Wikipedia defines a resume as a “marketing tool used by individuals to secure a new job, a promotion, or an increase in salary” and is “typically the first item that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is typically used to screen applicants”. With this in mind, job seekers need to make optimal use of this very important first impression. Presenting a flawed document will often result in dire consequences (think unemployment). A&A Search has put together a short list of blunders that they see most often in inadequate resumes, as well as resume fixes.
1. Resume is too long: Hiring managers are often too busy and rushed to mull over pages and pages that could be easily simplified by bulletizing the most important information. When writing resumes, job seekers want to provide a comprehensive picture of their qualifications, often times this turns into too much unnecessary information leaving the reader (potential employer) bored and at times frustrated. The fix: Don’t include long list of job responsibilities, instead include bulleted list of accomplishments. Do not summarize your resume at the end, this either shows that the resume is written poorly or it is simply redundant. Don’t list your hobbies or interests unless on the rare occasion they are directly related to the job you are applying to. In general your resume should not exceed one page.
2. Form letter type resume: Job seekers that send the same resume and cover letter to every job they are applying for are missing the whole point of sending a resume. Sure every resume should include accomplishments and education, but the job seeker should keep in mind who their audience is (remember this is a marketing tool), and tweak their cover letter and resume for each individual company they are applying. The fix: Do your research before sending out your resume, and include information about how your skills and accomplishment would be an asset to potential employers.
3. Leaving out a job objective: The very first thing a potential employer looks for on a resume is what the job seeker wants to accomplish at their company. Leaving this information out will require the hiring professional confused and may not even read the entire resume. The fix: After providing a name and important contact information, the job seeker should include an objective in 5 or 6 words, any more than this will seem like extra fluff and may appear unorganized.
4. Fancy print paper: Writing a resume on flowery or otherwise designed paper can appear too chaotic to someone who just wants to get to the meat of your resume. This includes adding parchment paper or other bits of flair. The fix: Always print your resume on white paper or send an electronic resume sans graphics.
5. Little White Lies: It is never okay to fabricate work experience, job responsibilities, accomplishments, etc. when writing your resume. Remember most employers do extensive background checks and you will likely get caught and your credibility will be flushed down the you know what. The fix: Use the actual experience and skills you have and describe to the employer (briefly) how they can be used by their company.
