COMMON MISTAKES STUDENTS MAKE WHEN THEY WRITE THEIR FIRST RESUME

Well, we are all bound to making mistakes when we do anything for the first time. Make mistakes, but not on this really important piece of paper that will set the tone for your future. It is not wrong for me to compare a resume with a passport. Just as a passport is your ticket to the world, a first resume is your ticket to success in the job market. While mistakes can be made and overcome, if mistakes are made on the passport or resume, they can set you back and lead to a long, difficult journey ahead.

Students often make common mistakes when writing their first resume and here are some to avoid:

➡️Writing a generalised resume that lacks focus and includes everything you have ever done. Instead focus on the skills and experiences most relevant to the position they are applying for.

➡️Writing resumes using too much colour, different fonts and poor formatting. Students may use too many fonts or colours, making their resume look unprofessional. Instead, create a simple and consistent format that is easy to read.

➡️Writing a resume without an accomplishment statement. Students may focus too much on their day-to-day duties and not enough on their accomplishments. Instead, include specific examples of how they have made a positive impact on your past academic and/or work experiences.

➡️Writing resumes filled with spelling and grammar errors. These can make a resume appear unprofessional and sloppy. Instead proofread your resume carefully and ask someone else to review it before submitting it.

➡️Writing resumes by overusing buzzwords. While it’s helpful to include relevant keywords on a resume, avoid too many buzzwords. Instead, you should use clear and concise language to describe your skills, your impact and your experiences.

➡️Sending blank job applications without a cover letter. A cover letter will considerably boost your chances and set you apart from other candidates with similar backgrounds and resumes.

 ➡️Using an unprofessional email address. If you are still using your email address from school, like [email protected], it’s probably time to change it to something more professional.

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