Top Ten Resume Mistakes

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In no particular order.

Spelling Mistakes
Needless to say, this is one of the most important things in any resume. If you are unable to write a spelled-check CV, then most likely you will not be able to finish any task properly, or at least this is what HR Manager’s think. It is still amazing how many CV are still out there with grammar mistakes, with all the software tools available.

No objective / Target position not clear
A resume lacking an objective has less chance of getting through. The employer needs to know what position you are applying to from the first moment they take a look at your CV. A lot of people commit the mistake of omitting the objective and jumping right into education and technical stuff, leaving the employer confused.

Resume lacks focus / Unrelated Information
The resume should focus on the job in hand. Listing unrelated information, past experiences or courses is not going to help much. Save the space for the important stuff.

Resume items are listed in an order that doesn't consider the reader's interest
Order is important. The most relevant information should come at the top. For some jobs, putting education ahead of experience could help if for example you are fresh graduate or have a high college degree. If you have a modest education history, leave it till the end.

Abbreviations / Technical Info at the top
Most resumes will be filtered by HR Managers before they get into the department head. The HR Manager may not be familiar with industry specific words and may mistakenly throw your CV in the trash even thought you are highly qualified. Write your CV in a simple manner that can be understandable by everyone. List highly technical stuff a little bit down in the CV so HR managers know what you are talking about.

Including Photographs with your CV
Unless you are Megan Fox or George Clooney, do not include a photo. People are shallow and subjective. That’s a fact and there is nothing you can do about it. Avoid your CV being trashed just because someone does not like the way you look. Modeling jobs are an exception.

Hobbies/Interests details
People attempt to make their resumes a little more personal and natural by including their hobbies and interests. Don’t make it personal. Keep it professional. So you like hiking? But how is that going to help you as a bank accountant? If your hobby is related to you job, it might be helpful to list it.

Using the same CV/Resume for every job
Employers like customized CVs much more than generic ones. The “one shoe fits all” did not prove to be successful in job hunting.

Heading it with "Curriculum Vitae"
They know it is a CV, why do you have to bold it and write it in huge capital letters?

Why you left your previous employer
Keep that to the interview especially if you were fired! Including negative information like this and raising questions at the wrong time will not help you. It is better that you focus on the things that will help you get the job.