5 Resumé Killers to Avoid

resume

Currently on your job hunting mission and in the midst of constructing your killer resumé? Maybe you’ve had a career planning course during your college and they have already lectured you on the do’s and don’ts when creating your resumé. Nevertheless, we’re here to remind you what not to do during the process.

Know what information to put in, how much is enough, and what to ditch. Here are a few and common mistakes job hunters make you should avoid when creating a resumé.

Too much educational background information and “filler” data. You’re past college so your high school background is no longer necessary to still include in your job resumé plus, your English Spelling Bee champion recognition is not relevant anymore. The only information needed as per your high school background is the name of your high school, date graduated and honors received if any.

If you’re using these details to fill up space, that’s not a great idea, not at all. Instead, list your college extra-curricular activities and participation.

Poor formatting. Refrain yourself from using fancy fonts no matter how much you like it. Your favorite Courier New font may surely not be appealing to the eyes. Instead, choose a sans serif font, the ones without tails since it’s simpler and easy to read. Also, serif fonts distract your readers and break their focus on the content of the paper and rather keep their eyes in each tail of the letters.

Do also choose an appropriate font size — you might want to increase your heading font size and decrease a size lower than your heading for your subheading.

Two or more pages. A resumé, especially for a fresh grad, should only be kept on one page. Why? It is because college graduates applying for entry-level jobs don’t normally have enough relevant experience, aside from internship, related extra-curricular activities and a part-time job you had while studying, to take it into account.

Unprofessional photo. There is no denying the fact that you look gorgeous in your candid photos and your selfie game is strong but that doesn’t give you an excuse to use them in your resumé. Have a professional photo taken at a studio, dress professionally for a headshot taken. Or if you have an amazing friend who can capture your headshot and edit the photo his/herself, go on and ask for the favor. Just leave your selfies or glamour shots in your social media accounts.

Typographical and grammar mistakes. The most common and unforgivable mistake one could commit when writing a resumé would be typographical and grammar errors. Why is it unforgivable, you ask? Because not proofreading and reviewing your resumé after you create it demonstrates lack in attention to detail and carelessness for the quality of work. Make sure that before printing and submitting your resumé, no errors too big or too small shall appear.

Remember, your resumé is your very key to getting a job — it will be your key to qualifying for an interview which could then lead to a job offer. Start now and create your kick-ass resumé!

About the author: Chie Suarez writes for the HR Dept UK. A professional and knowledgeable HR team that can provide services to your business through any stage of its life cycle and workforce.