When you’re applying for that job you really want, you need your resume to stand out. Hiring managers and recruiters screen hundreds of resumes, so you have a limited amount of time to catch their attention. If yours is flawed, it has a big chance of being screened out.

The most common errors

Grammatical error and typos

Grammatical errors and typos can make you look unprofessional and careless. The best way to avoid this is by using a spelling and grammar checker, re-reading your resume multiple times, and have someone else review it for you.

Using the same resume for every application

It’s imperative that you tailor your resume to the specific position you are applying for. Using the same resume for every application does not show the hiring manager that you have the skills and knowledge that they are looking for.

Not including a professional profile

Remember that you want to stand out amongst other candidates. Including a professional profile tells the hiring manager or recruiter what you can do for the company and how your experience will benefit them.

Not using the right keywords

If you don’t use the keywords that are mentioned in the job description, your resume might get overlooked because it doesn’t show that you are a good fit for the position.

Not updating your skills section

This goes back to adapting your resume for every job application. You should be able to include most of the skills that they are asking for.

Not using action verbs and not highlighting your accomplishments

Recruiters and hiring managers don’t want to read every single detail of every job you have ever had. Remember that they have limited time when screening applications. Catch their attention by using action verbs to describe previous tasks that are relevant to the job you’re applying for and highlight relevant achievements.

Having a resume that is too long or too short

The length of your resume should correlate with the length of your work experience. However, in general it shouldn’t be more than 3 pages long. If you put too much information in your resume, the screener might lose interest or feel overwhelmed.

Formatting errors

Besides grammatical and spelling errors, not formatting your resume in a professional manner can also cause it to be overlooked. For instance, not using clean lines and blank spaces on your resume. This makes it hard to read and for your details to stand out. Another mistake is using a font that is too small, not professional or the wrong colors. When choosing a layout for your resume, always keep in mind the position you’re applying for and which industry it’s in. For instance, if you’re applying for a job in a creative field, it’s okay to be more creative. However, if you’re applying at a law firm your resume should have a more serious look.

Not using a professional email address

We can’t stress this enough. Keep your email address professional. It should have your first and last name or a variation thereof. If you already have an email address that you use for casual occasions, it’s perfectly fine to create another one just for your job applications. Not only will it appear more professional, but it will also help you keep track of all the related correspondence.

Having outdated contact details

Once you’ve submitted your application, you want the hiring manager or recruiter to be able to reach you. Having outdated contact details, such as an old phone number or email address, will immediately put you out of the running even if they were impressed with your resume.

If you need help revamping your CV or resume, contact us today for a free 15-minute Online Initial Resume Consultation. Your CV/Resume review will be targeted towards your current career goals. You can then decide to rewrite your CV/Resume yourself or pay for our CV/Resume Writing Services. The pricing options will be discussed with you should you wish to continue with us.