One of the most common errors is the prominence of unexplained and lengthy employment gaps in your resume.
Hiring managers might assume that you have struggled to land jobs in the past, potentially indicating poor performance and a lack of competitive edge, points out S J Raj, senior vice president, HR operations, Newgen Software.
Successfully navigating the interview process and securing a great job is what every candidate aspires for.
In a competitive landscape, you must be thoroughly prepared for the end-to-end selection process, including drafting the perfect resume and intelligently engaging with the interviewer.
Getting your resume right
There are multifarious reasons a candidate might be rejected, but red flags in a resume are a common driving factor.
First impressions matter and your resume is your very first interaction with a prospective employer. It is imperative that it is up to the mark.
Here are the five common red flags in your resume that can go against you:
1. Employment gaps
One of the most common errors is the prominence of unexplained and lengthy employment gaps in your resume.
Gaps can be perceived as a measure of inconsistency in your professional trajectory.
Hiring managers might assume that you have struggled to land jobs in the past, potentially indicating poor performance and a lack of competitive edge.
It is a must to justify your gaps with a valid reason.
2. Job hopping
Frequent job switches can be a concern, causing interviewers to wonder, 'Will this candidate struggle to sustain a commitment to a single role or organisation?
'Does this candidate have chronic performance issues?'
Either of these questions can make an employer wary of hiring you, especially from a human capital investment perspective.
The employer may give preference to candidates who have shown more consistency in their previous ventures.
3. Mismatch between requirements and your resume
You must tailor your resume every time you apply for a specific position.
If there is a disconnect between your experience and the job requirements, you must create a link through your listed skills.
You may not have the exact experience desired by the employer, but you may have an adjacent skillset.
You can pitch yourself as the perfect candidate by highlighting your skills, the relationship between your experience and the job, and your willingness to learn.
4. Typos and spelling errors
Every employer expects you to take on major responsibilities once you are hired.
So, if you have a number of typos and spelling mistakes in your resume, it casts a shadow of doubt in the interviewer's mind about your attention to detail.
Organisations are on the lookout for critical thinkers who can focus on every little point.
You must always proofread your resume and cover letter multiple times before sending them out.
Remember, most interview panels have been screening candidates for years -- they won't miss your errors, even if you do.
5. Disconnect between your content and the company culture
Your resume must be logically structured in a way that suits the culture of the organisation you are applying to.
Your resume should not only meet industry standards but also exceed the expectations of the interview panel.
If your potential workplace values creativity and diversity, find ways to emphasise them in your resume.
You need to express how you can add new dimensions to the company's culture.
Your cover letter also provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your cultural fit.
