Revamp Your Resume 21 Mistakes to Avoid

Revamp Your Resume 21 Mistakes to Avoid1. Broad, vague examples of work experienceEssentially, Basically, More or less = I am trying to hide what my real job was and pretend I had a different job. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Use numbers, facts, and measurable results to make the case that you were a productive and engaged employee.2. Listing duties instead of accomplishmentsThink about how to frame your sometimes mundane daily to-dos as achievements Successfully coordinated office staff meetings and payroll, Completed annual reorganization of the medical library on schedule and with innovative twist on the Dewey Decimal system, etc.3. A watered-down, generic objectiveThe opportunity of a lifetime The career that touches the hearts of America Great opportunity in office setting Seeking a desk with chairIf you cant do better than these, skip the objective.4. A one-size-fits-all vibeI know its tempting to try to be the ideal candidate f or any and every job that crosses your path, but the truth is its a) impossible and b) going to result in a super boring resume. Be your poised, professional self on the pagetailor your experience to the specific responsibilities the job seeks. Dont try to be all things to all people.5. Incorrect contact informationMake sure your address, phone, and professional email (not skateboarderyahoohotmail.com, please) are all up to date and spelled correctly. You dont want to lose a gig because they had to track you down by carrier pigeon.6. Too much creativityWhat so swirly fonts and elaborate stationary and clip art all have in common? They have no business migrating from your scrapbook to your resume. Keep it clean and sharp and polished. A resumeshould not look like an art project.7. Typos and grammatical errorsHave an exceptionally literate friend read your resume. Then turn it upside down and read one line at a time with a rulerits the best way to spot typos once your brain has depart ureed skimming from over-exposure.8. Emphasis on irrelevant previous positionsWhen I applied for my first editorial positions, I still had my Build-a-Bear Workshop summer on my resume. It came off immediately after I was hired. It was also buried on the second page right above my exemplary skills with Excel and Powerpoint.9. Excessive personal informationAvoid mentioning political affiliations, religious organizations, or any reference to being a bright and hopeful spirit. You never know what will be read as controversial or inappropriate, and you dont want to find out by pushing someones autodelete button.10. References available upon request.Unless you are Captain Obvious applying for an unnecessary superhero job, this one comes with the territory. Presumably somewhere you have worked before there is at least one living soul who can verify your general fitness for employment.11. Salary history and/or salary requirementsIts like having dessert at a weddingwait until its offered.12. Resume as the titleYour personenname should be front and center at the top of your resume, with the job youre applying for as the optional title beneath your name.13. Your present employers letterheadIve been trying to decide whether this is tacky or just dumb for 10 minutes.14. More than 2 pagesAn important caveat here is if youve been asked to prepare a CV (curriculum vitae), which is most common in academic jobsif they ask for everything, they want everything. Otherwise, curate and edit it down to 2 pages, max.15. Handwritten notes or correctionsOn my very first job application I was so nervous I kept having to white out my answers to routine questions like Why do you want to work at the snack bar. But then I was 12, and on the swim team, so I had an excuse. You are a grown up and it is 2015. You do not.16. Piling your job-related skills and experience at the bottomThis is really the only thing employers care about. They read everything else to be polite. Put it up top17. Non-sp ecific keywordsEnthusiastic. Focused. Detail-Oriented. kollektiv Player.Delete, delete, delete, delete.18. Old and outdated experienceAlways update your skills and your work history as soon as the offer letter is dry if youre filling in gaps due to illness or family obligations, see if you can capture the experience you gained from volunteer opportunities to cover time when you would ordinarily have been working.19. Pictures of yourselfI recently read about a Portland Trailblazers cheerleading audition. They had to turn in headshots. And their measurements. It was grim. Unless youre heading to a dance callback, ditch the selfies. Dont describe your physical characteristics or appearance either.20. Honorable mentionsHigh school certificates, participation ribbons, scholarly awards (unless youre going for a job with some research components), eating contests, beauty pageants unless somehow you know for 100% sure its relevant, leave it off and stick to the transferable skills.21. Reaso ns why you left a company or positionThe time to finesse I flipped my bosss desk over and kicked the copier down the stairs is in your second in-person interview, if you get one (mention your uncontainable passion for your job). On your resume, dont get defensive or feel like you need to explain your start and stop dates.Resume Mistakes 21 Things NOT To Include On Your ResumeRead More at www.medreps.com