7 Resume blunders to avoid in 2024

1. Uncommon Resume Styles

What it is: A 2 column resume, shiny colours, modern cursive font...

Why it matters: Imagine you"re reading the same newspaper for years. Suddenly, one day, the design of the newspaper changes completely. Now, your eyes need to adjust and take far more time to read the actual content. It"s the same with Resumes for Recruiters. Recruiters have seconds with your Resume. Let"s ensure our experiences and work are given full attention and time. We want to work with the eyes that are reading our work not against!

Another reason is to ensure ATS compatibility. Recruiters might not even read resumes which didn't pass the first filter. Let"s make it easy for our resumes to be analysed by humansand softwares.
PS: If you work in marketing, design this might not apply.

Why you probably didn't pay attention to this:You might have copied a template or could have wanted to stand out using a unique design. Instead, let"s use our creativity in trying new things in our fields, that helps boost the actual content of our resume.

2. Output then Outcome

What it is: Instead of saying "did 20 calls per day which led to 15% retention" say "led 15% retention by doing 20 calls per day" (the what then how).

Why it matters: Your goal is to impress the recruiter. Fast. But impressing needs them to actually read your long experience points! It"s human nature to get attracted to bold hooks. It makes people curious who then want to keep reading to figure out the how. Use that to your advantage and instead of making them read the long TODO/Output which led to the Outcome, just switch the order.

Why you probably didn't pay attention to this:When we join work we"re given tasks to do and only slowly asked to think about the company"s bigger goals. For example, as a customer support agent our task might be to do 20 calls a day. After a few years, you become the manager, and are asked if your team"s agent did a good job. You won"t say yes they did because they did 20 calls a day! You"ll justify your yes by saying they resolved 15 queries per day, which was a team high or perhaps it helped increase retention of your company"s product. Think of the outcomes your work led to for the company! Trust me, you"ll surprise yourself by realizing you've done in the past.

3. Missing Quantification

What it is: Making claims without backing them up with numbers. This is a bigger crime than the last one. For example, saying "Increased sales" instead of "Increased sales by 20% year-over-year".

Why it matters: Numbers speak louder than words. Quantifying your achievements gives them more weight and credibility. It shows the tangible impact you had and helps you stand out from other candidates making vague claims. It also helps communicate you genuinely care about making an impact, at the end of the day.

Why you probably didn't pay attention to this:It"s easy to forget the specific numbers or feel like they"re not important. But let"s take the time to quantify your accomplishments, even if it requires some guess work.

4. Disordered Sections

What it is: Your "experience" section is below "education", despite it being your stronger point.

Why it matters: It"s all about ensuring the recruiters, who have limited time per application, start by seeing the best of you. For example, if you"re an analyst with years of experience, you probably should keep education below it. Why? A graduate might also have a stellar education like yours but not the experiences. Make a stronger first impression by leading with the best differentiator for yourself.

Why you probably didn't pay attention to this:You probably just used the default ordering from a template. Which is 100% fine, but every one of us is unique in what we do/did best. Let"s put *our* best foot forward.

5. Poor Grammar

What it is: You know this one. For example, inconsistency in your tenses. If you say you "Led" (past) in one point don"t mention you"re "Implementing" (present) in another!

Why it matters: Your resume is the only proof of your work that recruiters have. A lack of attention to detail here might nudge them into thinking you"re not the ideal fit.

Why you probably didn't pay attention to this:Perhaps it feels wasted effort to work on these small points? You could be right. But if you"re having issues getting shortlisted, we have to ensure we're taking care of the easy efforts.

6. Too much whitespace

What it is: A ton of whitespace due to not having enough content to fill your resume.

Why it matters: Recruiters want to see that you're actively engaged in your field. Even without traditional work experience, continuing education like free Udemy courses, LinkedIn skill tests, and other certifications can demonstrate your commitment and initiative. This is especially crucial if you are transitioning fields—it shows you're making an effort to learn and grow.

Why you probably didn't pay attention to this:It's common. You might think you don't have enough relevant experience or achievements to include. This hesitation is natural, but expanding on your skills or volunteer experiences can significantly enhance your resume's impact.

7. Two-Page Resumes

What it is: Letting your resume expand into two pages instead of condensing it to one.

Why it matters: A concise single-page resume, with relevantdetails ensures your strongest points are read and get noticed. Extending to a second page can dilute the impact and cause key details to be overlooked. For eg - If you've a ton of experience and are gunning for a VP role you probably can filter out that summer internship from when you were 18. (rule of thumb: unless you have over a decade of experience, 1 page resume is better)

Why you probably didn't pay attention to this:Temptation to include details comprehensively is strong. However, focusing on quality over quantity—keeping only the most impactful information—can make a stronger impression.

Bonus - Not Speaking Their Language

What it is: Failing to use industry-specific terminology or jargon expected in your field or by the prospective company.

Why it matters: Using the appropriate technical language shows that you are well-versed in your industry's specifics, suggesting that you can seamlessly integrate into the team. Conversely, omitting these terms can make you appear less knowledgeable or experienced.

Why you probably didn't pay attention to this:You might be accustomed to the terminology used in your current role, which might not align with industry standards elsewhere. Take the time to align your resume's language with the job description and company culture, demonstrating that you're not only knowledgeable but also a prepared candidate who has done their research.