Top 10 resume mistakes

KUALA LUMPUR - When you apply for a job, your resume may be the biggest factor for employers to decide if they want to meet you.

It is the one important document that indicates your academic background, work experience and other relevant information, allowing potential employers to evaluate if you meet their criteria.

Here are the 10 most common resume mistakes that could cost you an interview:

1. EXAGGERATION AND LIES

Exaggerating or lying in your resume would have short- and long-term consequences for your career. You risk losing your potential employer's trust in you. The stakes are high when you do this.

2. DISTRACTING INFORMATION

There is a difference between useful information and too much information. Including certain details may set you apart from other candidates, but if it's not relevant to the job you're applying for, it will become a distraction instead.

3. IMMATURE E-MAIL ADDRESS

Inappropriate or immature e-mail addresses indicate a lack of maturity and discipline. Create an e-mail address that is professional to put on your resume. First impressions are crucial.

4. WRONG CONTACT DETAILS

You may think you are not getting phone calls because you are not eligible, but there's a possibility that your contact information was written wrongly. Triple-check your resume.

5. WEIRD HOBBIES

Do not put strange hobbies or interests on your resume. There are better ways to show your individuality. You will not get hired if those hobbies reflect negatively on you.

6. GENERIC RESUME

A generic resume won't show the hiring manager that you are the perfect candidate for the job. Match your achievements with the job's requirements. Avoid a one-size-fits-all resume.

7. NO STRUCTURE

A well-written resume leaves a good impression. It shows attention to detail and the value that you could bring to the company. Be sure that your resume is systematic and rational.

8. TOO MANY DETAILS

Your resume should be one or two pages long. The goal is to make it short, yet readable. List only your selling points that are applicable to the job.

9. TOO MUCH EMBELLISHMENT

When you display your resume in an unconventional way, such as adding ribbons, you give the impression that you are unprofessional. Sometimes, being unconventional does not help you land a job.

10. ODD FONTS

Cheesy fonts scream "I don't know what I'm doing" to your future employer. Stay away from Jokerman, Papyrus and Comic Sans - they are used only for festive purposes. Use Times New Roman or Arial instead.