To get HR to notice you at all, you need the right resume. Even an experienced specialist with solid skills and several years of experience can get cut at this stage because of a resume that isn't good enough.

1. Listing several job titles in one resume

How do you say “I'm a jack of all trades, but a master of none”? Just list five different job titles at once!

One resume, one job title. That way the employer can focus on what you can do and make the right decision.

2. No photo in the resume

Remember, a resume without a photo is like a secret agent. Intriguing, but suspicious.

3. Using the wrong photo

A selfie in the bathroom? Great if you're applying for a role in an Instagram series, but not as a financial analyst.

The employer wants to see the potential employee in the resume. For the same reason, a group photo with the applicant among other people won't do.

4. Hiding information in the resume:

“Well, I didn't mention that I have no work experience... That's not really lying, right?”

If a person hides certain information, HR will naturally ask themselves why. But since there are usually plenty of candidates to choose from, nobody will ask for explanations, and the resume will simply be closed.

5. No key skills

“My key skills? I make great coffee and know how to turn on a computer.”

List 6-7 key skills or technologies you are proficient in. Don't list things you are still learning or know only superficially; write about those in the “About me” section instead.

6. Listing irrelevant experience

“My experience growing tomatoes will be useful in your IT company!”

List only the work experience that is relevant to the specific vacancy. If you want to say what you did before, write about it in the “About me” section. The exception is related experience. If you grew within a single industry from a beginner to a manager, you can and should include it.

7. Not describing your previous job enough

“Worked somewhere, did something.”

Say what you did at your previous job and which technologies you used.

8. Too little information in the “About me” section

“I'm a person. I like things.”

Tell them how you came into the industry, what you use to grow professionally, and what you do in your free time. All of this is important information for a potential employer.

9. Not stating your desired salary

“I work for the idea. Or for a million dollars.”

If you're afraid of selling yourself short, state the average market salary. That doesn't mean you'll necessarily be offered it, but you'll understand what to aim for.

10. Unrealistic salary expectations

“Intern, demanding a CEO salary.”

Analyze vacancies and resumes and find out how much people are paid on average for these positions, in these regions and under these conditions. Set an average price and use it as your guide.

11. No cover letter

“My resume speaks for itself.”

In your cover letter, write:

1. Why I want to work at this company in this role.

2. Why I'm a good fit for this vacancy and this position.

Make it clear why the position interests you and how you can be useful to the company. Yes, it takes time to study the vacancy and the company, but it usually pays off and leads to an interview invitation. And your approach to each company should be different.

We describe in detail how to write a cover letter properly in our checklist “Resume and Cover Letter”: https://takeoffer.app/list-resume

12. A generic cover letter

“Dear somebody, I want to work somewhere.”

Write a proper cover letter, see point 11.

13. A cover letter that is too short

“Hi. Hire me.”

You need to spend time researching the employer. Understand how well you fit the vacancy, and why you like the company and want to work there.

These examples highlight how important a thorough, thoughtful approach to writing resumes and cover letters is. Your resume is your first chance to make an impression on an employer, so make it convincing and free of obvious mistakes!

Not sure how to put together a resume and cover letter? We have the perfect solution for you! Our checklist will help you create a resume that employers will definitely notice: https://takeoffer.app/list-resume