with your resume or your job search?
PrideStaff is here for you. We’re one of Phoenix’s leading employment agencies, connecting job seekers to top opportunities. We can help you with all aspects of your search so you find a position that’s ideal for you. Get started today by contacting our team.
