To get you closer to the job you are pursuing, there are common mistakes to avoid when creating your resume and cover letter. According to CareerBuilder, candidates are encouraged to spend extra time when it comes to all aspects of the hiring process by avoiding simple, yet common, mistakes.
The job market is highly competitive, which means it is crucial for job seekers to avoid common pitfalls. You don’t want a simple typo to be the reason a hiring manager does not consider you “worthy” of an interview. According to Glassdoor.com, “…the average recruiter or hiring manager spends 6 seconds reading a resume.” So, it is important that you make a lasting impression and avoid your resume landing in the “rejected” pile. I think spelling errors and poorly formatted resumes are common knowledge so we won’t spend any time on that topic. I’m assuming you know misspelled words and a poorly formatted resume, right? I hope your answer is yes.
Take a look at the following common mistakes to be sure you avoid making them:
Mistake #1: Too Much Information in Your Resume
It is important to introduce yourself to the employer through your resume without including 20 years of work history. The hiring manager should be able to do a quick overview to identify your skills as they related to the job. Less is more. Unless you are applying for a senior level executive job, you should be able to keep your resume between one to two pages.
Mistake #2: Not Customizing Your Resume For Each Employer
According to the CareerBuilder,” No two jobs are exactly alike, and the resumes you submit should not either.” You want to avoid submitting a “one-size-fits-all” resume where the qualifications listed do not match the job description. The goal is to make your resume memorable to hiring managers who have the task of reviewing hundreds of resumes.
For example, if you are applying for a legal secretary position, then it may not be necessary to list your previous job as a general laborer unless the desirable qualifications align. According to a 2016 National Survey conducted by The Harris Poll, “54 percent of job seekers don’t customize their resume for each employer.” So, when writing your targeted resume, be sure to list key words from the job description.
It is important that you spend time outlining your skills with the job description to help move your resume to the top of the pile. A hiring manager is reading your resume with a “what’s in it for us” mindset. In most cases, your resume is the first impression a potential employer will have of you, so make it a good first impression. Job searching can be overwhelming, but it is necessary for you to obtain your ideal position.
Sure it takes more time to review each job description and write a customized resume and cover letter, but remember you have an average of 6 seconds to catch the attention of a hiring manager or recruiter to make a great first impression and hopefully land an interview.
Best of luck on your job search. Remember, should you need career coaching or resume assistance CLICK HERE or complete the contact form below.
