A resume is a picture which the employer will have of you; your credentials. You’ll need to put it right for your employer to see you. Since it’s the first impression you’ll make, you should make your resume sell you. Most candidates for interviews miss the mark with their resume. You shouldn’t oversell or undervalue your potential
To make sure you’ve communicated what you wanted; let your resume avoid any of the following.
1. Giving irrelevant information
While you may have as much experience; over the years, reduce the details not relevant. Look at the keywords of the job you wish to apply and relate to your work and experience. You may have worked for a long time, but the employer doesn’t wish to read all the details. Remember a resume should be short for an easy scan to enable you to get an interview invitation.
For your employer to give you an invite, be relevant and straight to the point. Be precise about the details and reduce much information. However, don’t omit any detail that will disadvantage you with other applicants. There’re Resume samples you can use to improve on your resume.
2. Grammatical errors in the resume
Since a resume speaks about you, the grammar in it tells the employer much. You can decide to write fast because of the datelines, but that will not excuse the first impression you make on your resume. Remember you may not be called for an interview to correct your mistake; few get second chances.
To avoid the mishap, read and re-read your resume; where possible read loudly. The error-free resume doesn’t raise any negative comments or receive doubts from the recruiters. Better be on the safe side than missing many opportunities. Sometimes grammar-error resume doesn’t even attract a response; get resume examples and compare it with yours.
3. Giving too much personal information
There’re times you think that more details are helping the panel to consider you, the truth maybe you’re giving ammunition for rejection. The necessary details aren’t the same as with many details; give your name, contact details, and email address.
Avoid the details of the status of either being single or married. The details maybe used against you; the employer shouldn’t use those details to deny you a job. However,the truth is, given the information, the employer may decide to look into your availability. The marital status and religion need not be included in your resume.
4. Too long resume
The great resume should be a summary of your education and accomplishments. The work experience should be telling only the work done on a specific period. The details of the many activities you did can be clarified during an interview.
Ensure your resume doesn’t use the redundant words of description. The details to include should be minimal and true. The resume is for perusing and not as a testimonial. Remove the buzzwords from your resume and only indicate real accomplishments. Be time-bound in your projects and avoid words that are generalizations. If your project took 3 months, say so and not measure by ‘limited time’ or ‘in the shortest time possible’. The project period differs from other organizations; so short may mean longer for another firm.
