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Revision Resume often sees the same resume errors over and over. Read on to see if your resume includes any of the following 7 common issues.
1) Outdated Resume Formatting
Although common in the 1990s, an "Objective Statement" is a clear sign that your resume is outdated. Yet, we often see this on a client's resume. In 2024, your resume should have an executive summary instead of an objective statement. Its goal is to show what you can do for the company, not what you are hoping they will do for you. An executive summary should be 3-5 sentences long, highlighting your qualifications and demonstrating how you are a match for the role you are seeking.
In addition, a "References" section is also outdated. You should not list references directly on a resume, nor should you say, "References available upon request." If the hiring manager is interested in pursuing you as a candidate, they will reach out directly to ask you to provide references.
2) The Words "I" or "My" Anywhere On the Resume
Using the words "I" and "My" in a resume is not acceptable. You must eliminate pronouns from your resume. It can feel awkward writing without them, but using them can give an unprofessional appearance. Your reader may even question your communication skills in general.
Instead, try to start each bullet point or sentence with an action verb. For example, instead of saying, "I set up monthly displays in the shop window," say, "Created 12 original window displays in the past year."
For many people, not using pronouns is one of the hardest things about writing a resume. The silver lining? You are allowed to use "I" and "My" on your cover letter.
3) Street Address in the Resume Contact Information Section
Within the last 5 years, the contact information section at the top of a resume has changed. It used to be common to list your street address. Now, we recommend against it. Why? Many resumes are submitted through online platforms. For your personal protection, you should leave your home address off. The hiring manager will be able to contact you through the phone number and/or email address you have listed. In this day and age, they aren't going to mail anything to your house or apartment related to an interview.
4) Outdated Information on the Resume
We commonly see resumes with 40 years of work experience. We also see some that list a high school graduation date in the 1990s or earlier. Unfortunately, the hiring industry is known for age discrimination. The last thing you want to do is list your age front and center on your resume by showing 20+ years of work experience, or high school graduation information from decades ago. Here are two easy rules to follow:
Only include the last 10-15 years' worth of work experience on your resume.
Only include your high school graduation if you have not yet graduated college and your graduation from high school was within the last 5 years or less.
5) Failed to Read the Job Posting
This is a common complaint we hear from hiring managers. People submit resumes that seem completely unrelated to what the company listed on the job posting. Resist the urge to "spray and pray" with a single version of your resume. Instead, spend a few minutes tailoring your resume so it aligns with the job you are applying for. First, give the job posting a close read. This will help you recognize what is important. Then, update your executive summary and/or key skills sections so you show you have the needed skills. Your main goal? Showcase that you have the qualifications the hiring manager is seeking. Make it as apparent as possible that you are clear candidate for the role.
6) Weak Bullets on the Resume
Nine out of ten resumes we read have very weak bullets. Often they are simply a list of job responsibilities. The person reading the resume has no idea what you really did or how well you did it. Did you have any accomplishments? Did you face any challenges that you successfully overcame? These are the questions hiring managers are looking to answer. To help them, include actions and results within your bullets to demonstrate how you were successful in your role. Incorporate metrics to provide scope, and start each bullet with an action verb.
7) Poor Formatting
Formatting is an important aspect of creating a resume. You want it to be easy to read and easy to skim. No large blocks of text, no funny fonts. No strange bolding or font colors. These don't make you stand out in a positive way. Keep it clean and simple. Hiring managers are not impressed by the color of your resume, they want the content to shine.
Another formatting tip: make sure your resume ends at the bottom of a page. Don't submit a resume that is one page with an inch of text spilled over to page 2. Adjust your margins and font size to make it either 1 page or 2, not something in the middle. Looking for more information about formatting? Here is a helpful blog.
Want to submit your resume with confidence? Consider having Revision Resume provide you a resume critique. We offer two levels of this service and both are budget-friendly! Email us at info@revisionresume.com to learn more.
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