Are You Committing Résumé Sabotage?

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Are you sabotaging your résumé?   You are, if you're not:

1.      Tailoring your résumé to the job/job description.  Read the job description or ad completely and use it as a guide for highlighting your parallel talents and abilities.

2.      Using keywords.  Keywords are what get your résumé found.  Many employers include them in their job advertisements, often at the bottom of the page but also within the job description.

3.      Using outdated or cliché words or phrases in your résumé.  Nothing says "don't read me or use me" more than using old and tired words and clichés - think up something original.

4.       Being "I" oriented or using "I" in your résumé.  Using “I” in your résumé is considered rude and also shows the employer that your focus is on you and not the employer.

5.       Saving your résumé as "résumé instead of your name.  No one is going to open a résumé titled "résumé"

6.       Not creating your own person brand or using a tagline.  You are marketing, as a marketer you want your product (you) to stand out amongst the rest of the candidates.  A memorable tagline can go a long way in getting the attention of an employer.

 7.      Using religious quotes or sayings in your résumé, cover letter, email or signature.  Keep your views to yourself during the job search process.