1. Cramming too much information onto a single page
“Many people believe the old theory that a resume has to be only one page in length,” said HR Manager, “so they try to squeeze in as much information as possible, using a font that is too small and arranging information into lengthy paragraphs that are onerous to read.” Instead, HR Manager recommends formatting text into bullet points and using an 11- or 12-point font. This will greatly improve the document’s readability and make it easier to scan. Also, boldface type should be used judiciously, such as to highlight job titles.
2. Failing to use key words that match the job description
Organizations today are increasingly using automated applicant tracking systems to filter resumes for words or phrases that match the job’s requirements. Therefore, it is critical to match your most relevant experience to the job description. For example, if a job advertisement states that full-charge book-keeping experience is required, your resume should include the words “full-charge book-keeping” as well as terms pertinent to that function, such as “invoicing,” “accounts payable,” and “month end statements.” Otherwise, the tracking system may simply skip past your resume.
3. Failing to show results
Another common mistake that job seekers make is listing duties performed in prior positions as if they were making out a shopping list. Employers are not only interested in what you did in previous jobs, they also want to know how you did it. To be more relevant to a hiring manager, put your past experience into context by demonstrating how previous employers benefited by having you on board. For example, instead of saying, “responsible for accounts receivable and collections,” show how you added value by describing tangible results: “successfully reduced accounts receivable by 75% in the first year from $150,000 to $37,500 by creating a detailed system for 30-60-90-120 day aging reports.”
4. Absence of key strengths and expertise section
When looking at a resume, the eye naturally gravitates to the top of the page. Use that to your advantage. HR Manager recommends inserting at the top of the resume a “Key Strengths and Expertise” section formatted as two columns of four bullet points each. This will enable employers to see at a glance what skill sets they will gain by hiring you. Again, make sure the key words in this section match the position’s requirements. Examples of the types of information to include in this section are listed below:
Sales growth & relationship building
Training & team building to bring positive change
Communications & high impact presentations
Sales negotiation & generating revenue
Staff scheduling, P&L statements & payroll
5. Too much clutter
When creating a resume, make white space your friend. Simpler resumes are more inviting to read. According to HR Manager: “The average amount of time a hiring manager spends scanning a resume is five to ten seconds; therefore, it must be easy to read.” Manager noted that because resumes must convey information using a limited amount of words and space, applicants must carefully choose what to put on this document. There should be nothing extraneous; everything on the resume must be concise and serve a purpose.
She further indicated it is unnecessary and usually not worth the effort to include graphics or photographs on a resume. Most automated tracking systems cannot “read” graphics or images, resulting in resumes getting lost in the database. For best results, stick to easy-to-read file types like Microsoft Word or PDF. An exception to this rule would be if you are applying for a job in a specialized field, such as graphic design, where it is important to show your skills in this area. Oftentimes, these types of jobs will require you to submit a portfolio of work separate from your resume.
“Many people believe the old theory that a resume has to be only one page in length,” said HR Manager, “so they try to squeeze in as much information as possible, using a font that is too small and arranging information into lengthy paragraphs that are onerous to read.” Instead, HR Manager recommends formatting text into bullet points and using an 11- or 12-point font. This will greatly improve the document’s readability and make it easier to scan. Also, boldface type should be used judiciously, such as to highlight job titles.
2. Failing to use key words that match the job description
Organizations today are increasingly using automated applicant tracking systems to filter resumes for words or phrases that match the job’s requirements. Therefore, it is critical to match your most relevant experience to the job description. For example, if a job advertisement states that full-charge book-keeping experience is required, your resume should include the words “full-charge book-keeping” as well as terms pertinent to that function, such as “invoicing,” “accounts payable,” and “month end statements.” Otherwise, the tracking system may simply skip past your resume.
3. Failing to show results
Another common mistake that job seekers make is listing duties performed in prior positions as if they were making out a shopping list. Employers are not only interested in what you did in previous jobs, they also want to know how you did it. To be more relevant to a hiring manager, put your past experience into context by demonstrating how previous employers benefited by having you on board. For example, instead of saying, “responsible for accounts receivable and collections,” show how you added value by describing tangible results: “successfully reduced accounts receivable by 75% in the first year from $150,000 to $37,500 by creating a detailed system for 30-60-90-120 day aging reports.”
4. Absence of key strengths and expertise section
When looking at a resume, the eye naturally gravitates to the top of the page. Use that to your advantage. HR Manager recommends inserting at the top of the resume a “Key Strengths and Expertise” section formatted as two columns of four bullet points each. This will enable employers to see at a glance what skill sets they will gain by hiring you. Again, make sure the key words in this section match the position’s requirements. Examples of the types of information to include in this section are listed below:
Sales growth & relationship building
Training & team building to bring positive change
Communications & high impact presentations
Sales negotiation & generating revenue
Staff scheduling, P&L statements & payroll
5. Too much clutter
When creating a resume, make white space your friend. Simpler resumes are more inviting to read. According to HR Manager: “The average amount of time a hiring manager spends scanning a resume is five to ten seconds; therefore, it must be easy to read.” Manager noted that because resumes must convey information using a limited amount of words and space, applicants must carefully choose what to put on this document. There should be nothing extraneous; everything on the resume must be concise and serve a purpose.
She further indicated it is unnecessary and usually not worth the effort to include graphics or photographs on a resume. Most automated tracking systems cannot “read” graphics or images, resulting in resumes getting lost in the database. For best results, stick to easy-to-read file types like Microsoft Word or PDF. An exception to this rule would be if you are applying for a job in a specialized field, such as graphic design, where it is important to show your skills in this area. Oftentimes, these types of jobs will require you to submit a portfolio of work separate from your resume.
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