When applying for a job, your resume is often your first impression. Recruiters and hiring managers spend only a few seconds scanning each one, meaning small mistakes can cost you valuable opportunities. Ethan Evans, a former Amazon vice president who has reviewed over 10,000 resumes and conducted more than 2,500 interviews, shares the most common resume mistakes and how to correct them.
For the full article, visit Business Insider.
1. Focusing on Activities Instead of Results
Many resumes simply list job responsibilities rather than showcasing actual achievements. Instead of writing, “Managed a team” or “Developed a project,” highlight the impact of your work. Use numbers, bold important results, and include links to projects when possible.
Fix: Use action verbs like “led,” “built,” “delivered,” and quantify your contributions (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”).
2. No Clear Objective
Recruiters don’t have time to guess your career goals. A well-written objective should briefly state what role you’re seeking, highlight key qualifications, and show how you can add value to the company.
Fix: Use a formulaic approach: “Seeking a [Job Title] role where I can apply [Key Skill] to [Business Outcome].”
3. Too Much Unnecessary Information
Many candidates try to squeeze in as much as possible, but hiring managers skim resumes quickly. Avoid vague, self-promotional phrases like “hard-working team player.” Instead, show your skills through examples.
Fix: Keep your resume concise (ideally under 1,000 words) and focus on your three strongest accomplishments per job.
4. Over-Optimizing for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Stuffing your resume with keywords may get it past automated filters, but it can make it harder for human recruiters to read. Additionally, networking is often a better strategy than solely relying on ATS.
Fix: Write your resume for human readers first. If needed, add relevant keywords in a dedicated “Skills” section at the end.
5. Misplacing Education & Certifications
New graduates should list their education at the top, while experienced professionals should place it after work experience. If you omit your GPA, recruiters may assume it is low.
Fix: Keep your education section appropriately placed and include your GPA if it’s above 3.3. Place certifications at the bottom unless they are critical for the role.
6. Leaving Out Personal Interests
Hobbies and interests can make you more memorable and relatable. If a hiring manager reads to the bottom of your resume, sharing a personal detail might create a connection.
Fix: End your resume with a brief section on hobbies, volunteer work, or unique personal interests.
Final Steps
Once your resume is polished, focus on networking rather than over-editing. Additionally, ensure your LinkedIn profile reflects your resume’s content. Use the “About” section to feature your objective and replicate key work achievements in your profile.
For more details, check out the full article at Business Insider.
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