Top 5 Resume Mistakes Candidates Make (And How to Fix Them)
Summary
Want to land your dream job in Dubai? Avoid these common pitfalls that get your CV rejected by ATS systems.
Key Points
- Avoid using complex graphics or columns.
- Use standard headings.
- Quantify your achievements.
- Tailor your CV to the role.
- Proofread for typos.
Full Details
Dubai is a magnet for global talent, making the job market incredibly competitive. To stand out, your resume needs to pass two tests: the automated ATS scan and the recruiter's 6-second review.
1. Over-Designing
While a creative resume looks nice, many older parsing systems struggle to read text inside tables, columns, or graphics. Stick to a clean, single-column layout for the highest parsing accuracy.
2. Generic Summaries
Avoid "Hard-working professional looking for a challenging role." Instead, be specific: "Senior Marketing Manager with 8 years of experience in retail and a track record of driving 20% growth."
3. Lack of Keywords
Even with advanced AI matching, using the language of your industry is crucial. If you're a project manager, ensure terms like "Agile," "Scrum," or "Budget Management" appear naturally in your text.
4. Ignoring Results
Don't just list duties. List achievements. "Managed a team" is weak. "Managed a team of 10 and increased sales by 15% in Q3" is powerful.
5. Spelling Errors
In a detail-oriented role, a typo can be a dealbreaker. Always double-check your work.