Your resume is often the first impression an employer gets of you as a candidate. While you want your resume to make a good impression, there are certain red flags that can actually work against you and decrease your chances of getting an interview. Avoiding common resume mistakes is just as important as including your qualifications and skills.
Here are some of the top resume red flags employers watch out for and how you can make sure your resume avoids them:
Spelling and Grammatical Errors
Typos and grammar mistakes give the impression of carelessness. While everyone makes an occasional error, your resume needs to be as close to perfect as possible. Proofread several times and have others take a look at it too before submitting. Don’t rely only on spell check. Read it out loud and double check dates and job titles.
Poor Formatting and Layout
Stick to standard resume formatting with clean fonts and ample white space. Avoid using elaborate designs and graphics which can be distracting. Dates should align on the right and information should be organized in clear sections. Use bullet points instead of paragraphs for ease of reading.
Unnecessary Personal Details
Your age, marital status, and other personal details beyond your name and contact info have no place on your resume. Stick to qualifications, experience, and skills only. Your gender, race, and other protected class information could open you up to discrimination.
Large Employment Gaps
Gaps in your work history raise questions. While you don’t need to cram in every job, gaps of more than 6 months require some explaining. Use your cover letter to briefly explain gaps due to going back to school, family leave, layoffs, or travel so they aren’t left to the employer’s imagination.
Generic or Vague Job Descriptions
Customize each bullet point to emphasize your responsibilities and achievements in each position. Avoid just listing generic duties. Quantify your accomplishments with percentages, dollars, and numbers whenever possible.
Using an Unprofessional Email Address
Make sure your email presents you in a professional light. Emails like partygirl@ or babyface@ come across poorly to hiring managers. Create one specifically for your job search that includes your name if needed.
Too Many Jobs in a Short Time
Job-hopping can be a major red flag so be prepared to explain short stints. Focus on showcasing growth in responsibilities over time rather than overwhelming with too many employers. Keep early-career jobs under 2 years.
Listing Unrelated References
Your references should be professional connections who can vouch for your skills and character. Avoid listing family, friends, clergy, political figures, or anyone who doesn’t have specific work experience with you.
There are plenty of minor details that can be dangling red flags all over your resume. However, being aware of these common missteps can help you avoid them and present a resume that shows you in the best light possible. Do your proofreading, customize your content, and showcase your experience appropriately. With a polished and professional resume, you’ll be ready to make a great first impression.