Crafting a compelling resume requires attention to detail, especially when aiming for leadership positions. While focusing on skills and experience is crucial, overlooking seemingly minor things can raise red flags for busy hiring managers. Let’s shed light on some common resume mistakes you might not have considered and their simple fixes:
Ditch the Home Address
Gone are the days of listing your full address. It offers no added value and raises privacy concerns. If location is relevant, mention your metro region, not your suburb. Instead of “Roswell, GA,” opt for “Atlanta.” It keeps things professional and protects your personal information.
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) also have the capability of weeding out potential candidates by their geographical location. Including your hometown on your resume could prohibit you from getting a call back when applying online.
Hyperlink Strategically
Including your LinkedIn profile is a great way to showcase your online presence. But remember, hyperlink the actual URL, not the word “LinkedIn Profile.” Also, skip the “https://www.” part – it’s implied. Ensure the link works perfectly online and when printed for offline review.
Another common resume mistake when including a LinkedIn profile is not using LinkedIn’s ability to shorten your URL. LinkedIn provides detailed instructions for updating your profile URL here.
Embrace the Single Column
Choosing the right resume format is a decision not to be taken lightly. Two-column resumes are popular with templates from Google or Canva. They look fancy and can appear easier to read. However, applicant tracking systems (ATS) often struggle to parse them correctly. This means your carefully crafted content might not pass the initial screening process and be seen by a human eye. Simplify your format and stick to a clean, single-column resume for optimal compatibility.
Fade Out the Graduation Year
While your educational background is a part of your career story, revealing your graduation year can inadvertently trigger age bias. Consider omitting the graduation year from your degrees, especially if you graduated more than a decade ago. Focus on the institution, degree earned, and relevant coursework instead.
Bonus Tip
Proofread, proofread, proofread! Typos and grammatical errors scream carelessness and lack of attention to detail. Use spellcheck, but don’t rely solely on it. Have a trusted friend or colleague review your resume with fresh eyes and give honest feedback.
By addressing these seemingly small details, you can craft a resume that impresses senior leaders and managers, increasing your chances of landing that dream job. Remember, first impressions matter, and your resume is often the first one you make.
