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9 Resume Mistakes That Could Seriously Cost You the Job

Your resume is the first impression you give a potential employer. Here's how to make sure it is not your last impression.

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Resume document with guys hands in background. Recruitment manager reads resume. Job applicant offers CV to recruiter at interview. Employer examines achievements of new company worker. Close up photo
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You have typos

Grammatical errors and misspellings may be the number-one cause of employer frustration with resumes. According to a 2013 CareerBuilder survey, 58 percent of employers said resume typos were one the biggest reasons they did not hire employees. Here are the worst mistakes job candidates have made, according to hiring managers.

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You repeat the same phrases

Saying you “contributed” content to a company newsletter is fine the first time. However, if you say you also “contributed” to sales meeting objectives in the second line, your future employer’s eyes might start to glaze over. Change up your action verbs: You brainstormed, you initiated, you managed … you get the idea.

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Businesswoman sitting watching to the side with a smile while leaning on her desk with a laptop computer in a low angle view
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You write way too much

Too much text is a sign of a cluttered mind—and a crowded page is a headache to read. Keep your resume succinct and to the point. But do play up these job skills you didn’t know you had.

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Resume
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Your resume is overly creative

Do not design your resume using bubble letters, bright colors, and edgy graphics. Unless you are the next Andy Warhol, or your career requires dynamic visuals, keep your resume easy to read and follow. You can demonstrate your originality as soon as you are hired. Here are interview outfit mistakes that could cost you the job.

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You fabricate and deceive

Lying (even fibbing) is never the way to secure a job. You are taking the chance of being caught. Not only are you pegged as a liar, but you also risk your reputation. Who knows who else in your industry that employer might warn about your deceit? Don’t miss these answers to the trickiest job interview questions you’re likely to get.

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Elevated View Of Businessperson And Candidates Hand With Resume On White Desk
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Your resume is disorganized

If you are applying for a marketing job, do not list your time as a waitress in high school. Think about your work history, and tailor your resume for each job to which you apply.

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Resume
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You brag about too many hobbies

You can play the violin, harp, flute, and the piano! While that is fantastic, your future employer does not need to know. Your skills should be relevant the job you are applying for.

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You hype up your social media accounts

Unless it is essential to your job (say, a social media manager) no one needs to know your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter account handles. Your social media information takes up valuable resume space, and could make you look like a less serious candidate. And it almost goes without saying that you’ll want to make sure you’re not posting any information on social media that could give your employer doubts about you.

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Female hands typing on computer keyboard
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You list references

Listing references on your resume, or writing “references available upon request,” makes you look out of touch. Employers will ask you if they want a reference.

Reader's Digest
Originally Published in Reader's Digest