What are the Three Biggest Resume Mistakes?

Your resume creates a first impression about your education, experience, skills and qualifications long before you've met an employer face to face or shaken a hiring manager’s hand. When it comes time to mail out your resume, start off on the right foot by avoiding the three biggest resume mistakes.

1. Inconsistencies and Lies

In the age of Google searches and social media profiles, it’s all too easy for a hiring manager to research you — and find plenty of information — as soon as your resume hits his desk. If you have a LinkedIn profile, ensure that it lines up with your resume. It’s not necessary that they exactly mirror each other, but past employers, job titles and dates of employment should be consistent. If you held several positions within one company, avoid the common resume mistake of lumping them all together under the most impressive job title. List each one separately to demonstrate your career advancement and appreciation for accuracy.

Avoid the resume mistake of lying or exaggerating about your skills, work history, education or achievements. Hiring managers can easily pick up a phone or do an Internet search to verify details, and nobody wants to bring an untrustworthy employee on board. Providing inaccurate information is a sure-fire way to land your resume in the trash.

2. Irrelevance

Another common resume mistake is lack of customization and relevance. Fight the urge to hit Print 10 times and send out the same resume for every job that interests you. Each resume you send out should be tailored specifically to the employer, job title and work duties for which you’re applying. Describe tasks and skills from your previous work experience that fit with the new employer’s wants and needs. Avoid mentioning hobbies or personal details that have no relation to the job you’re seeking.

3. Sloppy Writing and Formatting

Sending a poorly written or sloppily formatted resume is a common resume mistake that turns off potential employers. First, proofread for spelling errors, grammar mistakes and inaccurate information. Next, pay attention to formatting; make sure bullets are in line, fonts and sizes are consistent, and margins are clean. Ensure that contact information is complete, including addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. When you’re sure that your resume is flawless, have a friend review it to get a fresh perspective.

Crafting a perfect resume is a process that requires time, effort and creativity, but the successful outcome that often results from presenting a polished and professional resume far outweighs the work involved. By avoiding the three biggest resume mistakes, you make a great first impression and demonstrate to a potential employer that you are trustworthy, qualified for the job and detail oriented.

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