In this digital age it easier to access information about
job opportunities. However, easier access comes with fierce competition and
employers inundated with more résumés than they have time to possibly read.
This makes having a résumé free from “résumé red flags” imperative to job
search success. Below are some common résumé blunders to avoid.
“Funky” Email Address.
If you have an email address like sugardaddyforyou@domain.com
you’re asking to be judged unfairly without mercy. This may work well on your
dating profile but you want to be taken seriously. Even an arbitrary set of
numbers or letters don’t work well (it looks “spamish”), because you want
recruiters to quickly identify your email address with your name. I recommend
creating an email address that’s a variation of your name such as jane.doe@domain.com. If you have a common
name it’s harder to create one if different variations have been taken. I've found that sometimes people tack on
their birth year to their email name. I recommend refraining from dating
yourself by giving early clues to your age.
Repeating the same
set of words. “Attention to Detail, Superb Writing Skills, Excellent
Communication Skills, Attention to Detail” Really now? At least that’s what an
employer may say and straight to the shredder the résumé goes.
Fluff with no Buff.
This is the equivalent of giving a meat
eater a cucumber sandwich. They’ll scream, “Where is the meat!” Instead of
simply stating you’re a “hard worker" let your accomplishments speak to
that. Provide an example that exemplifies that you are just that. If you state
“Exceeded goals by 125%” recruiters may say to themselves, “Now that’s a winner.”
Irrelevant Personal Interests.
Employers know you have a life outside of work, but do they really want to know
you "play part-time in a garage band" as a candidate for an
accountant position. Please don’t do this.
Right
Spelling, Wrong Word. “Objective:
Seeking a party-time position related to my bachelorette degree.” This is like an unedited video filled with bloopers and a prime example of how simply using spell check is not
proofreading your résumé. Have another pair of eyes review your résumé before
uploading to any job site or submitting to an employer.
I hope I've humored you, but the job search process is no joke, so
avoid becoming the brunt of one.
Moving You Forward,
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