Resume samples are a great way to get some direction for your job application. But, by no means, you should blindly copy-and-paste an example without giving it many thoughts.
Do “copy” the overall resume format and style, and feel free to pick out some phrases you like. But don’t submit a recycled resume to every job application in your industry.
The biggest resume mistake job seekers make is forgetting to customize.
And to make your resume bullet-proof here’s an additional checklist highlighting the most common resume writing mistakes:
1. Typos and grammatical errors. No one likes sloppiness. Always double proofread your resume.
2. Getting too lengthy. Try to keep your resume to one page. Two pages are fine for experienced pros going after exec positions. Do not include outdated information from ages ago.
3. Going superfluous. Don’t make claims you cannot bake with data/examples. Also, don’t inflate your title to appear “more important” or “experienced”.
4. A poor resume summary can kill your application immediately. Writing a resume objective which doesn’t match the job or a career summary that doesn’t match the job requirements are major blunders.
5. No action verbs. Be bold and decisive! Use power words, action verbs and active voice.
6. Visually busy resumes will not get read. Get a professional resume template that is easy-to-read and skim.
7. Incorrect contact information. Re-check your phone number and email!
8. Listing irrelevant, generalistic duties. You must show your accomplishment, and key skills that are related to the job, not some general filler statement that no one will read into.