When applying for jobs, every detail matters.

 

From crafting the perfect (and tailored) resume to fine-tuning your cover letter, it's easy to overlook seemingly minor details in the rush to submit your application. One often overlooked detail is the name of the document containing your resume.

Believe it or not, a poorly named file can make a big difference in how your application is perceived. 

Pour a cup of tea because it’s story time! 

Imagine a hiring manager, Sarah, who receives hundreds of resumes for an open position. She downloads each file to review later. Among them is a file named "Resume_Final_Version_Updated_July_2023.pdf." Another file is simply named "Document.pdf."

Which one do you think Sarah will find easier to identify and open quickly? Unfortunately for Lisa, the applicant who named her file "Document.pdf," her resume might end up lost in Sarah's sea of applications, overshadowed by those with clear...

In today’s competitive job market, having a well-crafted resume is like having a golden ticket to an interview for your dream job.

It’s not just a piece of paper—it’s your personal marketing tool that showcases your skills, experiences, and personality to potential employers.

But you gotta do it right! You’re competing with dozens, or even hundreds, of other talented people for the same job opportunity.

So here are 10 things NOT to do when writing and updating your resume. Avoiding these mistakes will help you stand out and create a powerful resume that captures the attention of hiring managers. 

1. DON’T Neglect Customization

Picture this: You are deep in the job search and decide to send out your trusty generic resume to a bunch of companies. The more you send out, the better….right? Surely, at least one of them will like your resume! 

But guess what? Crickets....

LinkedIn has become more than just a social media platform.

It's a professional online hub for people like you to connect, network, and showcase their talents. Recruiters and employers are increasingly relying on LinkedIn to find top talent, so having a strong presence can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

1. LinkedIn will help you establish a professional online presence and amplify your personal brand

In today’s interconnected world, potential employers and recruiters will likely look you up online. Having a LinkedIn profile allows you to create a strong first impression by showcasing your skills, experience, and accomplishments in a polished and professional manner. 

Create a strong online presence. Your profile is like a digital portfolio that highlights your accomplishments, professional journey, and expertise. Make sure to craft a compelling summary that captures your unique skills and what you bring...