Are you sure that the rejection of your application has nothing to do with your resume? The résumé is often the first document that HR managers look at. Anyone who attracts negative attention here has mostly gambled away their chances. The first impression is important, but so are the details. The next time you apply, make sure that you don’t make the following 10 mistakes on your résumé.

Misspelling

The number one no-go is misspellings. They creep in quickly and unnoticed, but from the HR manager’s point of view, they show a lack of care. It is best to have at least one other person proofread your resume to make sure there is no mistake.

Standard CV

Never use a standard resume for all of the vacancies you are applying for. You can go a long way by tweaking it a little each time. This includes, for example, highlighting skills that are particularly relevant for the position and leaving out others that are irrelevant.

No meaningful design

Choose a design that suits your job. A different design should be chosen for a job in accounting than for a job as a graphic designer. How so? With the design of your résumé, you can already demonstrate certain skills (for a graphic designer, for example, creativity). Browse the internet, there are tons of templates.

Wrong chronology

Opinions differ on this point, but it is generally the case that the current position or training is mentioned first and the career is told backward. This way, the HR managers see the relevant and current information first.

Unimportant information

Skills and knowledge that are irrelevant for the position can be removed from the résumé. Keep the résumé as clear and meaningful as possible. Religious affiliation and relationship and marital status no longer have to be specified.

Gaps & Lies

Gaps in the résumé don’t go down well. If you do not provide any information for a certain period of time in your career, you will be asked about it at the latest during the interview. Answer these questions in advance.

Don’t make things up just to fill in gaps. If you were unemployed during this time, say so. Add how you used this time (training, courses, family time, etc.). You shouldn’t lie about your skills either. Lies about language skills that you don’t have are quickly discovered and don’t make a good impression at all.

Bad photo

Another important “basic law” for a résumé is no bad or unprofessional photo. This means that the photo should be of good quality and look professional. Choose a neutral background and dress appropriately for the job. It is best if you go to a professional photographer once. Then you have a good photo that you can use for a while.

Social media profiles

Social media profiles do not belong in the résumé. Exception: if a profile is relevant for the job. That is if a social media profile contains work samples. Example: A photographer uses Instagram for his pictures. You can make a second exception for LinkedIn and Xing profiles, provided you have updated them and the information on the profile matches the information in your resume.

Standard hobbies

You might think that in the Hobbies section you specify your standard hobbies with one word each and never change them. Thought wrong. You can skillfully use your hobbies or interests in your résumé and also adapt them to the job advertisement. Specify a hobby such as “Cooking: I like to cook fresh and seasonal”. You can also choose (real) interests that match the position. For example, if you apply for a job at an animal welfare organization, state that you like long walks with your dog or help out in an animal shelter in your free time.

Inappropriate filename

Since most applications are sent online today, you should choose a meaningful file name. Name the curriculum vitae (it is essential to save as a PDF) “CV” or “CV first name name”. This shows professionalism and helps the HR staff to keep track of things.

I wish you every success with your next application!