Here's how you can steer clear of typical errors when crafting your mid-career resume.

Write the resume for the job you're seeking versus giving a biography of your work history. Some tips on how to accomplish this: -study the job descriptions in your industry, especially in companies you're targeting. What are they looking for in the role? What keywords do they use? Use language that aligns with the job description if you have those qualifications. -never, ever lie on the resume. If you have never had P&L experience and the position requires it, it is better to focus on your skills and mark P&L as a "developmental area."

The resume customization is important to pass the ATS. If the job is related to the industry then it's fine because a resume is crafted to cover diverse roles within the same industry. If there is a career transition then it's vital to customize the resume because current skills will not match the targeted roles.

Avoid an Overly Lengthy Resume Mistake: Including too much information, making the resume excessively long. Solution: Be Selective: Focus on the most recent 10-15 years of experience and the most relevant roles. Summarize Early Roles: Briefly summarize earlier positions, emphasizing significant accomplishments. 2. Use a Professional Format Mistake: Using outdated or overly complex formats. Solution: Modern Design: Use a clean, modern format with a professional font and clear headings. Consistent Layout: Ensure consistency in font size, spacing, and alignment.

use strong action verbs to highlight your achievements and if there are quantifiable metrics then be sure to add them to. It increases your credibility.

Highlight Achievements, Not Just Duties Mistake: Listing job duties instead of accomplishments. Solution: Quantify Results: Use numbers to quantify achievements (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”). Action Verbs: Start bullet points with strong action verbs to emphasize impact. 4. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Mistake: Sending a generic resume for different job applications. Solution: Customize Content: Adjust your resume for each application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences. Use Keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description to align with the role.

Showcase Relevant Skills and Certifications Mistake: Including outdated or irrelevant skills. Solution: Update Skills: List current and relevant skills, emphasizing those in demand in your industry. Certifications: Highlight any recent certifications or training that are pertinent to the role. 6. Address Employment Gaps Mistake: Leaving employment gaps unexplained. Solution: Brief Explanation: Provide a brief explanation for gaps (e.g., “Career break for family reasons”). Continued Learning: Mention any courses, volunteer work, or freelance projects during gaps.

Avoid Overloading with Jargon Mistake: Using too much industry jargon or technical terms. Solution: Clear Language: Use clear, concise language that is understandable to a broad audience. Balance: Include necessary technical terms but provide context or results to make them meaningful. 8. Professional Summary vs. Objective Statement Mistake: Using an outdated objective statement. Solution: Professional Summary: Write a compelling professional summary that highlights your key qualifications and career achievements. 9. Showcase Leadership and Collaboration Skills Mistake: Failing to highlight leadership or teamwork experiences. Solution:

Include Online Presence Mistake: Not providing links to your professional online presence. Solution: LinkedIn Profile: Include a link to your updated LinkedIn profile. Portfolio: If applicable, link to an online portfolio or professional website. 11. Proofread and Avoid Errors Mistake: Submitting a resume with typos or grammatical errors. Solution: Proofread: Carefully proofread your resume or have someone else review it. Professional Editing Tools: Use tools like Grammarly to catch mistakes.

Contact Information and Professional Email Mistake: Using an unprofessional email address or outdated contact information. Solution: Professional Email: Use a professional email address (e.g., [email protected]). Updated Info: Ensure all contact information is current and accurate. 13. Balance Confidence with Humility Mistake: Either underselling or overselling yourself. Solution: Accurate Representation: Present your achievements confidently but honestly. Third-Person Endorsements: Include brief quotes from performance reviews or LinkedIn recommendations to add credibility.

Focus on relevant experience and achievements rather than listing every job you've had. Highlight skills and accomplishments that align with the job you're applying for. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. Include metrics and specific examples to demonstrate your impact, like "increased sales by 30%" or "led a team of 10." Tailor your resume for each job, emphasizing the most relevant experiences. Opt for a modern, clean design that's easy to read and include a professional summary at the top that showcases your expertise and career goals. Proofread carefully to catch any errors. Finally, use keywords from the job description to ensure your resume passes through applicant tracking systems.