Five Mistakes Job Seekers Make on Their Resumes

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I think I’m beginning to sound borderline preachy with my resume and cover letter advice. But I also feel I have a duty to share with job seekers the blunders and mistakes they make that prevent them from getting the interview and ultimately the offer. After ten years of working as a human resources manager and recruiter I’ve seen my fair share of job seeker mistakes. So here’s my list of the five biggest mistakes job seekers make on their resumes. MISTAKE #1: Outdated formatting The first impression your resume gives is critical. How do you want the hiring manager to perceive you? Professional and accomplished? Or sloppy and disorganized? Old and outdated formats only reflect poorly on you as a viable candidate for the position. MISTAKE #2: Using an objective If your resume has an objective, please remove it. That is an outdated practice that is no longer relevant in today’s job market. Objectives will only land you in the “bland, just like everyone else” pile—not the “oh yeah, don’t let me forget to call them today” pile. MISTAKE #3: Forgetting important keywords Don’t forget to use industry specific keywords. Also, make sure you know where to place them. The top section of the resume is the best place because that’s where the hiring manager’s eyes will be drawn. Short keywords are a great way to tell the employer about your expertise. MISTAKE #4: Length and text density Too long or too short and you’ve lost your hiring manager. Keep paragraphs to 3-5 sentences—and the same goes for the number of bullets you use in your resume. Why? Any longer and you lose the audience in information overload—any shorter and you appear under qualified. MISTAKE #5: Listing responsibilities instead of accomplishments The hiring manager doesn’t want your resume to be an exact replica of the job ad. He already knows what he needs. What he needs to know is how you’re going to meet their needs. Utilize statements that demonstrate your expertise and accomplishments in a given area. Certainly there was a challenge you faced while working for your current or previous employers. How did you address these challenges and what were the results? The answers to these questions make for GREAT bullet points on a resume.

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  • Shirley B.
    Shirley B. •
    Thank you so very much for your info, it was very informative as I did have some of these gray areas still on my resume. I will update my resume to reflect a more professional approach.  
  • DAVID KEMP
    DAVID KEMP •
    What is a more modern format? Where do I find them?David
  • Adel Moufarrej
    Adel Moufarrej •
    I don't agree with mitakes #1 and #2. 1). You mention your expertise in the top section so you should back it up in your work history section regardless of its date. 2). Your resume should emphasize on your expertise related to the position you are applying for.
  • PROSPER DARKOH
    PROSPER DARKOH •
    it is a great lesson to me because i am a job seeker and i am going to use it in my resume.
  • Daniel de Vera
    Daniel de Vera •
    Thank you for your suggestions for my resume.
  • sue
    sue •
    Yes I found this good information, but where do I find the latest formats for resumes?  Examples are always good.
  • Yuralunda
    Yuralunda •
    Thank you so much for this information. I will be updating my Resume. How do we find out what format to use these days?  There are several different examples of resumes in the workforce centers ran by the unemployment offices of IL.
  • Frank N
    Frank N •
    Never send resume to HR or recruiter. Remember that’s where all good opportunities end. Always send it to the hiring manager, don't e-mail it, fax it.
  • Joan
    Joan •
    I've been out of college for a number of years now and have had my resume critiqued professionally.  Instead of an Objective, I was told to change it to "Summary of Qualifications", followed by "Summary of Essential Skills", followed by "Summary of other Qualifications", the latter two directly addressing the position you're applying for. I've only been trying this format for a month so am hopeful.  My resume now presents more as a hybrid (blend of Functional and Chronological).
  • Carol Robinson
    Carol Robinson •
    To Kim who posted on 7/10 about her GPA.  Leave it out.  A GPA under a B average (3.0) is nothing to brag about on a resume.  I work in HR and seldom see a reference to GPA, and then only if it's above 3.5.
  • Sylvia Wiggins
    Sylvia Wiggins •
    #5 is a great one.  It's makes sense to match the requirement with your achievement.  
  • Royston M.
    Royston M. •
    Interesting. I will try it [especially removing the 'objective' & see IF it works. Thanks.
  • Karen Gray
    Karen Gray •
    So if Objectives are out dated what should you use in place? And how can I get help in writing a professional resume?
  • Hector
    Hector •
    Thanks for the information appreciate the tips.
  • Barbara
    Barbara •
    Thanks, I'll be finishing up college next week and I haven't written a resume in a long time. The pointers are great!
  • David
    David •
    I am not sure i agree with mistake #2, It may be somewhat outdated, however a very large group of mature and recently unemployed workers, as well as potential employers, would still recognize this format as the professional choice for a leading statement. # 5 is excellent and has caused me to rewrite and promote my accomplishments. The rest of your "Mistakes" make good sense. Very good article, Thank You.
  • Michelle
    Michelle •
    Very helpful. I'm glad to get rid of that objective, too.
  • Latoya
    Latoya •
    I was wanting to know if it is okay to just put the jobs that you have had in the past that relates to the particular job you are applying for? I was thinking it made me look like I had a lot of gaps in employment.
  • JD
    JD •
    Your comments on resumes are accurate, but on the other hand a lot depends on what kind of mood the person thats reading and actually doing the job interview and actual hiring. Thats the real world of business its nice to hear this self-proclaimed experts, but with all due respect especially in todays market its really not that proffessional.I been pretty high up there in the Casino business and there all the same.JD
  • Anndrea
    Anndrea •
    Great advice! I was just debating about adding an objective because I thought you needed to have one.  Thanks !!!
  • Kim
    Kim •
    Should I put a GPA of 2.997 on my resume, even though I was honor student/dean's list for several semesters?
  • Regina
    Regina •
    So, what are some more modern formats that can be used for a resume?  Where do I find them?  Thanks.
  • Rick
    Rick •
    Thank you, that info. was sure helpful!!!
  • Roenia
    Roenia •
    I really get confused when it comes to resume advice because it seems that the so call experts give constant conflicting advice about what  not to and what to put in your resume. Some say start out with an objective and some say do not, some say list your references ,than some say no, some say  use bullet points others say no , is there really any sure fire way to write a good resume?
  • Staci
    Staci •
    thanks...this is helpful and relevant. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on how your resume should look but your approach seems to make the most common sense and clean thinking.

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