The Resume Mistakes You Need to Avoid in 2023
Avoid these common resume mistakes at all costs. If you need help writing your resume fast, read on.
Mistake #1: Your email address discloses the year you were born
The first point I want to share with you is quite possibly one of the most commonly overlooked details. Whenever I see a 70, 80, or 90 in someone’s email address, I automatically know that I can calculate their age if I wanted to.
I’m talking to you john.smith1991@gmail.com.
Including your birth year in your email address, can inadvertently reveal your age to potential employers. This can lead to age bias in the hiring process.
Age bias, or ageism, is a type of discrimination that involves stereotypes, prejudices, and assumptions based on a person's age. It can affect both young and older job applicants. For instance, a younger candidate may be perceived as inexperienced or lacking in certain skills, while an older candidate might be viewed as being out of touch with modern technology or nearing retirement and thus not worth the investment.
Let's consider an example. Suppose an applicant uses the email address johnsmith1980@gmail.com. The '1980' in the email address can be easily interpreted as the year of birth, suggesting that the candidate is around 43 years old in 2023. If a hiring manager has a bias towards younger candidates, believing them to be more tech-savvy or adaptable, they might unconsciously discount this candidate based on their perceived age, regardless of the candidate's actual qualifications or skills. This is an example of age bias, and it's why it's recommended to avoid including any information in your resume that might reveal your age.
Throughout the job application process, it’s important to avoid disclosing any information that reveals your age.
Never include your birth year in your email address, especially if you use it for job applications. It’s an easy way to accidentally reveal your age, which can, unfortunately, affect your chances of landing a job. If you already have an email address with your birth year, consider making a separate email address that you use for professional communication.
Mistake #2: Sharing your graduation dates
A common pitfall many job seekers fall into is including their graduation dates on their resumes, LinkedIn profiles, or social media bios when it's no longer relevant. This is particularly true for those who have already attended college - there's no need to mention your high school education, as it's generally assumed.
The reality is, your graduation date doesn't need to be on your resume. While employers may want to verify your transcripts, it's not necessary to include this detail when applying for a job. The reason is simple - it could inadvertently reveal your age, leading to potential age bias.
Furthermore, it's advisable to remove your high school information from your resume unless you don't have any college experience. Similarly, your graduation date should only be included if you're a recent graduate with no work experience, applying for your first job. These guidelines help ensure your resume is concise, relevant, and free from information that could lead to unconscious bias.
Mistake #3: Failing to provide relevant media and links
In the digital age, showcasing your skills and accomplishments through relevant media or live project links is crucial. These can serve as tangible proof of your abilities and potential, making you stand out in the competitive job market.
A portfolio is a collection of work samples that demonstrate your skills, qualifications, and experiences in your field. It can include a variety of materials, such as designs, writings, case studies, testimonials, and more. For a graphic designer, this could mean showcasing designs that have been featured in a magazine. For a developer, it could mean sharing links to projects on Github. If you're aiming for a job in social media, starting a blog or sharing your work on Instagram can serve as part of your portfolio. These pieces of content not only demonstrate your abilities but also reflect your creativity and initiative.
For entry-level applicants or career transitioners, having a well-curated portfolio can be a game-changer. While academic qualifications are important, a portfolio that showcases your practical skills and personal projects can often make a stronger impression.
Canva is a powerful tool that can help you create a visually appealing portfolio. It's a free online design platform that allows you to create a variety of graphics, including resumes, presentations, social media posts, and more. You can use Canva to create a PDF portfolio, which can then be converted into a free portfolio website. One of the great features of Canva is its ability to create visual previews of your work that are clickable, providing a seamless experience for anyone viewing your portfolio.
A case study is an in-depth analysis of a project or piece of work you've completed. It provides context, explains the process you followed, and highlights the results you achieved. When creating a case study, start by outlining the problem or challenge you faced, then describe the steps you took to address it, and finally, present the outcome. Case studies are particularly effective because they not only showcase your work but also your problem-solving skills and ability to achieve results.
In conclusion, creating a portfolio, utilizing tools like Canva, and developing case studies are effective strategies to showcase your skills and stand out in your job search. Remember, the goal is to demonstrate not just what you've learned, but also what you've accomplished and what you're capable of achieving in the future.
Mistake #4: You’re not quantifiable when speaking about your work history
Instead of listing your job duties on your resume, consider quantifying your work.
Mentioning how much revenue you closed each quarter or how many support tickets you closed daily are two examples. This separates what you did vs what you were supposed to do.
Here are some examples to get you started:
Customer Success
Increased customer retention rate by 20% over a one-year period.
Achieved a customer satisfaction score of 95% consistently for six months.
Implemented a new onboarding process that reduced churn by 15%.
Customer Support
Handled an average of 50+ customer inquiries per day.
Improved first-call resolution rate by 30%.
Reduced average call handling time by 20%.
Sales Development Representative
Exceeded quarterly sales targets by 15% consistently for a year.
Generated 50+ qualified leads per month.
Increased conversion rate from lead to sale by 25%.
Software Engineer
Developed an application used by 10,000+ users.
Reduced code inefficiencies by 30%, improving application performance.
Led a team that delivered a major project two weeks ahead of schedule.
Graphic Designer
Designed a marketing campaign that increased web traffic by 40%.
Created 20+ graphic designs used in successful social media campaigns.
Redesigned a client's website, improving user time on site by 25%.
Recruiter
Filled 100+ job vacancies within the target timeframe in the past year.
Reduced average time-to-hire from 60 days to 40 days.
Increased retention rate of new hires during their first year by 20%.
Finance
Managed a portfolio worth $500,000.
Reduced financial reporting time by 30% by automating processes.
Achieved cost savings of 20% by identifying inefficiencies in the budget.
Remember, the key is to use specific numbers and percentages where possible to give a clear picture of your accomplishments.
Mistake #5: You’re using an old or obscure email address
In today's digital age, the email address you use can say a lot about you. If you're applying for a job with an email from an old or obscure server, such as Hotmail or Yahoo, it may inadvertently give the impression that you're not up-to-date with current technology trends. This could be particularly detrimental if you're applying for a role in the tech industry or a job that requires a high level of tech-savviness.
Hotmail and Yahoo, while once popular, are now often associated with a bygone era of the internet. They can give the impression that a user is not keeping pace with technological advancements. This is not a message you want to send to potential employers, especially in industries where staying current with technology is crucial.
On the other hand, using a Gmail address, or an email address associated with your own domain (like YourName@YourCompany.com), can convey a more modern and professional image. Gmail is widely recognized as a current and widely-used platform, and a custom domain can show that you have the tech skills to set up your own website or business.
Furthermore, if you're applying for a job that requires the use of collaboration tools like Google Apps or Microsoft Teams, using a Gmail address or a custom domain can demonstrate familiarity with these platforms. It shows potential employers that you're comfortable navigating the digital tools prevalent in today's workplaces.
In conclusion, the email address you use in your job applications can contribute to the first impression you make on potential employers. It's a small detail, but in a competitive job market, every detail counts. So, consider updating your email address if it's currently linked to an outdated or obscure server.
Mistake #6: You don’t format your resume for applicant tracking systems
When you submit your resume online, it often first encounters an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). An ATS is a type of software used by recruiters and employers during the hiring process to collect, sort, scan, and rank the job applications they receive for their open positions.
ATS systems are used to streamline the recruitment process. They can handle massive amounts of applications, automate the early stages of the recruitment process, and help recruiters stay organized. They can also save time by automatically rejecting applications that don't meet certain criteria.
Some ATS systems like Greenhouse are programmed to score candidates based on the information in their resumes. They can evaluate a candidate's fit for a position by looking at keywords, skills, former employers, years of experience, schools attended, and more. They can also decline candidates based on answers to application questions. For example, if a question asks whether the applicant has a certain certification and the applicant answers "no," the ATS might automatically reject the application.
Given the prevalence of ATS systems, it's crucial to format your resume in a way that the software can easily scan and interpret. This means using a clean, professional layout, including relevant keywords from the job description, and avoiding graphics or unusual fonts that the ATS might not be able to read.
Applying online is often the first step in the job application process, but it's also important to find other ways to stand out. Networking, crafting a strong cover letter, and showcasing a robust portfolio can all help. However, none of these efforts will matter if your resume can't get past the person reading your resume in the ATS.
In addition to formatting your resume for ATS, it's also important to optimize it for Boolean searches on platforms like LinkedIn. Boolean searches allow recruiters to find candidates based on specific keywords. By including relevant keywords in your resume and LinkedIn profile, you can increase your chances of appearing in these searches.
In conclusion, understanding ATS systems and how to format your resume details to be parsed successfully through them is a crucial part of the modern job search process. By doing so, you increase your chances of your application landing in the hands of a human recruiter.
Mistake #7: Providing old or unclickable links on your resume
In today's digital age, it's common to include links on your resume, such as your LinkedIn profile, online portfolio, or personal website. However, it's crucial that these links are not just typed out addresses, but clickable hyperlinks. This makes it easier and quicker for recruiters to access your online content, which can be particularly important given the large number of applications they often have to review.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when including links on your resume:
Typed Out Links: While it's important to make your links clickable, you should also ensure that the URL is typed out clearly. This is because some systems or software may not preserve the hyperlink when the document is opened, or if the resume is converted to a different format. A clearly typed out URL ensures that the recruiter can still access the link manually if necessary.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Not all ATS software can recognize or preserve hyperlinks. This means that even if you include a clickable link in your resume, the ATS may not process it as such. Again, this is why it's important to also include the full, typed out URL.
Exporting and Printing: If your resume is exported to a different format, or printed out for review, the hyperlinks may not be preserved. In these cases, having the full URL typed out allows the recruiter to manually enter the address into a web browser.
Convenience for Recruiters: Ultimately, the goal is to make the recruiter's job as easy as possible. They should be able to access your online content with minimal effort, whether that's by clicking a hyperlink in a digital document, or typing a URL into a web browser from a printed resume.
In conclusion, while it's important to include clickable hyperlinks on your resume, you should also ensure that the full URL is typed out. This ensures that recruiters can access your online content in any situation, helping you to make the best possible impression.
Mistake #8: You fail to make your resume or portfolio visual
Creating a visual portfolio is an effective way to showcase your skills and accomplishments, making it easier for potential employers or clients to understand your capabilities. Here are some examples of how professionals in different roles can create a visual portfolio:
Customer Success
- Screenshots of customer feedback or testimonials praising your work.
- Graphs or charts showing improvements in customer satisfaction or retention rates under your management.
- Images of any customer success tools or platforms you're proficient in, with descriptions of how you've used them to benefit customers.
Customer Support
- Screenshots of positive customer reviews or feedback received.
- Visual representations of key metrics you've improved, like call resolution times or customer satisfaction scores.
- Images of customer support software you're familiar with, along with explanations of how you've used them to resolve customer issues.
Sales Development Representative
- Screenshots or scans of awards or recognitions for meeting or exceeding sales targets.
- Graphs or charts showing sales growth or lead conversion improvements you've contributed to.
- Visuals of sales tools or CRM platforms you're proficient in, with descriptions of how you've used them to drive sales.
Software Engineer
- Screenshots of code you've written, along with explanations of what the code does.
- Visuals from the applications or websites you've developed.
- Diagrams or flowcharts of complex software systems you've designed or worked on.
Graphic Designer
- Images of your designs, whether they're logos, websites, brochures, or other types of visual content.
- Before-and-after visuals showing how your designs improved a client's branding or visibility.
- Screenshots of design software you're proficient in, with examples of work created using those tools.
Recruiter
- Screenshots of positive feedback from candidates you've placed.
- Graphs or charts showing improvements in time-to-hire or retention rates.
- Images of recruiting software or platforms you're proficient in, with descriptions of how you've used them to find and attract candidates.
Finance
- Graphs or charts showing financial growth or cost savings you've achieved.
- Visuals of complex financial data or reports you've created.
- Screenshots of financial software or platforms you're proficient in, with descriptions of how you've used them to improve financial performance.
By making your portfolio visual, you can provide a more engaging and comprehensive overview of your skills and achievements. This can help you stand out from other candidates and make a strong impression on potential employers or clients.
Mistake #9: You don’t have a Linkedin profile
LinkedIn has become an essential tool in the modern job search process, serving as a digital extension of your resume and portfolio. It's a platform where you can showcase your professional experience, skills, and accomplishments, and connect with other professionals in your field.
One of the key features of LinkedIn is LinkedIn Recruiter, a premium service used by recruiters and hiring managers to find potential candidates. Recruiters pay for this service, which gives them advanced search filters, more InMail messages, and other features that help them find and reach out to candidates. By having a well-optimized LinkedIn profile, you can increase your chances of being found by these recruiters.
Here are some ways to make the most of your LinkedIn profile:
Expand on Your Resume: Unlike a resume, which is typically concise and tailored to a specific job, your LinkedIn profile can be more comprehensive. You can include all of your work experience, not just the positions relevant to a particular job. You can also provide more detail about your roles and responsibilities, projects you've worked on, and results you've achieved.
Showcase Your Work: LinkedIn allows you to add media to your profile, such as images, videos, documents, and links. This can be a great way to showcase your portfolio, share examples of your work, or provide evidence of your accomplishments.
Network: LinkedIn is a networking platform, so take advantage of this by connecting with colleagues, industry professionals, and influencers in your field. Join groups related to your industry or profession, participate in discussions, and share content that demonstrates your expertise.
Recommendations and Endorsements: Recommendations from colleagues, managers, or clients can add credibility to your profile. Skills endorsements can also help highlight your expertise in specific areas.
Keywords and SEO: LinkedIn uses algorithms to suggest profiles to recruiters, much like how Google suggests websites based on search terms. By using relevant keywords in your profile, particularly in your headline and summary, you can improve your visibility in these searches.
In conclusion, LinkedIn is more than just an online resume - it's a platform where you can showcase your professional brand, network with others in your field, and increase your visibility to recruiters. By optimizing your LinkedIn profile, you can enhance your job search and increase your chances of being found by potential employers.
Mistake #10: You provide your full address on your resume
Including my full address on my resume is something I no longer consider necessary or even advisable for several reasons.
Privacy Concerns: In this digital age, privacy is a significant concern. By sharing my full address with potential employers, I'm sharing it with people I've never met and who, in the initial stages of the application process, have no need for this information. If a company hasn't yet responded to my application, there's no reason they should know exactly where I sleep at night.
Irrelevant Information: My full address is generally irrelevant to my job application. What matters most are my skills, experiences, and qualifications. When I apply for a job, it's assumed that I understand the location of the job and am willing to commute or relocate if necessary. Including my city and state is usually sufficient.
Hiring Bias: Including my full address can potentially lead to hiring bias. A hiring manager may make assumptions about me based on where I live, such as presuming I might be late or unreliable if I live a significant distance from the workplace. They might also have preconceived notions about my neighborhood or city that could unfairly influence their perception of me.
For example, when I lived in Los Angeles, I was willing to commute from the Westside to Downtown LA. However, a hiring manager unfamiliar with my personal circumstances might assume that the commute would be a problem, potentially leading them to pass over my application in favor of someone who lives closer. By simply stating that I live in Los Angeles, CA, I avoid this potential bias.
In conclusion, it's generally best for me to avoid including my full address on my resume. Instead, I focus on presenting my skills, experiences, and qualifications in the best possible light. This approach respects my privacy, avoids potential bias, and ensures that the most important information is what stands out on my resume.