Common Resume Builder Mistakes to Avoid

Resume builders make life easier for job seekers. These easy-to-use online platforms can help you create a professional document you can readily send to employers. However, if you rely solely on a resume builder template to design the perfect resume, you will run into problems. The least of which will be spelling errors and typos. You can avoid common resume builder mistakes by using the following strategies. Before you know it, you will create a captivating resume in minutes! 

Do Not Choose the First Template You Find

Resume builders come pre-loaded with different templates. You do not want to use the first one you see because one-size-fits-all does not work when creating a resume. Any template can provide the building blocks of your resume, but ideally, you must choose a template that speaks to your industry or the industry you want to work in.

If you have limited templates to work with and have no choice but to use a generic one, there are some ways to tailor your resume. You can use keywords and skills used in the job description and incorporate them throughout your resume. Use these in your summary at the top of the resume as well. 

Remove unnecessary blocks and colors to create white space and a clean layout. White space makes a resume look less cluttered and is not as visually overwhelming. Also, use a single-page format to make the information easy to read.

Do Not Forget to Proofread Your Resume

A resume builder does not always highlight typos and grammatical errors. Even if you incorporate a language tool like Grammarly, it may skip a couple of errors. The best way to ensure a perfect resume is to proofread each line of content. Even if your resume builder does have a spell-check function, it will not catch awkward sentences and incorrect tenses. Also, keep an eye out for formatting issues. Different font sizes and bullet points tend to stand out and make resumes look unprofessional and unfinished. 

Do Not Focus on Tasks and Forget Achievements

Resume builder templates often focus on the employment section and only leave small spaces for skills and achievements. You do not have to use this outline exclusively. Instead, you should emphasize your skills and accomplishments and add your employment section below. 

For example, if your writing skills increased website engagement by 30%, you can add this at the top. Quantifiable achievements are the best way to add credibility to your resume. If there are more percentages to add, go ahead and include them. Never use generic statements when explaining achievements. You can also add STAR (situation, task, action, result) method experiences in the same section. Describe a unique work situation and the task you were assigned. Explain what you did to complete the task and what the result was. This type of information should always precede employment information. 

Do Not Neglect to Delete Irrelevant Information

Resume builder templates often come pre-populated. You may only use a few sections, so you can rearrange blocks and columns. However, make sure you delete irrelevant information or replace it with your information. There are still instances where job seekers neglect to add their phone numbers or email addresses, resulting in their resumes containing nonsensical contact details. Go through each section carefully after completing your resume, and delete whatever is unnecessary. 

Do Not Ignore Mobile Formatting

Most people view information on their phones. The same goes for employers viewing resumes. When you create a resume using a resume builder, you must format it for mobile viewing. If an employer cannot open or view your resume on their phone, they may skip it and move on to the next one. The best way to make your resume mobile-friendly is to use a mobile responsive template in the first place. Use clear fonts that stay readable on a smaller screen, and always opt for a single-column layout. 

Do Not Use Resume Builders to Exaggerate Your Skills

At times, people find information they like on a pre-populated template. Instead of deleting this information, they pretend it is part of their resume. Doing this is the equivalent of lying about skills or exaggerating them. This is the worst thing to do when creating a resume. Do not be tempted to use information that has nothing to do with your skills. Instead, stick to the truth and only add real skills and achievements. 

Using a Resume Builder Correctly Can Help You Create a Winning Resume  

By avoiding these common mistakes and using a resume builder’s features properly, you can create a great resume. You can use this resume to market your skills and experience to potential employers. Take the time to create a resume that accurately reflects the value you can bring to a company. This way, you will find the job you always wanted and build the career of your dreams.