15 Resume Mistakes That Could Cost You Your Dream Job

Hey there! Have you ever sent out your resume to countless job postings and never received a reply? I know I have, and it's incredibly frustrating. That's where JNL Career Services comes in.


Your resume is not just a simple document in job speak. It's your personal marketing piece that gets you in the door. And if you want to land that interview, you need to make sure your resume stands out for all the right reasons.


Here are 15 mistakes you should avoid when submitting your resume:


  • Bland job details: Your job details should include specifics about your accomplishments and how you added value to the company, not just a generic list of responsibilities.


  • Another job, another paragraph: Don't include irrelevant information about old jobs, activities, or achievements. Keep your resume focused on what's important for the job you are applying for.


  • Listing your references: Listing your references on your resume is unnecessary and can take up valuable space


  • It's not a story: Don't write your resume in the third person. Stick to a clear, concise format that highlights your qualifications and accomplishments.


  • Skip the personal info: Don't include irrelevant personal information, such as hobbies or volunteer work, unless it directly relates to the job you are applying for. Personal information like your age, marital status, and social security number should also not be included on your resume.


  • Degree date: Be sure to include the date you graduated from high school, college or earned a degree, as leaving it off may raise questions.


  • Including a photo: Unless you are applying for a job where your physical appearance is relevant, adding a photo to your resume can create an opportunity for bias.


  • Using an unprofessional email address: Your email address should reflect professionalism and not be something like "partyanimal@email.com".


  • Using too many fonts and colors: A resume should be easy to read and not visually overwhelming. Using too many fonts and colors can distract from the content.


  • Including irrelevant experience: Focus on including only the experiences that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Including irrelevant experience can make your resume appear cluttered


  • Using cliches and buzzwords: Avoid using cliches and buzzwords like "team player" or "detail-oriented". Instead, use specific examples to highlight your skills and experiences.


  • Lying or exaggerating: It is never a good idea to lie or exaggerate on your resume. Employers often perform background checks and if you are caught lying, it can severely damage your reputation.


  • Not tailoring the resume to the job: It's important to tailor your resume to the job you are applying for. A generic resume may not stand out to employers.


  • Failing to proofread: Failing to proofread your resume can lead to typos and errors which can make you appear careless and unprofessional. Always proofread your resume multiple times before submitting it.


  • Resume visuals: Stick to a clean, professional look for your resume. Use ivory paper, black ink, and avoid plastic or metal covers. Your name should be centered at the top of the page, and there should be no cover page unless specifically requested.

If you want to find your perfect job, your resume must be specific, individualized, and easy to skim. It needs to show the differences you've made in your previous companies and the accomplishments you've achieved. This tells the hiring company what you can do for them - and it is all about the hiring company, not you.


JNL Career Services can help you create a resume that sets you apart from the rest. Don't let a poorly written or sloppy resume hold you back from landing your dream job. Contact JNL Career Services today and take the first step towards your future.