Scenario:
I am currently in charge of finding a new person to do some graphics design / video editing work for our company. I posted on craigslist and I am just stunned by what people would submit as a “resume”. So, I have decided to compile a list of glaring errors that caused me to delete the resume even before I went over the credentials.
Common Resume Mistakes:
Yes. I never thought it would be possible, but there were so many resumes with spelling mistakes. I couldn't believe it. In an era of computers and word processors, people can still let these mitakes happen. It is beyond me how people can be so careless. Having a spelling mistake on your resume shows that 1) you have no respect for the job you are applying for 2) you do not pay attention to details
If I can not open your resume, I will delete it. Its very nice of you to spend hours putting all sorts of fonts and decoration on your resume, but if those special fonts and crazy formating you did, does not show up on my computer, you are a goner. Almost NONE of the resume I received showed up on my computer correctly. You HAVE HAVE HAVE to be aware that not everyone has the same type of computer or computer software as you do, so please take the time to make sure your resume opens up correctly. The BEST way to do this is to turn your resume into PDF file. Search online for PDF makers and save your file as a PDF. Microsoft Word documents will break form and look horrible on different computers.
I am so so so so so sorry that you are poor and that your grandfather is in the hospital, and that your sister has malaria, but what does that have to do with the job??? I have my own life problems, and although I am sympathetic to your problem, that is NOT why I am hiring. Please try to avoid pleading/begging in your resume and cover letter. If being poor helps you get hired, there would be no unemployment!
Its fine if you don't have a long letter detailing your life, but sending in just your resume with nothing else is a big big mistake. How can I even begin to figure who you are and what you want to do, if you do not have a short paragraph or two telling me about yourself and what you are trying to accomplish. At a lot career fairs, people focus on having a resume, in my opinion, sometimes, having a good cover letter is way way way more important than a long resume.
I am currently hiring for a Graphics Design / Video Editor. It would only make sense that you include example works with your resume. Especially if I specifically asked for it! With other jobs like, lab work, you cannot prove it with examples, so you can make up for it with experience on your resume. However, for things you can prove like graphic designs, web design, programming, etc… it is not only crucial, but is it absolute necessary for you to attach evidence of your skills!
If you refer to my company as “the Company”, you pretty much have no idea who we are and what we do. Before you send out a resume, do yourself a favor and google the company's name. Most companies have websites. Read them thorough and understand what the company is about. It will give you a much needed advantage.