If you aren’t already following Undercover Recruiter on Twitter and checking out the website, you’re missing an excellent resource. The no-nonsense style and advice is perfect for anyone in the job market.
Take for example, the recent post 7 Things You Can’t Hide in your Resume by Karalyn Brown (on Twitter @InterviewIQ), all seven are critical errors that you might not have previously considered.
1. You are not a native English speaker. This advice goes both ways. If your main language is English and you’re applying for a job abroad (even in the UK!) make sure you have a local native read your resume and cover letter. Hint: if they laugh, chuckle or grimace you’ve missed something.
2. Inflating your experience and skills. This is a giant red flag. Granted, you might not get caught until after you’re hired, but the second your employer finds out you can’t edit an entire broadcast story on tape to tape in under 10 minutes, as you stated on your resume, you should expect to be shown the door. In today’s digital age, it is easy to catch liars.
3. You’re not very confident. Just like overselling yourself is a red flag, underselling yourself is just as detrimental. Be proud of the skills you have and your work experience. Don’t be afraid to state what makes you uniquely qualified for the postion you are applying for.
4. You want to keep your age to yourself. Most new graduates and seasoned employees are afraid to put dates on their resumes. This might hurt you more than help you. If a college degree is required, the potential employer might want to verify you received the degree from your stated university (see No. 2 above), that can be hard to do without a graduation date. Work experience and skills can usually give a potential employer a ballpark figure on your age, don’t make them work too hard.
5. You lack marketing skills. Your job is to sell yourself! You are marketing a product you know super well, you! Just don’t be smarmy.
6. You aren’t really that bothered about this job. Why this job? Why should the hiring manager consider you above all other candidates?
7. You do not write very often, or well. Be concise and clear. Read your cover letter and resume out loud to yourself. Vary how you start and end your sentences.
What other erros might make your resume end up in the circular file (trash)?