4 Resume Blunders

[Valerie S. Johnson]

By Valerie S. Johnson

The day you start a new job is the time to update your resume. It’s always a good idea to have a current version handy. You never know when you may get laid off. Or an interesting job opportunity may unexpectedly materialize. So don’t make these faux pas in your curriculum vitae:

1. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors

First impressions count for almost everything. A potential employer takes a very quick glance at the piece of paper that represents you. Typos and mistakes make you look uneducated as well as sloppy. Why would your boss think you will be motivated to do a good job if you’re so careless? Get at least one friend (who knows proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling) to check you resume several times before you submit it. [Did you catch the error in that last sentence?]

2. Lies

It’s very simple. Don’t make stuff up. It’s wrong. And if you get caught fibbing about your credentials, education, or work experience during an interview, you probably won’t get the job. If you get the job and they find out later, you could be fired.

3. Too long

No one wants to read about ancient history or experience that is irrelevant to the job. Keep it short and sweet.

4. Unclear relevance to the job

Ideally, your resume isn’t about you and what you’ve done. It should be about what you can do to meet the employer’s needs.

Spend the time and effort to put your best foot forward on paper with potential employers. It will pay off!

[krayziebone33]

Thank you for this article. It comes at a time when I am ready to totally revise my resume as I will be looking for a better job in the coming month.

[Scanner]

Ideally, your resume isn’t about you and what you’re done.

You mean, "Ideally, your resume isn't about you and what you've done.

Just a little grammatical error there or typo.

[Valerie S. Johnson]

Originally Posted by Scanner

Just a little grammatical error there or typo.

Exactly. See how easy that can happen?