6 Resume Missteps That Can Derail Your Job Application

6 Resume Missteps That Can Derail Your Job Application 6 Resume Missteps That Can Derail Your Job Application Your resume is the first impression youll make on a hiring manager. As such, its goal should be to capture the recruiters interest long enough that they read the document to the end.Unfortunately, silly mistakes can get in the way. Did you know that hiring managers spend six seconds reading a candidates resume before making an initial decision about fit? Or that one in fiverecruiters will reject a candidate before theyve finished reading their resume?Dont make your first impression your brde impression. Avoid these six resume mistakes1. Dont Be a ClichIts tempting to fall back on tried and true turns of phrase in your resume, but candidates who use clichs to describe themselves and their work arent doing much to impress recruiters.Dont say you are results-driven instead, outline the results youve achieved in your resume by using facts and figures. Never call yourself season ed it can make you sound older than you are. Never, ever call yourself a hard worker, unless you want the hiring manager to shudder.More than 50 percent of recruiters say they reject candidates whose resumes are full of clichs. Do your best to find fresh language to describe yourself and your talents.2. Check for Spelilng amd Grammer MistakesThis one seems like a no-brainer, but youd be surprised how many resumes end up in the trash thanks to careless mistakes.Fifty-nine percent of recruiters say that they will reject a candidate because of poor grammar or a spelling error. Though these mistakes seem small, they indicate that a candidatemay be careless and sloppy.Read through your resume at least three times. Then, have a trusted friend edit it. Finally, run your letter though a free online grammar-checking program like Grammarly to be sure youve caught all potential errors.3. Clean It UpYour resume is a professional document, bedrngnis an art project. Photos are never necessary, an d fancy fonts can make you look unprofessional. Stick to simple fonts like Calibri or Arial. Use bullet points for readability, and use a consistent layout throughout the document. Also, trynot to exceed two pages at the maximum.4. Make It Action-PackedSkip the flowery language and superfluous words. Use active verbs to describe your accomplishments. Avoid passive language and industry jargon. Clean, simple language that explains your experience and numbers to showcase your accomplishments will go a long way.5. Keep It RealNever inflate your job description to make yourself sound more important or skilled than you really are. Recruiters know how to smell a rat. Plus, with background and reference checks, you will likely be found out. Honesty is the best policy when it comes to your resume.6. Clear the ClutterIts great to have varied work experience, but your resume should be tailored to the job to which you are applying. To that end, dont clutter it up with unrelated job titles. Ins tead, focus on the roles that directly relate to the application at hand. Reorganizing your resume to put the most relevant positions up top can also help focus the recruiter on your most valuable experience.LiveCareerdevelops tools to help job seekers write resumes, draft cover letters, and prepare for interviews.Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career.