The Missing Link: Top 3 Reasons Your Resume is Overlooked
Ever strolled down the lane, taking in the street displays, the flow of people, and the smell of food stalls, all enchanting until something odd catches your eye - an unnoticed, lost item lying there. Well, here’s the hard truth - sometimes that item feels like our resumes, lost in the flood of job applicants. I know it's maddening to pour your heart and time crafting what seems like the perfect resume, only to hear crickets back.
I turned to some trusty facts for answers, and, folks, the findings were eye-opening! There are specific red flags that make recruiters and hiring managers overlook a resume, causing it to not even be shortlisted for an interview. Here are the top three according to Google Careers and CareerBuilder:
Poor formatting and typos
Interestingly, poorly formatted resumes with evident typos are the most overlooked ones. Google Careers points out that such resumes give the impression of carelessness and a lack of attention to detail[1]. That abstract, futuristic font grabbing attention? The chances are high that it's distracting rather than impressing the recruiters.
Not tailored to the job description
Ask any hiring manager and they'll tell you - a generic, one-size-fits-all resume just doesn't cut it. According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 36% of hiring managers discard resumes that are not customized to suit the job role2. They're looking for resumes with skillsets and experiences that align with the job requirements, not a mirror of your friend's resume who just landed a job in an entirely different profile.
Long Work History
Contrary to what many of us believe, boasting a long work history on your resume might not always be a good thing. Some recruiters perceive it as job-hopping, suggesting a lack of stability. Google facts indicate that a 10 to 15-year career history is usually sufficient[3%5E].
So, it's not just about creating a resume – it's about creating a polished, tailored, and concise document that hits the recruiter's sweet spot. Next time, before you hit the ‘Apply’ button, pause and check - is your resume lost-item worthy or is it the charming street display?
All the best, fellow job seekers!
Sources:
Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder (Avoid These Common CV Mistakes) ↩
