Memorable Resume Errors That Will Make You Laugh

CareerBuilder surveyed over 2,000 hiring managers and found that more than 70 percent of them only devote about five minutes or less to looking over an applicant's resume, while half spend less than two minutes. However, even with such short attention spans, 56 percent of hiring managers reported having caught applicants in major lies. Sure, many job seekers may embellish their work experience or abilities, but the following resume errors are downright comical.

Importance of Proofreading

One applicant listed work history in a "whorehouse" in instead of a "warehouse." Don't rely on your spell-checker to catch a resume error like this — whorehouse is spelled correctly, after all. For best results, print your resume out and look over it with a trusted friend, colleague or family member.

Embellishments

One applicant claimed to have graduated from a college that didn't exist. Another claimed he was a Nobel Prize Winner. Another actually claimed to have been the former CEO of the very company he was applying for. Nowadays, it is simply too easy to fact-check an applicant's claims, even without a formal background check. A simple Internet search or phone call in many cases can prove or disprove what you say. Falsifying information to make yourself look better is one resume error you just don't want to make, as more often than not, you get caught. Besides, many hiring managers are willing to overlook some shortages in experience or qualifications if your attitude and enthusiasm make up for it.

Sketchy Job History

One applicant's job history was scientifically impossible — because it showed he worked for three different companies in three different cities, all at the same time. Unless he was Superman, this was probably a major resume error. When listing your job history, double- and triple-check the start and end date of each of your positions, and make sure they line up with each other. You don't have to list each and every one of your former positions, especially if there's a few that you didn't stay at for very long, or that aren't relevant to the position you're currently seeking.

So What Do Hiring Managers Want?

Job seekers make all kinds of comical resume errors in the pursuit of hiring managers' attention, but in most cases, it's not necessary. Half of the hiring managers surveyed stated they just want a cover letter to accompany your resume, and about 60 percent would like said resume to be tailored to the job you're applying for. About 25 percent said they prefer to be addressed correctly by name, and about 20 percent like to see links to the candidate's online profile or blog. In addition, "job seekers can increase their chances for consideration by proving past achievements that exemplify an ability to learn, enthusiasm and cultural fit," advises Rosemary Haefner, HR chief for CareerBuilder.

In most cases, you only have a few precious seconds for your resume to grab the hiring manager's attention — make sure it's for a good reason. Don't ruin your credibility by making one of these ridiculous resume errors. Be honest, include relevant information and proofread it thoroughly before submission. While these resume errors certainly provide a good chuckle, you don't want to be on the wrong end of the joke.

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