When you only have a few seconds to impress a hiring manager, simple mistakes on your resume can cost you the job.
To get the most out of that time, avoiding wasted space or irrelevant information can help you highlight the most important points on your resume in a short period of time.
To increase your chances of getting a call back, avoid these elements that may be a turn-off for hiring managers.
1. Using Personal Pronouns
Your resume is all about you—anything you write already comes with the understanding that you were a contributor.
Save space by getting straight to the action—what did you accomplish?
2. Buzz Words
Some buzz words like:
- Responsible for
- Results driven
- Go-getter
may sound good, but they actually say nothing about what you’ve done.
Be sure that you’re using action words that lead to a result when you explain your experience.
Try using:
- Managed
- Achieved
- Collaborated
3. Long Paragraphs
If your resume can’t convey a point within a fraction of a second, it won’t get your foot in the door.
By using bullet points, you can convey more with fewer words, and the hiring manager can skim the document for key words.
4. An Objective Statement
Unless you’re changing careers, it is understood that you are interested in the position, and you feel that you have the right experience.
Don’t waste those valuable seconds telling the hiring manager what they already know—make room for adding more about your background and experience.
5. Irrelevant Experience
We’ve all worked those minimum wage jobs that aren’t related to your career to get through school.
- Restaurant
- Babysitting
If it’s not relevant to your field, replace it with something more applicable.
- Skills
- Volunteering
6. Hobbies
Similarly, your hobbies will not make a difference at this early stage of the hiring process.
Use this space to mention more applicable skills, and wait until it comes up in your interview to discuss what you like to do for fun.
- Communication Skills
- Time Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Critical Thinking
7. Personal Photos
While it may seem like a nice touch, your personal appearance should not determine whether you move onto the next phase of the hiring process.
This can also make the hiring manager think that you care too much about appearances, which is a poor first impression to make.
