Resumes are like your personal mouthpiece, your calling card- the difference between you getting an interview or being lost among the thousands of applicants. Have you been disappointed during your recent job search?
You are probably applying to jobs (where LinkedIn tells you that you are the best fit for the role), but never getting a callback. Studies have shown that 68% of recruiters reject resumes because of poorly formatted CVs, which contain spelling mistakes and grammatical issues.
Thus, to ensure you never get cancelled due to avoidable faux pas, you must be aware of the resume mistakes to avoid. We will share the common errors in resumes and how best to avoid them- so that you never miss out on an opportunity.
Not because you are underqualified but because you missed a comma somewhere. Remember, you only get a few seconds to impress the hiring manager, and with such high competition, you do not want to miss your chance.
Most Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid
It takes two minutes to proofread your resume and can be the major difference between a successful and not-so-successful job search. 63% of hiring managers say that one of the most common resume mistakes to avoid is sending the same CV for every application. Always tailor your resume according to the job description before hitting the send button on your email.
Here is a pro tip from us: avoid the easy apply button on LinkedIn and other job portals.
Adding outdated work experience
If you are an experienced professional with many years of experience, then it is best to remove some past experiences that do not align with the role you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for the role of a finance executive, your first job as a telemarketer a decade back does not hold any relevance.
You should work towards convincing potential employers- why you are a good fit for the job, and have the necessary skills and experience.
Also, irrelevant work experience makes your resume too long. It is better to keep your resume one page long, as it is ATS-compliant, and even recruiters prefer it over long edifices.
Avoid Grammatical and Spelling Errors
Your resume is the first chance to impress the recruiter. One of the most common resume mistakes to avoid is having typos, errors, and grammatical mistakes. A key quality that most employers look for in an employee is attention to detail and a CV filled with spelling errors, will often leave a bad impression.
You can use tools like Grammarly and Quilbot to check for mistakes. Also, you can ask friends or family to volunteer as an extra pair of eyes and review your CV.
Adding Photos
Most organisations nowadays follow DEI initiatives, and adding photos can be detrimental to that cause. Most countries do not require adding photographs. Additionally, it can make your resume look unprofessional.
Choosing the wrong file name to save your CV
Now, you were very vigilant while writing your CV- took care of the spelling and formatting. But when it comes to saving the file, you do not pay any heed. Do not use file names with words like “final”, “best”, or “2024”.
This is one of the most common mistakes in CV writing, and for companies that use ATS, it can lead to rejection even before the resume gets parsed.
Here is the best way to name your CV:
- Jane-Doe-Resume.pdf [Name-Surname-Resume]
- You can additionally add the role that you are applying for in the CV or the company name.
- Use hyphens or underscores to separate the words
- Do not use things like version numbers
- Use file formats like PDF or Docx to save the file (both these formats are ATS-compliant)
Concentrating on Duties Instead of Accomplishments
Your employers look for a person who can add value to their team. So, instead of just stating your duties in your role, talk about the value you added to the organisation.
Use action verbs and data to show your accomplishment. Mention any awards that you received or the challenges that you helped overcome with your skills.
Incorrect Contact Information
One of the important resume writing tips is to add your contact details right on top. It should contain details like address, phone number, email id, and your social links, such as LinkedIn, X, etc. This is how the recruiter will reach you if they find you worthy enough for the role.
However, one of the common resume mistakes to avoid is making typos or mistakes in this key area. You might forget to add the area code to your phone number, or make a spelling mistake in your email address, which is everything that adds up to you not getting a call.
Moreover, you should remember to add a professional email ID to your CV. Do not use the same email ID you created when you were in your preteens. The best format for professional emails is to use your full name. Eg. [email protected] instead of [email protected]
Using a Fancy Layout
Sometimes, in your zeal to create a standout resume, you end up over designing it. As we mentioned previously, most companies use an Applicant Tracking System to sieve through the applications. An ATS is but an AI-powered tool that doesn’t understand your fancy layouts.
A well-formatted CV, using the right fonts and format, will ensure your information is properly visible to both human recruiters and AI tools. You can use fonts like Arial, Cambrie, and Georgia.
Recruiters usually do not spare more than a few seconds scanning your resume, and if your CV appears overtly complicated, you might end up in the rejected pile. So, this is one of the biggest resume mistakes to avoid.
How 6 Pence Helps
We hope our tips on how you can be wary of resume mistakes to avoid can help you create a flawless CV that helps you land more interviews and shine in your career.
6 Pence is one of the leading staff outsourcing agencies and recruiters in the GCC. We are operational in Dubai, Oman, Iraq, and Bahrain, and work as a staff outsourcing agency for some of the biggest public organisations and global MNCs in the region.
At 6 Pence, we help match the right candidate with the right company, so that both parties can thrive together. Our experienced recruiters can also coach candidates for interviews, and also help with processing work visas.
Drop your CV by visiting the careers page on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many mistakes are acceptable on a resume?
The short answer is no mistakes are acceptable on a resume. However, some recruiters may forgive a minor typo, a missing comma or a full stop. However, if you make too many mistakes, your resume can get rejected.
2. What not to write in a resume?
You should not include things like buzzwords, false information, unprofessional email IDs, headshots, personal details, and full mailing addresses in your resume.
3. What makes a poor CV?
A poor CV consists of spelling errors, is poorly formatted, and is difficult to comprehend for both hiring managers and ATS. Avoid using vague accomplishments or adding irrelevant details.
