Never underestimate the power of great résumé writing. It can be the difference between snaring an interview and being left wondering why no one is returning your calls. Admittedly, you could create the greatest résumé ever and it may not work because you might not be what the company is looking for but at least it gives you the best possible shot of getting a job in what is an austere economy. Jobseekers have immense pressure on them as debts pile up and their need becomes ever more desperate. This leads to mistakes which prove costly. Continue reading to discover the 5 résumé mistakes that could kill off your chances of getting that interview.
1 -Obsession With Old Achievements
Employers are only interested with what you have achieved recently. To them, it doesn't matter if you were a managing director 15 years ago, especially if you are only an office boy today. Additionally, focusing on what you did many years ago detracts from what you have done recently. Keep your résumé current if you want to move onto the next stage.
2 - Including References
Admit it; you have placed references right at the end of at least one résumé right? This is a big mistake because employers only check references further down the line. Including them straight away is seen as presumptuous and makes it look as if you have something of an ego. Don't even add 'references available on request' because it isn't necessary. If they want references, they will ask you later on.
3 - Lengthy Work History
You don't really need to include more than three jobs on your résumé depending on the duration of each job. In most cases, there is no need to go back more than about 10 years. Adding anything extra either makes you appear to be too old or else it suggests that you don't stay in one place too long.
4 - No Impression
A common résumé writing mistake is to focus on the duties performed in previous employment. In most cases, this involves mundane details that don't interest the employer. Your goal is to show the hiring company that you left a lasting positive impression at your last job. This means you need to show what you achieved and how it impacted the company. For example, you can state that you helped improve efficiency and increases sales. If you have specific data relating to these achievements, include it. For example, 'Increased company profit by 14% via the implementation of a new sales strategy'.
5 - Lack of Specificity
Apply for any job with a one-size fits all résumé and your application will end up in the bin. Hiring teams see straight through such lazy attempts and will take about five seconds to scan the résumé before dumping it. Read each job application carefully and tailor each résumé to suit the job specifics. Include relevant keywords to ensure it shows up on search engine results in the event that you apply for jobs online.
Overall, there is no excuse to implement these resume writing mistakes because they are easy to avoid and can significantly improve your chances of being called to the second stage. The job hunting market is a dog eat dog world and if you aren't prepared to make an extra effort, you will either remain jobless or in your current vocation with no opportunity to make forward strides in your career.
Jason Kay is a professional resume writer recommends comparing online resume services at http://www.jobgoround.com/services/resume-writer-reviews/.
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