Appendix 4: Common Resume and CV Errors with Corrections

Appendix 4

Common Resume and CV Errors with Corrections

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Purpose of Appendix 4

This appendix identifies frequently occurring errors in resumes and CVs and provides clear corrections and improved examples. It helps learners:

• Avoid rejection at the screening stage

• Improve clarity, professionalism, and credibility

• Align documents with modern recruitment and academic expectations

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A. Common Resume Errors and Corrections

Resumes are often rejected due to basic yet critical mistakes. The following table highlights errors, reasons, and corrected versions.

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A.1 Using a Generic Resume for All Jobs

❌ Error:

Objective: Seeking a challenging position in a reputed organization.

✅ Correction:

Objective: Seeking an entry-level Business Analyst role where data analysis and problem-solving skills can support data-driven decision-making.

📌 Why It Matters:
Generic resumes fail to demonstrate role relevance and reduce ATS ranking.

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A.2 Repeating Job Duties Instead of Achievements

❌ Error:

Responsible for sales and customer interaction.

✅ Correction:

Increased monthly sales by 18% through effective client engagement and follow-up strategies.

📌 Why It Matters:
Recruiters prefer results, not just responsibilities.

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A.3 Poor Formatting and Inconsistent Layout

❌ Error:

• Multiple fonts

• Irregular spacing

• Unaligned headings

✅ Correction:

• Single professional font

• Consistent spacing and headings

• Clean, structured layout

📌 Why It Matters:
Poor formatting reflects lack of attention to detail.

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A.4 Including Irrelevant Personal Information

❌ Error:

Date of Birth, Marital Status, Religion

✅ Correction:

Include only essential contact details and professional information.

📌 Why It Matters:
Modern recruiters focus on skills and experience, not personal demographics.

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A.5 Grammar, Spelling, and Typographical Errors

❌ Error:

Maneged a team of five empolyees.

✅ Correction:

Managed a team of five employees.

📌 Why It Matters:
Language errors damage professional credibility.

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A.6 Overloading with Information

❌ Error:

5-page resume for a fresher

✅ Correction:

1-page resume highlighting relevant skills, projects, and internships

📌 Why It Matters:
Recruiters spend 6–10 seconds per resume during initial screening.

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B. Common CV Errors and Corrections

CVs demand accuracy, completeness, and academic rigor.

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B.1 Incomplete Academic Information

❌ Error:

Ph.D. – XYZ University

✅ Correction:

Ph.D. in Sociology, XYZ University, 2021

📌 Why It Matters:
Incomplete information reduces academic credibility.

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B.2 Mixing Resume and CV Styles

❌ Error:

Short, bullet-based CV with missing publications and research work

✅ Correction:

Detailed CV including education, teaching, research, publications, and conferences

📌 Why It Matters:
Academic committees expect comprehensive documentation.

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B.3 Improper Citation of Publications

❌ Error:

Paper published in an international journal

✅ Correction:

Sharma, R. (2023). Digital Literacy in Higher Education. International Journal of Education, 12(3), 45–60.

📌 Why It Matters:
Proper citation enhances authenticity and verifiability.

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B.4 Inflating or Misrepresenting Credentials

❌ Error:

Expert in SPSS and R (without evidence)

✅ Correction:

Proficient in SPSS and R; used for quantitative data analysis in doctoral research.

📌 Why It Matters:
Misrepresentation risks ethical and professional consequences.

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B.5 Poor Organization of Sections

❌ Error:

Random order of education, publications, and experience

✅ Correction:

Logical sequence: Education → Teaching → Research → Publications → Conferences

📌 Why It Matters:
Logical flow improves reader comprehension.

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C. Errors Common to Both Resume and CV

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C.1 Lack of Customization

❌ Error:
Same document for industry job, academic role, and fellowship

✅ Correction:
Customize documents based on purpose and audience

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C.2 Outdated or Incorrect Contact Information

❌ Error:
Old email ID or inactive phone number

✅ Correction:
Use professional, active contact details

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C.3 Inconsistent Dates and Timelines

❌ Error:
Overlapping dates or unexplained gaps

✅ Correction:
Ensure accurate timelines and explain gaps if necessary

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C.4 Excessive Use of Jargon

❌ Error:
Overly technical language without clarity

✅ Correction:
Use clear, audience-appropriate language

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D. Error Prevention Checklist

✔ Proofread multiple times
✔ Maintain formatting consistency
✔ Verify facts and dates
✔ Use role-specific keywords
✔ Seek peer or mentor feedback

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Appendix Summary

Avoiding common resume and CV errors significantly improves shortlisting chances, credibility, and professional image. This appendix enables learners to identify mistakes, understand their impact, and apply corrections effectively, ensuring documents meet modern recruitment and academic standards.