If you’ve been applying for jobs without getting interviews, your resume might be the problem. Hiring managers sift through dozens — sometimes hundreds — of applications, and even small mistakes can send yours straight to the rejection pile. From a lack of clear focus to missing essential keywords, common resume errors can cost you valuable opportunities. The good news? These mistakes are easy to correct once you know what to look for. In this article, we’ll break down the top five resume writing mistakes and show you how to avoid them — so your resume stands out for the right reasons.
Mistake #1: No goal or focus. Unless the job-seeker expressly states the kind of position they want, hiring decision-makers are guaranteed to forward a “general” resume into the “no” pile.
Mistake #2: Inconsistent formatting. Such a document is too “busy” to read and can prompt hiring decision-makers to move on to another resume.
Mistake #3: No professionally-relevant keywords or phrases. Keywords play an integral role in two areas of the resume screening process: (1) the human element when resumes are screened for words and phrases that match the criteria for the job opening, and (2) the computer search where Human Resources software hunts for the data on resumes that match eligible words and phrases.
Mistake #4: No achievements. Hiring decision-makers want to know what distinguishes one applicant from another. Although Candidates “A” and “B” could come from similar backgrounds, Candidate “B’s” resume – packed with quantifiable examples of how he (or she) made a difference on the job – will push him / her ahead of other job-seekers.
Mistake #5: Grammatical inconsistencies and spelling errors. Many job-seekers have emigrated to Canada from other countries, and English is their adopted second language. Nevertheless, an employer wants to see a well-written resume – no matter where a job-seeker is from.
Job-seekers who attempt to craft their own resumes stand (maybe) a 2% chance of securing an interview. That rate exponentially rises to 85% when a job seeker retains a bona fide professional resume writer.
And … we have maintained a 97% interview success-landing rate for several years now.
WHY CHOOSE THE REGENCY GROUP?
- We have faithfully served thousands and thousands of clients since 1985.
- We offer Canada’s only while-you-wait resume writing service. Why wait anywhere from 2-6 weeks to receive the first draft of your resume? By contrast, we will complete a “top-notch” resume and cover letter for you in mere hours!
- We sport the Province of Ontario’s first Certified Professional Resume Writer (there are – maybe – 2 dozen in Canada). This certification vows that we have exceeded the high standards associated with the resume writing industry and have mastered the craft of leading-edge resume preparation. We guarantee that you will receive primo service!
Avoiding these common resume mistakes can make a huge difference in your job search, helping you stand out in a crowded and competitive market. With hiring managers receiving hundreds of applications per job, a well-structured, keyword-optimized, and achievement-focused resume is essential to landing interviews. If you’re struggling to get noticed, don’t leave your career to chance — a professionally written resume can increase your chances of securing an interview by up to 85%.
WANT TO STAND OUT AMONG POTENTIALLY HUNDREDS OF OTHER JOB APPLICANTS? Then call us at 905.841.7120 or email marian@resumeexpert.ca or complete the form on our contact page today and let us help you take the next step in your career!
