Your resume template may be preventing you from getting callbacks from your applications! Why? Simply because you used templates like these:
⚠️ Beauty Contest Resume Templates.
The content of your resume is much more important than how it looks. Especially if all the design elements are making it hard for a machine, much less a human, to decipher. Pretty graphics, borders, and irrelevant graphs make your document less appealing. Your aim is to create an easily scannable document. Including these items simply make your document appear too busy and ultimately it will be relegated to the "No" pile.
⚠️ Templates created outside of MS Word*.
They may look good, especially when everything fits on one page but most of these cannot be parsed by an ATS. An ATS or Applicant Tracking System is software designed to scan and sort resumes for certain keywords. If the employer uses an ATS to screen applicants, your resume will be overlooked.
⚠️ Generic Templates.
Don’t take the easy way out and use the first template that comes up when you open MS Word. You’ll blend into the crowd. You're not the only person who thinks that MS Template "looks good and is easy to edit." Try to be one of one, not one of 1,000,000.
⚠️ Text box Templates.
If you know that no ATS is being used then go ahead and use these. If the employer is using an ATS, any important info you put in a text box may be ignored as the software can’t read it. It's just how a lot of ATSs are designed. Yes, it's unfortunate but mitigate against the risk by not using textboxes to store important information.
⚠️ Templates with a photo placeholder.
Just take our advice and delete the placeholder. There is no need for a photo on your resume. It's a cruel world and we can't deny that including a photo can open you up to bias. Let your unique knowledge, skills and achievements speak for themselves.
Not to mention, your resume already has your contact info, then you included a photo...what if the document ends up in the wrong hands? You've just handed over your life story with instructions on how to get to you and how you look.
💡How to avoid these issues?
By taking our advice or even reaching out to us to craft your resume. You won't be disappointed. Check out our resume crafting services to select an option that best suits your needs. We're happy to help!
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