Applying for a job always involves at some point to create and send in a resume. Writing a resume may seem an easy task, but in reality there are many pitfalls and mistakes one can make. In this post we collected and touch on the 5 most common ones.

#1 Format

Choosing the right format and design of the resume can fundamentally leave either a positive or a negative impression upon the first view. During my career I’ve seen thousands of resumes from a one paragraph “I just want a job” type until an extensive 45 page long application “thesis” which included copies of the school diplomas. There are also templates available on the internet, which can help, but when used incorrectly it can make things worse. Our recommendation is, that if you find a template you like, use it as an inspiration and make sure you create your resume on your own. It should include your contact details, career history, formal and informal qualifications and skills.

#2 Length

Connecting to the previous points, candidates often have hard time to find a balance between what is too little details versus too much information. If your resume is not detailed enough, you risk the chance for a call back as the reader won’t be sure, that you are match. On the other side, if you write a small thesis, you also risk the valuable information to be hidden and never to be seen. As a rule of thumb, make sure especially at the career history part that you provide enough information (preferably in bullet points) so the reader has an idea what you have done and with what skills. Research also shows that the resume should be maximum 2 pages long.

#3 Wording and Spelling

This one seems very obvious, but believe me; many forgets about it. The key here is professionalism. Make sure the language you use in your resume if formal, professional and appropriate for the industry and the profession. Avoid terms and expressions such as “small boss” or “the IT guy”. Make sure you check the final product, if there are no spell mistakes and grammatical errors. A CV with full of mistakes gives the impression, that you did not care or not attentive to the details.

#4 Personal information

Some candidates like to overshare about themselves and will provide personal information, which is not necessary or required for evaluating your fit to the position. Such information can be your date of birth, address, marital status or in extreme cases height, weight or family member’s information. All these are not necessary at all and in some cases it may even backfire at you. At the personal information section limit it to your contact details (tel. + email), your general location (country or city) and if applicable visa status.

#5 Unnecessary elements

I think this is the one many falls into, including in the resume elements, parts which are really not necessary for the purpose this document is being made for. Inspirational quotes and career goals may sound interesting to jazz up the resume, but in reality as it does not support to main goal; whether you are a match for the position; is a waste of effort. This also includes the hobbies part, include it only, if it does support in one way or the other your application for the specific role. If you want to personalize the CV a bit more, in the very begging you can add a summary of yourself in max 3-4 sentences. And please, don’t write on the top “CV”, “Resume” etc. – everyone knows what the document is.

+1 Creative Resumes

There are unconventional CV formats, very creative, well designed resumes; which definitely makes the candidate to be remembered; however this might not be the right format for you. In general for more creative positions, where during the process you will be evaluated on your creativity and original thinking this is a go-to format; but for the others this is not the case. I also need to add here, that adding logos, pictures etc. to “decorate” the content is also counterproductive.

We hope this list could help you already to create a CV, which will be compelling and standing out – but for the right reasons. At SORUL we can help you to evaluate and redesign your resume, which would fit your career goals and the next position better. In addition to this during our Application Consultation we can help you to set a strategy for your job seeking. Book us now!