Whether you’ve been downsized, are looking for a career change or are just starting out, your resume speaks volumes about you. If your resume doesn’t make it past the first cut, you’re doomed; no matter how qualified you are. Remember, you only get one chance to make a good first impression.
1. Avoid Multiple pages – You need to be concise. Keep it to one page and one page only. If you can’t highlight your talents on one page, you’re giving the message that you are unorganized and tend to go on and on.
2. Avoid Fancy papers – If your skills don’t speak for themselves, then your fancy paper isn’t going to make a bit of difference.
3. Avoid Fancy font – Don’t try to set yourself apart with a different font on your resume. Set yourself apart by being uniquely qualified.
4. Avoid Irrelevant info – No one really cares that you were a dancer if you’re applying for an accountant job.
5. Avoid outdated information – Always try to Avoid Unwanted and Out Dated Information.
6. Check for misspellings – You’d be amazed to know that number of resumes received are with big blaring mistakes.
7. Avoid Falsified information – Greatly elaborated credentials are the same as lies. Do not list diplomas, certifications, affiliations or awards that you did not earn. Just don’t do it.
8. Don’t send Attachments – At the resume stage do not send any attachments, whatsoever. If you are granted an interview, at that time you could bring in whatever it is you’re so hot to get into the selecting official’s hands. The person accepting the resumes will likely just throw it in the round file.
9. Avoid Elaborating too much – Place of employment, job title and brief, very brief description of job responsibilities are all you need. Don’t complete a whole paragraph for each job you’ve held.
10. No cover letter – Writing a good cover letter is a bit of an art. However, any cover letter is better than none. Just keep the same principles in mind with your letter.
If you can avoid these simple Mistakes in Resumes, you’re more than half way there to getting an interview. Once you have your foot in the door you can really shine for the boss. If you don’t make it past the first cut, due to any of the above fatal mistakes, your beautiful resume will be used to wipe up coffee spills or will be added to the recycle pile. Don’t let that happen to you.
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