Resume writing is a tricky task, and it is more difficult to come up with an ideal resume than a faulty one. Most of the time, a candidate is ideal for an available position – but, due to some small mistakes, their resume is discarded by the employers.
To create a perfect resume, it is advisable to know the common mistakes people make in resume writing and avoid them!
The following are the ten most common mistakes candidates make when writing a resume. Try to avoid these mistakes to get the best results.
Top 10 Resume Writing Mistakes to Avoid in 2023
- 1. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes
- 2. Missing Dates
- 3. Inconsistent Layout
- 4. Too Much Focus on Job Duties
- 5. Leaving Off Job Relevant Information
- 6. Adding Personal Details
- 7. Attempting to Create an All-Purpose Resume
- 8. A Self Centered Objective Statement
- 9. Using a Non-Professional E-Mail Address
- 10. Writing a Very Long Resume
1. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes
Typos and grammatical mistakes ruin the whole impression! Make sure you avoid this mistake by using word spell check and getting your resume proofread at least twice.
2. Missing Dates
Never miss the dates in the experience section. Always mention the dates and duration of previous work clearly, and explicitly.
3. Inconsistent Layout
A resume with an inconsistent layout is a guaranteed failure. Using different font sizes, styles, and bullet styles can ruin an otherwise excellent résumé.
4. Too Much Focus on Job Duties
Employers are not looking for your previous job descriptions. It’s a big mistake to enlist just what your duties were at the last workplace. Instead, use the same space to mention what you accomplished and how well you did it.
5. Leaving Off Job Relevant Information
It is a common mistake to miss job-specific information the employer is seeking. The resume must be prioritized properly, and mention of job-relevant qualifications must be foremost.
6. Adding Personal Details
Adding details about nationality, marital status, no of children and the like is completely unnecessary and a waste of precious space on a resume. There is an exception to federal resumes in this case.
7. Attempting to Create an All-Purpose Resume
All-purpose resumes are usually not job-specific and tend to fail. These resumes are usually treated as junk mail and discarded right away. Successful resumes are fluid and tailored as per the job requirements of the prospective employer.
8. A Self Centered Objective Statement
If you are an entry-level candidate/career changer and need to write an objective, make sure its employer-focused, not self-centered. State what you have to offer in the objective and what’s in it for the employer.
9. Using a Non-Professional E-Mail Address
A resume is a professional document and mentioning email IDs like ‘babydoll111’, or ‘tigerboy68’ must be strictly avoided.
10. Writing a Very Long Resume
Recruiters are not interested in long portfolios, resumes longer than a single page are a real waste of time and paper.
The crux of common resume mistakes is merely an unfocused resume. An unfocused and nontargeted resume is perceived as the reflection of a non-professional and confused candidate.
Related: 10 Cover Letter Writing Mistakes to Avoid