Perla Aroyo, CPCC & CPRW Interview: How to Avoid Resume Mistakes

Sending a resume when applying for the job one wants is a responsible step. After an applicant confirms the submission, they cannot influence the further decision of the hiring manager. Hence, the resume must be immaculate, and one cannot fix the possible mistakes that go into it. 

To prevent the most common mistakes in resumes, we talked to one of the attorney resume writer, Perla Aroyo, CPCC & CPRW. She shared insights on what recruiters pay attention to and what can ruin a good resume. Here is a selection of the resume mistakes that many job seekers share.

#1 Starting Your Resume with a Goal Statement

A resume objective is a short description of what you w monster resume writing review ant to do in your career. A professional summary should be included at the top of your resume. To show the hiring manager how your unique skills can benefit the company as a new employee, a professional summary must describe your capabilities. You can include your career goals if you don't have much work experience. However, explaining how these goals relate to the job you are applying for and to the company is essential.

#2 Listing Unrelated Work Experience

List work experience relevant to the job you are applying for when writing your resume. Employers will appreciate the information you provide about your work experience. Focus on your transferable skills and accomplishments in a new industry or job, not your previous job responsibilities. If you are applying for a customer service position but have previous experience as a cashier, you can use your resume to describe how you dealt with customers.

#3 Going Short on Details

Include enough detail to describe how you succeeded in each job listed on your resume for each position. Five bullet points should be provided about your accomplishments and responsibilities in the current or most recent job. Three bullet points should be included for all other positions on your resume. This detail shows professionalism and competence.

Use action verbs as bullet points to describe your work experience. Then, follow each bullet point with the impact or result of each action. You can use quantitative data such as dollar amounts and percentages to provide more detail to enhance your experience section.

#4 Bringing up References

Although employers may ask for references to help them evaluate candidates for jobs, this information is usually unnecessary to include on your resume. Employers typically request references after reviewing resumes. 

In addition, it's crucial to ensure that your resume is well-written and error-free to make a positive impression on potential employers. If you're unsure about the quality of your resume, you can consider seeking professional help from a reputable service, such as monster resume writing review, and reading their reviews to ensure that they are a good fit for your needs. Once you have a strong resume, including references as requested by the employer can increase your chances of getting hired. Remember to use the same style, font, and header as your resume to maintain consistency throughout your application materials.

#5 Including Unrelated Skills

Although you may have many skills, your resume should be tailored to match the job. Employers often provide a list of skills, so read the job postings to ensure your resume includes relevant competencies. If a job listing asks for applicants who have used specific software, you could list that experience on your resume. Employers will be impressed by your relevant skills.

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#6 Applying with a Template Resume

To show employers why your qualifications are the best for each role, tailor your resume to multiple job applications. A master template is helpful. You can save it as a separate document for every job you apply for. A customized resume can include keywords and phrases relevant to the job description. This will help you pass an applicant tracking system (ATS) review. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences for the job and customize your application to a particular opening.

#7 Using Outdated Contact Information

Employers will need to be able to contact you if your application is successful. You should include your current phone number and an email address that you check frequently. If you have recently moved, include your new address, state, and city. If you have the correct information, potential employers can contact you to arrange an interview or answer questions about your application.

#8 Giving an Unprofessional EmaiL Address

Include a professional email address in your resume header. This could be your first and last names or another variation. You may find it helpful to create an additional email address that you can use only for correspondence regarding job applications. It helps to make your resume look professional, even though it is such a minor detail.

#9 Stating Salary Expectations

Although you might have salary requirements specific to a job, it is best not to include this information in your resume. You can usually discuss salary requirements with employers during the interview or after being offered a job. Research average salaries for your industry, experience, and location before you set out to establish your salary requirements. This information will help you choose a suitable salary range for your new job.

#10 Using Jargonisms or Cliched Phrasing

Your resume may not be taken seriously if you use industry terminology, cliches, or another non-standard vocabulary. Use specific language that is actionable to describe your skills and experience. Employers can easily understand your career achievements and job duties using simple language. Employers value the ability to communicate clearly and concisely.

#11 Including Your Hobbies in the Resume

Your resume has limited space to highlight your skills and draw employers' attention. Avoid listing hobbies unrelated to your new job. Include hobbies that are relevant to the position in the appropriate section. If you are applying for a teaching job and enjoy tutoring children at weekends, this information should be included in a section on your volunteer work.

Bonus: Perla Aroyo's professional tip:

When you're uncertain about certain aspects of your resume, such as your personal email, hobbies, or high school achievements, it's important to ask yourself a key question: "Will this information enhance my professional image and suitability for the job I'm seeking?" This approach will help you identify which details should remain in your resume and which ones should be removed permanently. And, if you're searching for “resume writing services near me”, keep in mind that these professionals can offer valuable insights and expertise to help you create a compelling resume that highlights your strengths and achievements.