Double Checks: The Top 10 Resume Killers to Avoid


Want a good resume to be a great one? Then avoid the careless errors that recruiters and employers hate.

Check the following list of common mistakes against your resume details and cover letters to avoid your resume ending up in the reject pile!

1. Spelling errors, typos and bad grammar
Check and double check ALL information before submitting your resume. And read through your resume – not every error will be caught by a program spell checker!

2. Unneccessarily long resumes
Employers and recruiters just don't have the time to read pages and pages of resumes. Keep your resume short, and try to focus on information that directly relates to the job for which you’re applying.

3. Inaccurate or missing contact information
Make sure all of your contact information is absolutely accurate! Phone, mobile/cell phone and email information is particularly crucial – keep it up to date at all times.

A note on Hotmail addresses: while it’s fine to have a creative or silly hotmail address for the ‘real world’, prospective employers might not think it’s funny to send an email to you at   ‘butt-head@hotmail.com’. Consider using a reasonably conservative hotmail address, such as your name.

4. Hard to read
Balance style with legibility to make your resume easy to read. Your professionally-designed Ready Resume will take care of this issue!

5. Inaccurate or missing dates
Employers and recruiters need to know not just where but when you worked. Missing or incomplete dates may send up a red flag and could jeopardise your chances of an interview.

Include months and years for every position you’ve held. If there are any gaps in your employment – when you were travelling, or continued your education, for example – explain them in your cover letter.

6. Hard to follow
Structure your resume in chronological order, clearly showing the skills and accomplishments from each position you held. For more hints on how to structure your resume check our writing tips included in this document!

7. Laundry lists
Try to avoid long lists of duties you performed at each job. Instead, briefly outline your duties and achievements at each position you’ve held.

8. Long paragraphs
Keep it specific – make every word count. Show the highlights of each job without getting bogged down in too much detail.

9. Unqualified candidates
Review the job description. Make sure the skills they are seeking match yours!

10. Unrelated Personal Information
It’s a good idea to avoid distracting employers/recruiters with your age, weight, height etc, unless this information directly relates to the position you’re seeking.

NOTE:  The purpose of this article is to provide information about various employment related topics. No legal advice is being given. Please see the disclaimer for further limitations and conditions.