It’s no secret to anyone searching for a job: getting an interview is hard. While online job postings have made it easier than ever to apply, they’ve also drastically increased competition.
Your resume is the first thing a recruiter sees when you apply, and it may be the reason you aren’t getting called back. If you’ve never had anyone guide you on how to write a resume step-by-step, there’s no way to know which unspoken rules could be keeping yours at the bottom of the stack.
How to Make a Professional Resume: 5 Mistakes You Might Be Making
Want to know how to make a professional resume that’s heads and shoulders above the rest? Keep reading for five rookie mistakes to avoid.
1. You Used a Generic Resume
Using the same template-based resume for every application is the fastest way to put yourself out there. Even so, playing this numbers game isn’t worth the trouble. It’s better to submit fewer applications with custom-tailored resumes for each than to take the shotgun approach.
2. There’s Too Much Irrelevant Information
One of the most basic rules for how to write a good resume is to only include relevant information.
If you’re a college graduate that’s still listing their high school volunteer experience, recruiters will assume you’re compensating for a lack of recent achievements. Get rid of it and use that space to talk about your recent project management experience instead.
3. You Included a Headshot
Many people want to put their best face forward and include a professional headshot on their resume. While this may sound like a good move, it can actually work against you.
Including a photo isn’t the norm in the United States and some recruiters may consider it a faux pax. It also puts you at a disadvantage if the recruiter has any unconscious biases about different people groups.
4. There Are Typos
When recruiters read through resumes, they aren’t only looking for your experience. They’re also using it as an opportunity to evaluate your attention to detail. If your resume has any basic spelling, grammar, or formatting mistakes, they’ll assume your other work is full of errors, too.
5. You Didn’t Have a Professional Check Your Work
Have you ever had an expert like the ones from ResumeWriters.com look over your resume? If not, you could be missing a lot of opportunities to stand out from the crowd.
After submitting your rough draft (or a list of job experience), you can work one-on-one with a professional reviewer to build a resume that highlights your unique skillset. They’ll help you avoid the errors on this list, modify your language to be more action-oriented, and help you tailor your resume to a specific job type. If you’re concerned about the cost, make sure to take advantage of available coupons and discounts.
Learning How to Make a Professional Resume
A good resume is your ticket to the first round of interviews. By learning how to make a professional resume and avoiding the mistakes on this list, you’ll stand out as a worthy candidate to recruiters and increase your chances of getting the job.
Are your eyes tired from staring at a computer while writing your resume? Keep your vision in good condition for future interviews by reading up on how to protect your eyes from screens while working.
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