As an experienced job seeker, you may think that finding your next position will be easy. However, if the job market has changed since your last job hunt, you may face some challenges. To increase your chances of landing a job, it's crucial to create an exceptional resume that highlights your skills and achievements. However, many senior professionals still make common resume writing mistakes that can hurt their chances of getting hired in 2023. Here are five of those mistakes to avoid:
1. Starting with a resume objective: If your resume still features an objective statement, it's time to update it. Modern resumes tend to favor a summary that highlights your achievements and abilities, rather than your aspirations. Crafting a statement that showcases your value to potential employers is a much stronger way to start your resume.
2. Lack of facts and figures: When detailing your previous work experience, be sure to include specific examples of your accomplishments. Showing how you added value to your previous employers provides strong evidence of your potential value to future employers.
3. Generic language: You are unique, and your resume should reflect that. Avoid using generic, overused phrases such as “team player” or “self-starter.” Instead, use specific keywords and language that align with the job you are applying for.
4. Focusing only on responsibilities: Your resume is not a job description; it should highlight your accomplishments, not just your responsibilities. Be sure to include specific examples of how you made a positive impact, and use action verbs to describe your achievements.
5. Length: While it's important to include the relevant information, your resume should not be longer than two pages (unless specific instructions state otherwise). Be concise, and focus on your most impressive and relevant accomplishments.
Avoiding these common resume mistakes will make you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing your next job in 2023.
As an experienced professional, your list of accomplishments is likely to be extensive. However, to effectively showcase them, it's important to quantify them with specific facts and figures. Instead of just saying you brought in revenue or led a team, provide exact figures and team sizes to highlight your value.
Additionally, a disorganized and poorly formatted resume can hinder your chances of being selected as it makes it harder for recruiters to find the information they need. Therefore, it's crucial to use subheadings, bullet points, and readable font size. Moreover, consistency in design is essential to ensure it doesn't get disqualified by ATSs. By paying close attention to detail, you can create a resume that stands out and enhances your chances of being considered for the role.
As a senior professional, it's easy to fall into the trap of including every detail of your impressive career on your resume. However, this can result in a lengthy document that is off-putting to recruiters. To avoid this, limit your resume to two pages and only include the most relevant and engaging information. Referring to the job description will help you determine which information to include and will also allow you to tailor your application to the specific position and company. Another reason to use the job description is to ensure that you're utilizing keywords that are important to the employer.
By highlighting these keywords and incorporating them into your resume, you increase your chances of getting past an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and catching the recruiter's attention. But, avoid the temptation of throwing in keywords randomly. Instead, write compelling copy and incorporate the keywords in the appropriate sections. Updating your resume may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning and attention to detail, you can avoid costly mistakes.