As executive recruiters in Houston, Texas, we’ve seen our share of resumes over the years. So why do some make it to the top, while others get tossed in the trash? Here are 7 possible reasons:

1. Not following directions.

Hiring managers get annoyed when you don’t follow simple directions, whether they asked you to include both a cover letter AND resume, put certain keywords in an email subject line, or name your email attachments in a specific way. Whatever the case, not following directions is a red flag to hiring managers that you’re not detail-oriented.

2. Mistakes.

From misspelling the hiring manager’s last name to not knowing the difference between “it’s” and “its,” these kinds of mistakes are another red flag because they signal that you don’t check your work.

3. Too much fluff.

A hiring manager would much rather see cold, hart facts (i.e. accomplishments and results you’ve achieved), not a bunch of adjectives (i.e. driven, dynamic, hard-working, etc…) describing who you are – or who you think you are – as an employee.

4. Under-qualified.

With today’s technology and job boards, it’s easier than ever to apply for positions. However, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. If, after reading a job description, you realize you’re grossly under-qualified, don’t apply anyway because “hey, you never know.” You’ll simply annoy the hiring manager who could be looking for someone with your qualifications for their next job opening.

5. Over-qualified.

Don’t apply for positions for which you’re clearly over-qualified. The hiring manager will be concerned that you’ll jump ship at the first opportunity and won’t give your resume a second glance.

6. Poor layout.

Hiring managers only spend about 10 seconds looking at each resume. So if your resume is too verbose or if it’s poorly laid out, it can wind up in the “rejected” pile. You want the hiring manager to be able find pertinent information about your skills and background quickly, so use subheads, bullet points, and include plenty of white space.

7. Too long or too short.

There’s no hard, fast rule about resume length. If you’re a manager with 20 years of experience, then chances are you’re going to have a longer resume than a receptionist with five years of experience. That said, don’t send a resume that’s six pages long. But also don’t cut out the meat of your skills and experience because you’re afraid of going over one page.

If you’re guilty of any of the above mistakes on your resume, stop submitting and start re-writing. And if you’d like help creating your resume or finding a rewarding job opportunity, please contact Murray Resources. As executive recruiters in Houston, Texas, we can help you craft a strong resume, prepare for interviews, and access jobs you won’t find anywhere else.