5 Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Resume Samples

Preparation is the best way to start a job search, and your resume should be the first item on your to-do list. Is it ready to go?

Don’t worry if a professional resume writer or reputable career coach wrote or edited and proofread your resume. But if you prepared it yourself, be sure to review the list of common mistakes below. One or two of these might be the reason your resume isn’t getting any interest.

Here are five mistakes that make the difference between a resume that’s ignored and one that makes recruiters say, “Yes!”

1. Don’t include any negativity in your resume

Most people have had a bad job experience at some point in their careers. Maybe you had a difficult manager or unpleasant coworkers. But no matter what might have happened, never mention it on your resume.

Even if an intolerable work environment was the reason—a valid reason—you quit a job, it won’t make you look good. Besides, that terrible manager or team leader might be the hiring manager’s sister or best friend. Keep everything positive and focused on the skills you learned there.

2. Don’t include personal information or your home address on your resume

Your name, email address, and phone number should be at the top of your resume. Your LinkedIn URL is a good idea, too, if you have a good-looking, professional page with plenty of contacts. But that’s it.

Never mention your home address, not even your town or city. But why not?

This might surprise you, but here’s the reason. Recruiters and hiring managers calculate your commute time, and if they think it’s too long, you won’t get an interview. That’s because studies show employees are happier with their jobs and stay longer when the commute is short.

They’ll see you’re local by the city and state of previous companies or volunteer positions. If you’re relocating, mention it in your cover letter.

And never include your age or physical characteristics like height or weight unless you’re a fashion model. Never include a photo. Don’t mention religion or marital status. Your potential value to the company should be based on skills alone, not your appearance, spiritual beliefs, or relationship status.

3. Don’t use unprofessional contact information

Your email address needs to be some combination of your first and last name. No nicknames, no jokes, no smokinjoe475 or sweetbabyblueeyes10 at Hotmail or Yahoo. And make sure you use a reputable domain to host your email such as Gmail or your own personal website. To avoid numbers if your name isn’t available, try last name first, middle initial, then first name. Try an underscore or period/stop to connect first and last name, like this. First_Last or Last.First.MiddleInitial. Try variations until your email address looks as professional as possible.

4. Don’t mention a job objective

Objectives aren’t popular on resumes these days because everyone says nearly the same thing. Your summary statement should describe the type of professional you are, and that should match the job you’re applying for. “Hospitality manager” or “systems engineer” followed by a brief description of your top skills and experience is enough.

One exception is new graduates without enough work history to define their professional roles.

5. Don’t mention long-term career goals

You don’t need to list your long-term career goals. And you definitely don’t want to mention that one day you’ll be a CEO or you’ll quit this industry and live on a beach. A resume is not about your life story or your personal goals. It’s business communication—you’re marketing yourself as a professional with specific skills to offer. And that means showing you are a professional and the right person for the job.

Mentioning your long-term career goals demonstrates that you’re not focused on the job you’re applying for. In fact, it shows you’re using it as a stepping stone. Instead, make it seem like this specific position is your dream job and ultimate career goal.

Avoid these common mistakes and make your resume stand out from the competition. Don’t forget to revise and proofread carefully, and tailor your resume to each position you’re applying for. You’ll be glad you did.

Now you’re ready to move onto the Quickstart Template and get started on your resume.

You can count on Gradsiren to be here when you need expert advice for your job search. Check out our job portal, and be sure to register for free updates.

Add your questions, thoughts, and experiences in the comment section below!