5 Reasons Your Resume May Interfere with Your Chances of Getting a Job

Bad resumeDid it ever occur to you why you are unsuccessful in getting a job interview? Have you ever considered why you’re not getting calls? If not, then you should start thinking about it. What could possibly be the reason?

 

Oftentimes, a lackluster resume is the answer to this question. I hate to break it to you, but sometimes people don’t make it to the interview phase because their resumes are just dull. How do you know if your resume is uninteresting? Take a quick look at the following list to determine if your resume is missing something.

1. Unremarkable introduction or profile.

Introductions are like movie teasers—they have to be exceptional and catch people’s attention. No matter how good a movie is, if the teaser isn’t great, the movie won’t do well. Teasers persuade moviegoers to watch a film; a world-class teaser will pique anyone’s curiosity, hence causing them to go see the movie.

Moreover, just like movie teasers, your introduction should be persuasive. You have to customize a well-written introductory statement to catch the recruiters’ attention. Your resume should describe you and not someone else. Build a reputation, starting with the introduction.

2. Excluded job target.

How will the employer know the position you’re applying for and what you’re qualified to do if the job title isn’t written on your resume? The recruiter will not waste his or her time guessing and predicting what job position you’re trying to fill. Besides, by not including the job title, the employer might think that you’re careless, forgetful, or absent-minded. This will increase the chance of you not even getting an interview.

3. Confounding keywords.

Keywords are not necessary in a resume. However, a list of your core competency skills in bulleted form at the top of your resume is usually a good idea. Plus, keywords can attract an employer’s attention and make your resume stand out.

Nevertheless, you still have to be careful when writing these keywords. Keep in mind that your main points should be steady and consistent. Don’t let your keywords bounce between multiple industries and positions. This will only confuse the hiring manager, and perplexing resumes end up in the trash.

4. Average content.

If your resume is passively written, no matter how extraordinary and one-of-a-kind your skills and abilities are, it will definitely be destined to join the company’s stack of scratch paper. Even the best performance and greatest work experience can look unsatisfactory if it is not well-written. Avoid writing duties- and responsibilities-based content. Instead, focus on positioning yourself as the ideal candidate for the position. How? Write something that will prove your value and significance. Write about how you can be an asset to the company. Write about how you can help build a more respectable reputation for them.

5. Not enough personal branding.

The best candidates are those who can market and sell themselves well enough. Advertise your knowledge, skills, talents, and abilities according to the needs of the employer. Make sure that your resume conveys your ability to satisfy the needs of the company. Don’t be afraid to slightly brag about your capabilities and competencies. This way, you’re helping yourself ace an interview and at the same time, you’re helping the company find the best person for their vacant position.

Resumes are not just for completion of application requirements. They have the ability to represent you what you’re capable of. Use these points to review and improve your resume. Your goal is not just to give them a piece of paper to satisfy a requirement, but to create a resume that can increase your chances of getting an interview.

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Alan Carniol

Alan is the creator of Interview Success Formula, a training program that has helped more than 80,000 job seekers to ace their interviews and land the jobs they deserve. Interviewers love asking curveball questions to weed out job seekers. But the truth is, most of these questions are asking about a few key areas. Learn more about how to outsmart tough interviewers by watching this video.