Common Resume Errors

I've been interviewing people for nearly over 25 years now. And, let me tell you, I've seen it all when it comes to resumes. Here are the most "common errors" - some which are brutally blatant and others - not so much. I've also included advice on how to address these common pitfalls.

Spelling and Grammatical Errors. OUCH! Not surprisingly, this is a bit too common with resumes. Indeed, a spelling error can "turn off" a human resource professional faster than a speeding bullet. What's more? The resume can find its way into the trash can without any hesitation on the part of the recipient. Yes, even if you were a student who attended Harvard Business School. My suggestion is to use a writing tool such as Grammarly. Check your compositions - especially where resumes are concerned.

Objectives Instead of Personal Profiles. While having an objective is fine, a professional profile is much better. Talent acquisition specialists really want to know what kind of worker you are. For instance, who you are in your career; where you've been; and what accomplishments you've made in the past. Too many times, applicants write a resume more like a "list of jobs" than as a professional profile "synopsis".

Unrelated Work Experience. Many times, resumes include jobs which are completely unrelated to the job offer. This type of information may be seen as "irrelevant" to recruiters. Therefore, it should not be included in resume data.

Work Details Are Lacking. Usually, this typically is a past job with little description as to the job title and duties performed. Outstanding accomplishments should also be listed including activities leading to greater results or profits. Describing work duties rather than professional accomplishments is something recruiters aren't interested in seeing (nearly as much). Typically resume should include enough relevant information to fill ONE standard 8.5" x 11" page

References. In most cases, 3 professional references work well. In lieu of professional references, character references are preferable (who are not family members). A listing of more or less than 3 is not advisable.

Irrelevant Skills to the Job. Let's be clear here. If you are applying for a job, you should only include skills that the job requires. For instance, if you are applying as a recruiter, you wouldn't want to include skills more relative to restaurant work. Instead, the most applicable job skills should only be listed wherein applicable. In this case, knowledge of candidate review and screening and an understanding of employment law could be listed.

Using A Resume for All Job Offers. Contrary to popular belief, the "one-size-fits-all" mentality does not work well when it comes to submitting resumes. In fact, a well written resume should be "tailored" to meet the demands of a singe job position/type of work. Otherwise, various parts of your resume will be perceived by the hiring professional as "not applicable". Worse yet, the entire resume may be viewed as a wrong fit for the position offered.

Contact Information Is Missing, Not Working, Outdated or Unprofessional. The heading of your resume should be updated with all appropriate contact info as applicable. Make sure your resume includes a working mobile phone number or landline (for interview and texting purposes). Also, include a viable email address whereby you can receive communications easily. The email address should be professional as well - preferably first and last name or some variation thereof. Recruiters do not like emails that bounce back as "no good" or phone numbers which are "no longer in service" or the voicemail is full.

Including Salary Requirements. Unless otherwise directed, most recruiters would rather see high job interest primarily. Including salary requirements is typically a "turn-off" for most recruiters. Why? It implies the candidate is more interested in compensation rather than the job itself. In fact, job satisfaction is an important factor in candidate evaluation. However, if you are an applicant and want to know an approximation of what to expect as a salary, you can visit salary.com to get an idea.

Hobbies, Photo, and Overused Vocabulary. Honestly, the purpose of a resume is to acquire a job - not to get a date. There is no need to include hobbies. You can nonchalantly discuss hobbies during an interview - if the opportunity arises. A photo does not need to be included (unless you are applying for a modeling or television job). Also, repeating certain words or vocabulary should also be avoided - as this is considered a "bad" writing habit.

Spamming Your Resume Everywhere. I've spoken to job candidates who couldn't remember to whom they've sent their resume (because they've sent them to a large number of companies). Resume spamming is annoying to talent acquisition professionals to say the least. And, to make matters worse, candidates expect the interviewer to explain who the company is and what the organization does. What's worse is the candidate submits resumes with little regard as to job title and description. It is highly recommended that jobseekers send a resume to recruiters wherein the candidate views the job as a very serious career consideration. Additionally, it's a good idea for the job applicant to keep a list of companies where the resume has actually been submitted for follow up puposes.

Didn't Do Homework. As previously noted, a candidate will send a resume to a company without ever reviewing the job posting title, description or the company website online. PRIOR to ever submitting a resume, the candidate should take plenty of time to read these information sources. And, if there is still an interest on the part of the applicant, then a resume should be submitted to human resources.

No Cover Letter. A cover letter is a special part of the resume itself. It tells the recruiter that the candidate has carefully reviewed the title and job offer. Furthermore, it advises the recruiter that the candidate did some research on the company itself. Finally, this communique also expresses a strong desire for an interview and to work in the position being offered. Using a strong cover letter can be the one key that gets the interview - and the job itself.

No In-Person or Phone Call Follow Up. Recruiters and managers are impressed when a candidate shows motivation. This includes following up to make sure their resume has been received and reviewed. Doing so may be the final key in unlocking a rewarding job with great compensation.

About Michael Lee

Top Notch Recruiter - 25+ years in financial services, real estate and B2B providing legal and cybersecurity services.

Professional Real Estate Networker - Helping loan officers and real estate agents with a Fill Your Pipeline with Referrals Program (No-Cost).

Financial Adviser | Former Mortgage Loan Officer | Former Real Estate Brokerage Owner

Graduate - Saint Louis University - BFA with emphasis in Marketing.