6 Resume Mistakes That Could Be Costing You Better Offers
The job market is experiencing a massive shift, with AI replacing many jobs and layoffs occurring across tech, media and other industries. If there was ever a time to brush up on your resume-writing skills, it's now, as opportunities become scarcer and scarcer.
The number of applications on LinkedIn is up over 45% in the past year, with the platform averaging 11,000 applications per minute, according to The New York Times. To improve your chances of landing better offers, here are the top resume mistakes to avoid and what to do instead.
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1. Including a Generic Resume Objective
A resume objective is a brief statement at the top of your resume that focuses on what you want to achieve in your career. Instead of an objective, include a professional summary in its place. In the summary, highlight your unique qualifications to show employers how you can benefit their company.
If you have limited professional experience, explain how your career goals and skills relate to the organization you are applying to.
2. Missing Relevant Details
A common resume mistake is listing details that are irrelevant to the position you are applying for. Remove them and instead focus on details that explain how you were successful in your current role. A rule of thumb is to provide five bullet points about your achievements in your most recent role.
When describing your professional experience, start each bullet point with an action verb, followed by the positive result of each action. Consider using quantitative data, such as percentages and dollar amounts, about how you benefited your last employer.
3. Adding Unrelated Professional Experience
Unrelated career experience can clutter a resume. Make sure all your work experience relates to the position you are applying for. This highlights your relevant experience and shows the hiring manager that you have the qualifications necessary to perform the job well.
If you're transitioning to a new industry or position, focus on transferable skills you’ve developed in other positions rather than specific responsibilities from former roles. For example, if you’re applying for a customer service position and worked as a checker at a grocery store, highlight skills on your resume that show how you positively interacted with customers.
4. Failing To List Technology Skills
Applicants often fail to include technology skills in their resume. Many companies list tech platforms and computer programs in the job description, such as Microsoft Office, Apple software, content management systems, CRM software, and AI applications.
If you have experience using these platforms, including them in your resume shows you have mastered the technical tools the organization uses in its daily workflow. To make them stand out, create a brief section titled "Technology Platforms and Softwar" and use bullet points to list the platforms and applications you know.
5. Using The Same Resume for Every Application
A resume mistake many applicants make is submitting the same resume for multiple applications. Customizing your resume can open the door to better offers by showing potential employers why you are a strong fit for the role.
A good strategy is to use keywords and key phrases listed in the job description. This can help your resume pass the first test: The Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
6. Skipping a Cover Letter
When an employer gives you an option to add a cover letter, it’s wise to include one. Cover letters are a golden opportunity to show how your experience and skills make you an ideal candidate. Keep your cover letter clear, concise and brief, in three paragraphs.
Introduce yourself and where you found the position in the first paragraph. List any relevant experience, education and skills in the second that make you a good fit for the role and include related companies you have worked for.
To bring your cover letter home, include a line in the final paragraph about how your experience aligns with the role the employer is seeking to fill. Then prove it by including a list of five to eight bullet points with keywords and phrases from the job description that show how your experience and skills satisfy the position. Make sure not to copy complete sentences word for word. Synonyms can work in your favor.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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