Resumes can make or break your job application. As someone who’s reviewed countless resumes, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright confusing. Let me share what I’ve learned so you can avoid common mistakes and increase your chances of landing an interview.
How I Got Into Resume Reviewing
Believe it or not, reviewing resumes wasn’t part of my original career plan. I started in fields like data analytics, research, and marketing. Yet in every role, I ended up reviewing resumes for hiring. It all began with a college internship in HR and just kept happening. Over time, I’ve become pretty good at spotting what works and what doesn’t.
Why Resumes Matter More Than Ever
The job market is tough. With so many people applying for the same roles, hiring managers have to sort through resumes quickly. The goal? Find the best fit without wasting time. This means even small mistakes can lead to rejection. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
4 Resume Mistakes to Avoid
1. Irrelevant Information
Applying for a marketing job but your resume highlights accounting? That’s a problem. Career changes are fine, but your resume needs to show you’ve thought it through. Tailor it to the job you want. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that make sense for the role.
2. Typos and Errors
A typo on your resume is like showing up to an interview in sweatpants. It gives the impression that you don’t pay attention to details. Your resume is your first impression, so make it clean and error-free. Use tools like spell check and ask someone else to review it.
3. Too Long or Too Short
Your resume should be just right—not too long, not too short. If you’re early in your career, stick to one page. Focus on the most important experiences and achievements. Leave out irrelevant details, like every club you joined in high school.
4. Overcomplicated Design
Your resume should be easy to read. Avoid tiny fonts, too many icons, or flashy designs that make it hard to focus on the content. Stick to a clean, simple layout. Think of it as a tool to communicate your skills, not an art project.
The Recruiter’s Perspective
Recruiters want to find great candidates, but they’re also looking for reasons to move on quickly. A clear, polished resume won’t guarantee an interview, but a messy or irrelevant one will almost certainly lead to rejection.
Your Resume Is Your Billboard
Think of your resume as an ad for yourself. Would you want a messy, confusing billboard to represent you? Probably not. Keep it clear, relevant, and professional.
Polish your resume, focus on what matters, and avoid these common mistakes. In today’s competitive job market, a great resume is your ticket to the next step.
