How to Avoid Common Resume Writing Mistakes

With unemployment at its highest and employers continuing to layoff with no end in sight, having an updated resume on hand is becoming extremely important. In addition to having an updated resume, it has to be excellently written to stand out from the others that are being submitted. But how do you make sure that your resume is the best it can be, and how do you know what you need to improve on?

Check Your Spelling

Nothing is going to turn a prospective employer off more than having a resume with even one typo. It shows that you are not attentive to detail - and if you are willing to let a typo slide on something as important as a first impression, what will happen if they employ you? Will you let other details slide? Always spell-check your resume, and if you think a spelling is still incorrect verify the spelling with a dictionary.

Check Your Grammar

Another mistake that will put your resume square into the garbage. Know your grammar, and if you are not sure research the connotation online or with a grammar guide. Know when to use words like their/there, its/it's, and your/you're.

Check Your Punctuation

Verify that you have punctuation in your resume and that it is being used properly. Another good reason to have a writing reference on hand, or use the internet to improve on what your resume already contains.

Do Your Research

Check online or go to the local library to research resume formats. You may have a great resume, and be exactly what a prospective employer needs but your resume may not be written in a way that showcases your skills. For example, a person looking for a management position in a retail corporation will not use the same resume format as a computer programmer because their skills are very different.

Check Your Objective

If you have a weak objective in your resume it may be better to leave it out, and let your resume and listed skills speak for themselves. A weak objective tells employers you are unsure of yourself, what you want to accomplish, and where you want your career to lead.

Elaborate On Your Past/Present Employment

Be descriptive when you explain your skills and job responsibilities. However, limit the length of the description to a sentence or two - break down longer descriptions into multiple skills. For example, if you worked in retail performing responsibilities related to customer service do not simply say you rang up customer purchases and stocked merchandise. Rather state that you are skilled at working at POS (point of sale) with customer purchases, and replenished and organized store merchandise helping to maintain a clean, professional store appearance.

Be Willing To Show Off (Just a Little)

You want your resume to tell a prospective employer that you are excellent at what you do. Be willing to share your accomplishments, achievement, and your knowledge. The more skills you bring to the table the more likely you are going to get an interview and land the job. However, don't embellish too much - it will show in your interview when you are asked about skills and abilities you may be weak at or do not possess.

Have Someone Else Read Your Resume

After spending hours writing and reading your resume, you may miss the most basic errors relating to spelling, grammar, and other typographical mistakes. Have friends, family, and others help you improve your resume by letting them read it - but make sure they are willing to give an objective opinion. You need their opinion to make your resume better, and let them know that their constructive criticism is going to help you and not hurt your feelings.