Connie

You think after writing, editing, revising, editing and revising again, you’d have your resume 100% perfect. Although some mistakes, like typos and grammatical errors, may be easier to spot, sometimes you may not even be aware of your resume blunders. Here are some examples of common mistakes, along with some tips for improvement.

1. One size fits all. When is the last time you tried on a one-size-fits-all t-shirt and it fit? If you are like me, I’m guessing never. The same basic theory holds true for resumes. Employers want resumes made specifically for them, not every company receiving your application. To stand out, clearly explain how your qualifications match the company’s needs and why your distinct combination of experiences will benefit their organization.

2. Ditch your duties and tell about your achievements instead. Unfortunately, not many employers care if you rang up purchases or answered the phones. They want to hear about the specifics, particularly any steps you took to improve company productivity, sales or processes. Instead of saying, “Filed customer receipts,” say something like, “Reorganized 5 years of customer receipts to simplify retrieval for department head.” Focus on your accomplishments!

3. Be specific. Instead of saying you assembled a sales team, give details about the number of candidates you recruited, hired or trained. Details grab an employer’s interest and that will help you get noticed…and an interview!

What mistakes have you made on your resume? Tell me in the comments section below!!