The Most common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these resume writing mistakes to increase your chances of getting that interview.

FOR DECADES, THERE HAVE been predictions that resumes will one day be a thing of the past. However, here we are in 2020, and submitting a resume continues to be a must when you apply for a job. The rise of applicant tracking systems and keyword rankings have only increased the importance of resume writing if you are primarily applying for jobs online instead of through referrals.

With so much riding on this document to set you apart from thousands of other applicants, here are 10 resume mistakes you should avoid:

Don't Misrepresent Employment Dates

The dates of employment you put on your resume must match the employment dates that show up in employment or payroll records. They must also match your LinkedIn profile and your interview answers. Any variation usually leads to a potential employer thinking you are either misrepresenting your tenure or that you are not detailed; neither option is positive for you.

Don't Include Graduation Dates

New to your career? It is generally acceptable to include your graduation date for about five years after graduation. After that time, your work experience should be of more relevance than your education, and the graduation date can be removed.

Omit Irrelevant Volunteer Work

For unpaid but professionally relevant involvement – like membership in an association or the years you were active with a volunteer program – only include things that are recent or exceptional. If you have not volunteered since college and you have been working for 15 years since college, for example, that volunteer experience should not be on your resume.

Omit Outdated Credentials

It is usually best to only include current credentials and certifications or those that have very recently expired, like in the past year.

Don't List Every Online Class You've Taken

It can be helpful to show your love of learning and how you keep current with online education. However, limit the classes listed on your resume to the ones that show skills you can use on the job and/or education that makes you a more qualified and productive employee.

Be Mindful of Errors

Every employer prefers a detailed and accurate employee over a careless one. Your resume is evidence of how detailed you can be. Don't miss out on the chance to have an easy win by reviewing your formatting multiple times. Make sure you're not including any misspellings, typos or grammatical errors. Print your resume and ask someone else to review it as well.

Don't Send the Wrong Document Format

Most online job portals prefer PDF submissions because it holds the formatting regardless of the word processing environment on which it's read. For example, a Google Doc opened through the Word app may lose its layout; the font may be different, and characters like bullet points may be completely different or missing altogether. When in doubt, a PDF is the safest option – but be sure to check if the job listing specifies what kind of submission format is required.