The last thing you want to do in your job search is make a mistake on your resume or application. It’s unfortunate, but it happens to the best of us — we type out a beautiful resume, fill out the application, hit “submit,” and then bam! You notice an error on the resume you just sent for the job you had your heart set on, and you swell with nothing but regret about that small resume mistake that you could have quickly fixed.
Resume Mistakes Happen More Often Than You May Think
It’s really not the end of the world if you make a resume mistake. In fact, mistakes are more common than you may think. According to one survey, 58% of resumes contain at least one mistake.
So what should you do when disaster strikes and your resume has an error? The first step is to take a deep breath and stop beating yourself up, because we’ve all been there.
OK, you’ve sent out a resume with an error: here’s what to do. If you catch one mistake, there may be others. Do a hard audit of your resume:
- Do the dates match up?
- Is the format consistent throughout?
- Does anything look inaccurate or unprofessional? If so, fix it immediately, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it (whether it’s from a friend or an experienced mentor).
Should You Resend It?
Now, this is a tricky question. Resending your resume can be the right move, depending on the situation. If you’ve just sent your resume through a job portal, think about how long it will take for your application to reach the person in charge of hiring. If possible, the most ideal situation is to contact the recruiter directly and send them the updated resume with a note of what happened before they get to it through an automated system.
If it’s a medium- or large-sized mistake, you’re going to have to let them know you made the error. Owning up to it and letting them know might give you something to laugh about in your interview. Worst case scenario: they decline your resume and you move on to the next application.
However, we’re trying to get hired here. If it’s just a tiny mistake it might be best to leave it alone. Sending another resume can hurt you more than it helps. That’s why having a career mentor who can help you tackle these nuances is ideal.
Get a Career Mentor
Having a second set of eyes is vital if you want to avoid making crucial mistakes in your career search. If you’re serious about having a career in tech, Pathrise can help you every step of the way. We provide one-on-one mentorship, training, and advice for tech professionals.
If you’re looking for someone to help you avoid resume mistakes or to review your LinkedIn profile, Pathrise is a great place to start. You’ll get access to an exclusive network of mentors and advisors who work in the same industry as you, so they know what it takes for you to succeed. And you won’t pay a dime until you’re gainfully employed.
Apply today.
