Resume Pet Peeves and the Art of Effective Communication

Introduction

As a SEO expert with experience in reviewing resumes, I often encounter certain common pet peeves that can disqualify candidates in even the slightest review. These habits not only reflect poorly on the individual but can also hinder their chances of being chosen for a job. In this article, we will explore some of the most frustrating issues that candidates face and provide actionable tips to improve their resume presentation and overall communication skills.

Grammatical and Punctuation Errors That Hurt Career Prospects

One of the most significant pet peeves I encounter is a simple yet often overlooked mistake: incorrect grammar and punctuation. When reviewing a resume, seeing “123 4th Ave Newark N.J 07017” with “Avenue” not capitalized and no second period after the “J” (for “Jersey”) can set off alarm bells. Such errors convey a lack of attention to detail and respect for the application process.

Clichés That are Anything but Appealing

Another issue that disappoints and disqualifies candidates is the use of overused and meaningless clichés. Phrases like “organizational skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills,” and others such as “detail-oriented, self-starter, highly motivated, people person, track record, task-oriented, fast learner, team player, problem solver,” can be particularly egregious. These terms are so vague that they offer no concrete information about the individual's capabilities. When writing a resume, it's essential to be specific about your skills and experiences. For example, instead of saying you have “communication skills,” specify “effective written and verbal communication,” or “teaching and training abilities.”

The Use of Unnecessary Long Words

Another frustration is the unnecessary use of long, complex words where simpler alternatives would suffice. Phrases like “utilize” instead of “use,“ or “on a daily basis” instead of “daily,“ can make a resume lengthy and hard to read. For instance, “Greeted more than 25 customers daily“ is much clearer than “Greeted more than 25 customers on a daily basis.” Similarly, “Created a filing system to ensure ease of locating documents“ is easier to understand than “Created a filing system to ensure ease of locating documents in order to make the process more efficient.”

Mixed Verb Tenses in One Sentence

Mixing verb tenses within a sentence is another common pet peeve. While the rules of grammar may not be rigorously taught in some educational systems, it is a fundamental aspect of effective communication. Sentences like “Tasked with creating a new logo, developed a marketing plan, and implemented a new product line in order to increase sales“ can confuse the reader. Rather, it would be better to maintain consistency by using the same tense:

Original: Tasked with creating a new logo, developed a marketing plan, and implemented a new product line in order to increase sales.

Revised: Tasked with creating a new logo, developing a marketing plan, and implementing a new product line to increase sales.

Detailed Resume Tips to Improve Your Chances

To avoid these pet peeves, here are some actionable tips:

Proofread and Edit: Always proofread your resume multiple times and consider asking someone else to review it for grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Avoid Clichés: Use specific examples and phrases that describe your skills and experiences more concretely. Use Plain Language: Opt for simple, clear language to make your resume accessible and easy to read. Consistency: Ensure that you use the same tense throughout the resume to maintain readability and precision. Adherence to Guidelines: Follow the standard one-page resume format and adhere to guidelines such as correct margins, line breaks, and paragraph structure. Avoid Grammar Mistakes: Familiarize yourself with basic grammar rules to avoid common mistakes such as incorrect capitalization, missing punctuation, or mixed verb tenses.

By addressing these common issues, you can significantly improve your resume and chances of landing an interview. Effective communication is not just about speaking and writing clearly; it's also about conveying your unique selling points accurately and professionally. Stirring up heartburn when reading a poorly written resume is not the goal; the goal is to impress and engage the reader with your qualifications and skills.