ISSUES
Resume Mistakes You Might Be Making
I
If you’re out there on the job hunt, you k now all too
COMMON MISTAKES According to Ward, tailoring your resume for each individual application is crucial.
well how stressful and disheartening the process can be.
“Take a good look at the job description and make sure your
Submitting application after application, perhaps garnering a
resume shouts, ‘I’ve got exactly what you’re looking for!’” she
few interviews, but nothing truly comes to fruition. You can’t
said. “Highlight your experiences that match up with what they
help but wonder, “What is it about me that employers don’t
need—this shows you’re not just throwing the same resume out
like?” Let us put your mind at ease by sharing this reminder:
to everyone, but that you’re really interested in the role and
Mostly likely, it’s not you—it’s your resume. Luckily, there’s always room for improvement. To learn
more, Groups Today connected with Ashley Ward, founder
have taken the time to align your skills with their needs.” Before submitting your application, Ward recommends being on the lookout for these additional frequently made errors:
and CEO of W Talent Solutions, who has conducted over
» Typos and Poor Formatting. “These suggest a lack of
20,000 professional candidate interviews and has placed
attention to detail. Always proofread your resume or
c-suite and president-level roles throughout the nation.
have someone else review it.” » Excessive Leng th and Unprofessiona lism. “Keep
GETTING EYES ON YOUR RESUME Ward shares that the digital era has revolutionized job
your resume concise and professional. Avoid lengthy documents that bury important information.”
applications, and that online platforms and ATS (Applicant
» Incorrect Contact Information. “Always double-check
Tracking Systems) for applying have certainly become the norm.
your contact details. A simple error here can cost you a
So it’s safe to assume you’ll be asked to submit your resume online.
job opportunity.”
But before doing that, there are some boxes you’ll need to check.
» Neglecting Achievements. “Instead of just list ing
“To ensure your resume stands out, align it w ith the
responsibilities, focus on what you’ve accomplished in
job description, focusing on qualifications and relevant experience,” Ward advised. “More literally, do a side-by-side of the qualifications and your experience. Do you meet all
those roles.” Last but far from least, don’t forget to ask for a trusted second (or even third) opinion.
the qualifications? Create an Excel sheet of the qualifications
“Seek feedback on you r resu me f rom mentors or
needed for the job and compare and contrast that to your
professionals in your f ield,” Ward said. “Const r uct ive
actual experience.”
criticism can lead to significant improvements.”
It’s also important, Ward explains, to emphasize a clean, concise format with clear dates and bullet points detailing
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MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
responsibilities and achievements. Don’t forget to incorporate
In addition to avoiding missteps in your resume, it’s also
both hard and soft skills, and to provide tangible numbers to
wise to examine any potential missed opportunities to show
quantify your accomplishments.
employers why you’d be a great addition to their team.
GROUPS TODAY March /April 2 02 4