By Riel LaPointe, Toronto Financial & IT Recruiter
We all want to have a great resume. We want a resume that will grab a recruiter or hiring manager’s attention and get us called for job interviews. But, if you have difficulty getting job interview requests, it may be time to take a closer look at your resume.
Having a great resume is easier said than done. It can take a lot of work to perfect it. And the truth is that most resumes suck. They are not very good. They are poorly written, they lack a clear focus, they are rushed, generic, and there is nothing in them that stands out. We’re not trying to be mean, we’re just being truthful.
Does Your Resume Suck?
It might if it includes the following resume mistakes:
1. Spelling and grammar mistakes: Most hiring managers and recruiters are looking for a reason to eliminate you from contention. Spelling mistakes are a quick way to get thrown into the “no” pile.
2. It’s a sea of words: White space is important. While we know you want to cram in as much information as possible, less can be more. Huge paragraphs and poor formatting can hurt your chances. Get to the point; use headers and bullet points to make the content easier to scan.
3. No numbers: Recruiters and hiring managers love numbers. Include numbers, metrics, and stats that can help quantify your track record of success and experience. “I improved sales by 75%” is much more enticing than saying, “I improved sales.”
4. It’s a novel: Being concise is important. No one has time to read your 5-page resume. Stick to the information and facts that are directly related to the position for which you are applying.
5. It’s vague and generic: Be specific about everything you include in your resume. Try to avoid listing the skills and responsibilities that everyone else has on their resume, include specific dates of employment, and use language that will grab the attention of the reader.
If your resume has any of the above mistakes, it’s time to get to work. Review your resume, have it looked at by a professional resume writer, or at the very least, a trusted colleague. A resume revamp could be the only thing preventing you from getting more calls from recruiters and interview requests.
Resume Tips from Our Expert Recruiters
Here are some more useful resume writing tips from our headhunters in Toronto:
Watch: This Is the BIGGEST Mistake You’re Making on Your Resume
5 Common Phrases You Should NEVER Use on Your Resume
Are You Committing These HUGE Resume Faux Pas?
How to Get a Recruiter to Read Your Resume
IQ PARTNERS is an Executive Search & Recruitment firm supporting clients across the country. We help companies hire better, hire less & retain more. We have specialist teams of recruiters in Technology (IT), Accounting and Finance, Consumer Goods, eCommerce and Retail, Financial Services and Insurance, B2B and Industrial, Operations and HR, Professional Services and Legal, Media, Digital and Marketing, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, Emerging Technology and Telecom, and Sales. IQ PARTNERS has its head office in Toronto and operates internationally via Aravati Global Search Network. Click here to view current job openings and to register with us.
