Not only do you have to ensure your resume has no typos and grammatical errors, but the worst mistake is presenting a resume that doesn't even match the position you’re applying for. This will most definitely get your resume thrown in the trash can, by the hiring manager and the applicant tracking software that companies utilize to screen out resumes.

The following is a list of the most common resume mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Never Misspell or have grammatical errors.

Proofread, proofread and proofread your resume documents! I can’t stress this enough. Ensure you spell check, then proofread by placing a finger on each word and finally have your document reviewed by a friend, family member or career counselor. They say two eyes are better than one! Typically it’s hard to catch your own mistakes, so having another set of eyes to read your resume will help. Another trick is to read it out loud.

2. Not utilizing keywords that match the job announcement.

Your resume should include the specific keywords that are in the job posting. You want to show that you are a perfect fit for the position. However, if your resume does not have the proper keywords, it may not get noticed.

3. Don’t have an outdated resume.

Your resume should be updated for each and every job that you apply for. Be certain to update your skills and your employment history.

4. TMI (Too Much Information).

Don’t list everything your ever did at each job. Focus on the highlights and accomplishments. Make sure you keep your resume to 1 – 2 pages in cases outside of academic and research settings. Make use of formatting techniques like bullets and short paragraphs to enhance the readability. Job seekers most often make the mistake of putting too much information. You don’t need to include everything you ever did on each job you ever held!

5. Listing a summary that doesn't match the job announcement.

Avoid using an summary statement that has no relevance with the target job. Job seekers nowadays leave an objective off their resume and use a summary instead. Make sure it coincides with the role you’re applying for.

6. NOT Writing Accomplishments.

Many job seekers simply list their duties, responsibilities and position descriptions that don’t show what they've accomplished. As an alternative, write active statements that showcase your relevant skills and accomplishments. Your goal is to make sure the employer can easily see how you added value in your roles.

7. Paragraphs with boring and unrelated duties.

Spice it up and start with a statement that will make them say “WOW” and showcase your key skills related to the position your applying for. If you don’t, the reader may become bored and toss your resume in the trash can.

8. Not Quantifying.

When listing your accomplishments make sure to quantify them, or present other concrete data to support your assertions. As you write each of your sentences or phrases, you want to say to yourself. SO WHAT! BIG DEAL, so I did that. How did I make a difference? Did I increase anything? Decrease, Modify or Change?

9. Being Too Humble.

Don’t be modest. This is your time to toot your horn! Share those awards and recognition's you received over the years. “Promoted to Manager after increasing annual donations by 50%.”

10. Visually Appealing.

Keep your resume brief, clean and easy to read with lots of white space on the page. The message will pop out to the reader more easily. If it hurts the hiring managers eyes to read it, they may toss your resume in the trash can.

What makes a great resume? What’s important to know is that these are marketing documents. It’s also important to know is that the average employer now takes only about 7 seconds to view it. So they are not reading these resumes, but rather they are scanning these resumes. So they need to know right off the bat, how you add value.

So there you have it, the Top 10 Resume Mistakes! Don’t get your resume thrown in the trash can! Go out there and land that interview!

If you still have any questions regarding your resume or federal career documents and application process feel free to drop us a line! We’d love to hear from you!

Visit First Class Resumes & Career Services today! Get Your FREE EBOOK on TOP 20 LINKEDIN TIPS & TRICKS!

Don’t forget to listen to “Success Tips for Transitioning Veterans.”

http://www.first-classresumes.com/

Dannielle Ramos Rash is an Army Veteran and Founder of First Class Resumes & Career Services. http://www.first-classresumes.com/ She is a Certified Federal Career Coach (CFCC), Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. Dannielle provides dynamic resumes & career documents for job seekers around the globe.