Since you’ve click into this post, you might be searching for a job and having no luck — been there. Job searching and resumes have changed a lot over the last few years. When I found myself looking for a job after six years of being a stay-at-home mom, I was completely overwhelmed with just how much had changed. I felt like I was out of loop and so behind. Since then, I’ve gotten pretty savvy at updating my resume. So much so, I’ve had several friends and family members reach out for help. I’ve also landed two dream jobs. And, since you’re here for some tips, let me just get right to it. Here are some things you’re probably doing wrong with your resume if you’ve been having trouble getting an interview or callback, let alone a job.
1: You’re including every job you’ve ever had.
Unless every job you’ve ever had is related to the job you’re trying to get, you shouldn’t include all of your employment history. I know it’s tempting to show proof that you’ve had several jobs to show that you’re reliable and can hold a job down, however you should only include relevant experience.
2. You’re including skills and/or experience that doesn’t add value to the position you’re applying for.
Simply listing every responsibility you’ve had at past jobs isn’t beneficial. Highlight relevant skills only. For example, you don’t need to mention that you answered phones and managed incoming mail if the job you’re applying for doesn’t require that. If the position you’re applying for mentions that it’s fast-paced, explain how your previous job required you to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously and you learned to adapt to last-minute changes when necessary. You’ll highlight your experience working in a busy atmosphere while still staying organized and completing tasks.
3: You’re sending out the same resume for every job listing.
This is only a problem if you’re applying for different positions that are not exactly the same. You should have at least a few resumes ready that are personalized for the various positions you’re applying for. For example, I once had three resumes prepared. I had one general resume for a position in an office setting, another for retail or customer service, and one for writing.
4: Your resume is too long.
Most sources say it’s best to keep your resume around one page, not including your cover letter. If your resume is too long, it can be confusing or too time consuming to read. You want it to highlight your experience, not every single thing you’ve ever done. Keep it simple and short.
5: You’re still including unnecessary information.
Nothing is more outdated when it comes to resumes than including unnecessary information such as your home address. Back in my day, everyone was doing it. Nowadays, you just need to include your email address and phone number. I don’t even include references unless asked.
6: You haven’t let anyone else take a second look at it.
It’s important to have someone or a few people look over your resume. It’s easy to overlook grammar and spelling errors when you’re rereading the same text over and over again. Just make sure you show your resume to someone who is honest and trustworthy and be sure that you’re open to feedback.
7: You’re using complicated terms or phrases that a hiring manager might not understand.
There are some terms that only someone who has worked in a certain field or position would understand. There are even some phrases that someone would only understand if they worked at the exact same company as you have. Make sure the terms and language you use on your resume can be understood by anyone. Keep in mind that bigger words and complicated language aren’t always the way to go. Of course you want to be savvy, but you also need to keep in mind that your resume should be easy to follow and understand.
8: Your cover letter sounds like an infomercial.
Cover letters are the bane of my existence. But, I can’t escape them. If you’re in the same boat, keep in mind that it shouldn’t come off as an infomercial that is insincere. Are you really thrilled to deal with angry customers? Are you truly excited about the long commute to work? I mean, maybe you might be. But if you aren’t, mention the real reasons you’re applying for this job and why it caught your eye. Explain why you’re the best candidate.
9: You’re leaving out relevant personal experience.
You don’t only have to include experience you’ve gained on the job in your resume. If you need to fill in some blanks for a potential job with some personal experience, that’s okay. If you have personal experience that is valuable, don’t be afraid to add it. But keep in mind, it should be something worth mentioning and it should be relevant to the job you’re applying for. This includes hobbies, volunteering, and internships.
10. There are unexplained gaps in your resume.
Look, I totally get gaps in a resume. Personally, I don’t give a f*ck about them and think it’s no one’s business. However, when I was trying to return to the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom for six years, I had to explain it during a few interviews. It made me wonder if I wasn’t getting as many callbacks because some people just wrote me off instead of reaching out to give me the benefit of a doubt. Personally, if I could go back I would have explained my gap briefly in my cover letter. Luckily, things seem to be changing and less people are concerned with gaps in resumes, but unfortunately some people will move onto another potential candidate if there’s an unexplained gap. Of course, this doesn’t always apply in every field but it’s something to consider if you’re having trouble getting an interview after sending out dozens of applications.
Keep in mind, every field is different and my advice may not apply to everyone or every situation. However, these are tips I keep in mind for myself as well as the people in my life, and they have worked like a charm.
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