When an employer is faced with several –possibly hundreds– of applications, he or she will try to narrow this list down quickly. Making one of the following mistakes can get your resume tossed in just a matter of seconds.
1. You Didn’t Attach A Cover Letter
This is not a good start to any job application. Failing to include a cover letter instantly means that you have failed to put in that extra 10 minutes of effort, and this is never a good thing. A lot of recruiters delete their first round of applicants simply because they have not included a cover letter.
2. You Applied For The Wrong Job
It happens all the time – candidates get so caught up in applying to as many jobs as possible that they accidentally send their resume sand cover letters to the wrong people. When a recruiter sees a cover letter has been accidentally addressed to the wrong company, it will get tossed immediately.
3. There’s A Bad Picture On Your Resume
It’s true that different resume standards apply to different countries. That being said, some countries are more accepting (and encouraging) of pictures on resumes than others, however please stick to professional-looking photos only – you are applying for a job after all. There is no need to include a picture of yourself posing in a tank top or drinking with friends. Better to stick to no picture at all.
4. You Didn’t Provide Enough Information About Your Work Experience
Employers want you to be as specific as possible with regards to your qualifications, and therefore you should provide an adequate amount of information. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people list their job titles ONLY under “work experience,” and that will just not cut it. Once an employer sees you’ve provided little to no detail on your experience, they will immediately delete your resume.
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