Latest exclusive news update for Job Hunters? How to write Resume a new classic way which solves your problems? Why Your Resume Isn't Getting Results? To get fantastic results from your resume just read the following 10 guidelines and then watch you results - So get set for a career takeoff
You're ready to start a new job. Your interview suit is pressed and your letter of resignation is ready to be handed in to your boss as soon as you get the right offer.
The only problem: No one's calling.
It may be you're just not the best match for any of the positions to which you've applied. The real problem quite possibly lies with your resume. If it's not producing results, it's time to revise it.
"The perfect resume is focused, clear and written well, " says career coach Deborah Brown-Volkman. The person reviewing your resume wants to learn about you without having to go search through extra information and misspelled words.
Here are 10 common resume missteps that can harm your job search and some ways to fix them.
Problem No. 1: Too hard to read.
The solution: Prevent your reader from squinting by using a readable font. Use lists and subheads, and add some extra space between sections so the text doesn't run together. For lists, use bullets instead of writing a lengthy paragraph.
Problem No. 2: Your accomplishments are too vague.
The solution: It's great that you improved sales in your last job, but how do you compare to the dozens of other candidates who did the same thing? Specific figures, such as 9 percent or $10,000, quantify your accomplishments. Not only do they give a better picture of your achievements, but numbers also stand out to anybody reading your resume.
Problem No. 3: Poorly arranged.
The solution: Not all formats work for everyone. If you're a recent graduate with little experience, you might want to use a functional format instead of a chronological one. This will draw attention to your skills instead of your lack of experience.
Problem No. 4: You're missing the basics -- like your name and contact information.
The solution: Double-check your resume for essential information. It's easy to get so caught up on formatting and wording that you forget to include your name, e-mail address and phone number. No one can contact you without them.
Problem No. 5: Selling yourself short.
The solution: You might not have an ideal amount of experience, but you probably have more than you think. Include any volunteer work you've done. "Work is work, whether you have been paid for it or not, " says career coach Deborah Brown-Volkman. Even if the volunteer work isn't in your field of expertise, it shows employers that you get involved in your community and that you have transferable skills. Awards you've received and your education information should also be listed.
Problem No. 6: Gaps in your work history
The solution: Explain what you were doing during gaps between jobs. If you spent time with your family, had a long-term illness or travelled for a while, mention it in the resume so the employer knows you're not hiding a sketchy past. You might not get called if your work history looks suspicious, so don't wait for an interview to fill in the gaps.
Problem No. 7: Typos, typos, typos.
The solution: Proofread! This cannot be stressed enough. Look your resume over several times and have other people review it, too. Typos and misspellings tell the hiring manager you don't care about the quality of your work. It's a surefire way not to get a job offer.
Problem No. 8: Inconsistencies.
The solution: When you choose a style for your resume, stick to it. If you put a period at the end of a bulleted sentence, make sure you do it for all of them, Brown-Volkman says. Your font and the type of bullets you use should remain the same throughout the resume. Like typos, these inconsistencies speak to the quality of your work and your attention to detail.
Problem No. 9: You say a whole lot of nothing.
The solution: Reread your resume to make sure you're actually telling your reader something about you. A job description that takes up seven lines filled with jargon and cliches doesn't tell the hiring manager anything. Ask yourself if each line offers new information about you and your qualifications for the job. You don't have a lot of space, so make every word count.
Problem No. 10: Exaggerations.
The solution: Avoid inflating or even lying about your accomplishments and the responsibilities you had at your last job. It's one thing to spin a particular situation, but blatant exaggerations are red flags to hiring managers. Hiring managers know when you're stretching the truth and they won't hire someone they'll never be able to trust.
Latest exclusive news update for Job Hunters? How to write Resume a new classic way which solves your problems? Why Your Resume Isn't Getting Results? To get fantastic results from your resume just read the following 10 guidelines and then watch you results - So get set for a career takeoff
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