7 Worst Resume Mistakes

7 Worst Resume Mistakes7 Worst Resume MistakesA meticulously crafted resume will open doors to job interviews. You probably know this. A quickly thrown together document filled with resume mistakes can sink your chances. You probably know this too. Yet despite all the warnings from employers, recruiters and countless career experts, some job seekers still dont think strategically (or type carefully) when writing their resumes.Here are some of the biggest kinds of goofs you can make, along with some amusing examples of real-life resume mistakes - dubbed Resumania by our founder - that our company has collectedResume mistake 1 Being carelessA spelling faux pasor grammatical error can call into question your seriousness and attention to detail. Avoid blunders by establishing a step-by-step proofreading system. In addition to running your computers spell-check function, take the time to read your resume several times aloud on screen and on paper. Also, dont forget to ask friends or fam ily members for editing suggestions. The following job applicants miscalculation indicated to employers that they wouldnt be able to count on him if hiredHOBBIES My three biggest hobbies are cars, racquetball, golf, and reading.Resume mistake 2 Going negativeBad bosses arent uncommon. Youre bound to have at least oneduring the course of your career.Butregardless of how difficult a current or previous manager is or welches, never bad-mouth him or her in your resume or cover letter. Even if the criticism is justified, your negative comments will reflect poorly on only one person you. Coming across as a potential problem employee who has a hard time dealingwith authority wont get you anywhere. Check out this example of what not to doREASON FOR LEAVING The horrible new incoming manager took an instant dislike to the fact that I knew how to handle things better.See Our Job OpeningsResume mistake 3 LyingYour word matters. While the practice of resume padding isnt new, a competitive job ma rket can leadotherwise honest people toembrace embellishments. This is always a mistake.Falsely claiming to possess a certification, slightly stretching dates of employment or inflating your job title simply isnt worth the risk.Most companies conduct reference or background checks, and just one little white lie can cause employers to question your character and eliminate you from consideration. It took very little time to confirm suspicions that this poor spellers claim was a work of fictionAWARDS Finalist for the most recent Pulizter Prize.Resume mistake 4 Failing to customize yourresumeDifferent companies have different needs, so its a mistaketo send the same version of your resume to every organization. Tailor your resume by highlighting your skills and qualifications that most closely relate to the requirements of that job.Carefully review each prospective employers job ad and mirror their language when discussing your strengths and work experience. Make it easy for hiring manag ers to see how you will play a role in helping them be successful and accomplish their goals. This next job candidatedid not get off to a good startOBJECTIVE To find any type of job.On the search for a new job? Need more advice? Check out the Robert Half Career Center.Resume mistake5 Mentioning moneyNever cite your salary requirements unless an employer specifically requests that information. Mentioning the money, benefits or perks you want in your resume can come across as obnoxious and presumptuous. Wait until youve secured a job interview and the employer has expressed interest in hiring you before broaching the subject. Focus on the prospective employers needs - not your wants.This job hunter missed the memo and left a bad impressionREQUIREMENTS $100,000 a year, medical, dental and vision coverage, pension, 401(k) plan, and my own office. All non-negotiable.Resume mistake 6Notwriting in a straightforward mannerHiring managers are drawn to professionals who communicate clearly a nd concisely. Write short, crisp and compelling sentences. Applicants hurt themselves when they weigh down their resumes with flashy five-dollar words, corporate-speak and tech jargon. Aim to answer questions, not raise them. This job candidate managed to beboth vague and wordySKILLS Able to remedy posterity and proficiency to the desired cumulus within the work arena. Once expounding upon these various constitutional elements, affinity is achieved, and I sequester the cultivation essential for yielded efficiencies.Resume mistake7 Including unnecessary informationCertain pieces of personal information simply dont belong on a resume. Theres no reason to include your date of birth or marital status, for example. In fact, doing so puts hiring managers in an awkward position because they are not supposed to take information like this into account when making hiring decisions. Also, omit details about your hobbies, reasons for leaving a previous job and non-work-related achievements that have no bearing on your career - such as this oneHONORS I won an award for an essay in first grade and got my picture taken with the principal. That was a big win. My parents tookme for ice cream.For more resume advice, check out our article,Red Flags on Your Resume? Craft a Cover Letter to Address Them.Related postsJob Hunt Essentials A Flawless Resume and Cover LetterDo You Know How to Make Your Resume Skills Section the Best It Can Be?Tips for Effective Resume Writing 4 Mistakes You Absolutely Must AvoidDont Make This One, Epic Job Interview Mistake