These Resume Mistakes Could Cost You Your Dream Job!

ansicht Resume Mistakes Could Cost You Your Dream Job 9 Common Resume Mistakes And How To Avoid ThemPosted October 13, 2011, by Josie Chun If your reading this and cant immediately spot the spelling error in this sentence, then youre in trouble because silly spelling or grammatical errors and typos in your resume or cover letter could immediately sink any hope you have of getting an interview. These are the common mistakes that are all too easy to make but as trivial as they may seem, they can ruin your chances of landing a job. Spelling and grammar mistakes are the number one reason for recruiters to dismiss a candidate before theyve even had a chance to say Dear Manger. If you dont want to have your resume thrown in the bin, make sure you follow these important rules 1. Use appropriate spelling Receiving a resume full of Americanised words for an Australian job can irk many recruiters. Make sure that you use the spelling thats appropriate in the country where youre applying for a job. Do NOT rely on your computers spell-checker, as many computers will automatically correct spellings to the American version so you will have to go and change the words back. If in doubt, consult a dictionary. Examples of words which are commonly autocorrected to American spellingare organise, specialise, prioritise, realise, colour, honour, theatre and centre. 2. Know your apostrophes Untold resumes have come undone because of that tiniest of errors the misdistribution policyd apostrophe. The most common confusions occur between words like its/its and your/youre. Apostrophes are used to indicate possession (Johns car) or contraction (its is the contraction for it is). However, the possessives your and its do elend have apostrophes (you like your job, the company just had its AGM). Apostrophes are never used for plurals, and you are a child of the 1980s, not the 1980s. And remember its is not a word. Ever. 3. Dont use, unnecessary commas Misplaced commas are almos t as common, and just as irritating, as misplaced apostrophes. Just look at the sub-heading above Dont use unnecessary commas Commas should be used to separate items in a list or separate adjectives (it welches a challenging, rewarding role), after introductory phrases and words (after five years in this position, I am ready to take on new challenges), to separate two strong phrases joined by a conjunction (I have really enjoyed my time here, but I am ready to move on), and after words like however or therefore (I understand your position however, I do not agree). Commas should not be used after words like because (I am late because, I missed my bus is incorrect) or be randomly inserted in the middle of sentences. 4. Use the correct word Its really important to make sure you use words correctly, and to not make the same mistakes that so many others do. That means knowing the difference between commonly confused words like then/than (time or sequence/comparison), there/their (p lace/possessive), to/too (approach or arrival/also or excessive) and accept/except (receive/excluding). These words may be common, but seeing them used correctly isnt. Here are some other frequently misspelled words that you should commit to the memory bank accommodate, achievement, address, believe, committed, definitely, focused, gauge, government, guarantee, immediate, independent, judgement, liaise, manageable, occasionally, personnel (referring to staff), professional, receive, recommend, referred, relevant, schedule, separate, and truly. 5. Dont use run-on or half-sentences Run-on sentences, like I worked as an assistant however I also helped with marketing, have no place in a formal resume. This sentence needs to be broken up or re-worded, to I worked as an assistant and also helped with marketing or I worked as an assistant I also helped with marketing. Half-baked sentences are just as bad. If you hire me is not a sentence. If you have a thought, make sure you finish it. 6. Get the correct spelling and title of the person youre addressing There is no surer way to get the person reading your resume off-side than to misspell their name they will immediately write you off. Even or especially if they have an unusual, 20-letter name, be sure to get it right. Look at the job ad or any emails theyve sent you for their correct spelling and title. And dont make that most fatal of mistakes and address your cover letter to the HR Manger They wont even bother reading the rest of the letter. 7. DONT SHOUT Its generally a bad idea to use capitals to emphasise words in your resume, as it can look juvenile or just obnoxious. Rely on clear and effective wording to get a strong message across without having to resort to SHOUTING 8. Dont treat the recruiter like your m8 This is a resume, not a text or casual email, so always use a professional writing style. Even in the cover letter, dont use an overly casual or colloquial tone, and never use the kind of sp ellings or lingo commonly used in texts or emails, like u instead of you or instead of and in a sentence. 9. Proof, proof and proof again It is imperative that you proofread your resume and cover letter carefully, multiple times, viewing your document at 125 or 150 per cent in Word using a clear font. For many, printing your resume and editing it on paper, as well as reading it out loud, can really help too. If you make any last-minute formatting changes, make sure that you re-proof your resume for any inadvertent extra spaces or deletions that may have occurred. Whatever you do, dont rely on your spell-checker It will miss many grammatical errors. Its important to get an extra set of eyes on your resume because it can be easy to miss your own mistakes. Have it proofread by a trusted friend who has an eagle eye for this sort of thing or use a professional writingservice. Check out our tips on how to write a killer cover letter (even if you hate writing). ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchesfinancial planner assistant resumechildcare worker resume samplephotographer resumeweb designer resume samplehealth practice manager resume sample CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire zugreifbar Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJosie ChunRelated ArticlesBrowse moreEmployment trendsAustralian skill shortages infographicA snapshot of nationwide skill shortages reveals how recruitment experiences vary from state-to-state across key areas such as filled vacancies, number of suitable applicants per vacancy and overall state of the skilled labour market.HabitsWork etiquette What Doe s Your Body Language Say About You At Work?What is your body language saying about you at work? 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