Applying for that dream job? How your resume is written will make or break your chances. If you want to succeed you have to set yourself apart from the rest of the competition that is applying. Common mistakes like misspellings and bad formatting will get you automatically rejected. But did you know that these other mistakes will also hurt your chances of being considered for the job?
1. Don’t Use the Same Resume Every Time
One of the most common errors that people make is to use the same resume to apply for a wide variety of jobs. Even if the jobs you are applying for are in the same industry, they have very different cultures. As a result, you should never send someone your acting resume if you are applying for a job as a director. List jobs that you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for. If you have not had a job like this one before then note the tasks and skills used in previous positions that would be relevant to the job you are applying for. That is make it transferable.
2. Don’t Include Any of Your Personal Info
It used to be the case that a potential employer would ask for personal info. This could include your marital status, religious beliefs, place of origin, etc. But today it’s no longer legal to ask for this kind of information on a resume. This means that you should never have to go out of your way to give it away for free. Only include your contact information at the top of your resume.
3. Don’t Make Your Resume Too Long
When it comes to writing a good resume, the key is to keep it short and sweet. You don’t want to hand in a 30-page tome that will take too long to absorb. Put all of your info in a plain, terse manner. As long as it’s all there, you should be good to go. The point is to make a good impression, quickly and effectively. A good rule of thumb is to never exceed 2 pages.
4. Don’t Forget Your Professional Email Address
There is no reason why you shouldn’t have a professional email address to list on your resume. The address you create should be a simple combo of your first and last names. Don’t list any names such as “superstarJohnSmith” that seem like something a high school student would make. Keep it as professional as you can.
5. Don’t Forget to Focus on Your Achievements
One of the most crucial things that you will need to do when you write your resume will be to list the many achievements that you have to your credit. Don’t think of this as tooting your own horn. Never hesitate to list the things that make you stand out from the pack. These are the qualities that may make you the best new hire for the job. Also, make sure to mention any certifications that you have.
6. Don’t List Any Irrelevant Social Media Profiles
If you list a contact for your Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook page, make sure it is a professional profile. It needs to be one that has something to do with the job that you are applying for. If you want to get a job in the foodservice industry, don’t send a link to a Facebook profile that has no such connections. Having a professional LinkedIn page may be a great way to build a professional presence online and connect with recruiters actively looking for candidates to fulfill a role.
7. Don’t Clutter Things Up with Fancy Fonts
Keep your resume in a strict Arial or Times New Roman font. Keep the text black and don’t use any fancy fonts that are out of date, unreadable, or showy. This is one of the tackiest things that you can do on a resume. It makes you look juvenile and completely unprofessional. As soon as an employer sees it, they will throw it in the trash.
8. Don’t Use Too Many Buzzwords
The content that you provide for your resume needs to be clear, concise, and well thought out. It also needs to be as free of cliches as possible. No one wants to hear about your ability to “think outside the box.”
9. Don’t Forget to Proofread and Use Spell Check
The last thing that you need to be sure of is that you get all of your grammar rights. No one wants to wade through grade school spelling and punctuation errors. If you spell like a 9-year-old, you will be treated as one and thus denied the job. Proofread and use spell check to be sure your resume reads well.
A Solid Resume is a Readable One
You want your resume to flow well and highlight your progress in order to show your experience and qualifications. Spending the extra time to make sure that it is readable, organized, and relevant for the position you are applying to will increase your chances of getting the job!
Author Bio:
Lizzie Howard is a Colorado native who after graduating from the University of Colorado spends her time as a freelance writer. When Lizzie isn’t writing, she enjoys going on hikes, baking for her friends and family, and spending time with her beloved yellow lab, Sparky. If you are an aspiring actor, learn more about how to create an impressive acting resume.
