The 3 biggest resume mistakes marketing managers need to avoid.
Having a strong resume is very important when looking for a job. It is usually the first thing a hiring manager sees about you. A good resume can mean the difference between getting an interview and being passed over. However, even smart and experienced professionals can make mistakes on their resumes. Here are the top resume mistakes to avoid as you work on your marketing manager resume.
Before we get to the three common resume mistakes that marketing managers make and how to avoid them, if you’d like a quick, two-page resume cheat sheet, which breaks down exactly how a marketing manager was able to double the initial offer they received, you can get your own copy by submitting your information right here:
In it, I break down where you need to put keywords to slow the reader down visually, how to word your accomplishments, and what to do if you have lots of experience that just doesn’t seem to fit, no matter how much you edit.
Alright, let’s get to the three mistakes:
Top Resume Mistake to Avoid #1: Not speaking to the hiring manager's needs
A common resume mistake marketing managers make is not tailoring their resume to the specific job they are applying for. If your resume doesn’t show how your skills and experiences fit the job requirements, the hiring manager might not consider you.
To fix this, review the job posting and highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. Then, reword your job duties to match the job description. Additionally, highlight accomplishments that show you are a good fit for the role.
Another component of this mistake is including irrelevant or distracting information on the resume. For example, if you’re applying for a direct marketing job, but have digital marketing experience, try to talk about your related skills only. Talk about copywriting, not web analytics. When you apply for a job, it’s essential to show the employer that you have the specific skills and experiences they are looking for. Refrain from coming across as a generalist who may have some related skills.
Focus on the specific requirements for the job. Make sure the hiring manager isn’t distracted by irrelevant details on your resume. This will increase your chances of getting an interview.
Top Resume Mistake to Avoid #2: Thinking you have nothing good to write on your resume
Another big resume mistake job seekers make when creating their resume is thinking that they don’t have anything good to include. This is not necessarily the case. You might not have a lot of work experience or concrete data to show. However, you can still make your resume stand out by following a few simple steps.
Think about what you have accomplished in your previous roles or experiences, and how you have made a positive impact. Then, talk about that.
Consider the following:
- What problems did you solve? Consider any challenges or issues that you fixed or solved in your previous work experience. You might have found a solution to a long-term problem. Or, you could have fixed a technical issue.
- What did you make better? Talk about things you changed for the better. For example, you could have helped improve the company’s image through your branding efforts. Or you could have brought in more clients using your networking skills.
- How did you make things faster? Think about how you saved time for your company. Maybe you did this by increasing ad productivity, or by improving a process.
Focus on your achievements and how you have made a difference in your previous roles. Doing so will help you identify accomplishments and skills that are relevant and valuable to a potential employer.
If you struggle with looking at your achievements objectively, consider seeking the help of a professional resume writing service. They can help you craft a strong resume that effectively showcases your qualifications and experiences.
Top Resume Mistake to Avoid #3: Resume Red Flags
Red flags on your resume can be a major concern for employers. They can indicate that you may not be a reliable or committed employee. Some common resume red flags include:
- Being demoted: If it appears that you have been demoted in a previous role, it may raise concerns for employers. They might think that you did something to cause this or that you are not a good fit for management positions. If you’d like to learn more, check out this detailed article about how you can explain demotions during an interview.
- Taking time off work: You might have taken significant time off work for any number of reasons. It could have been for maternity leave, to care for an ill family member, or for purely personal reasons. Regardless of why you took that time off, employers might be concerned that your skills have deteriorated during that time. If you are concerned about employment gaps on your resume, consider using the guidelines in this article to redo your resume.
- Frequently changing jobs: Employers don’t like it if you have a history of moving from one job to another within a short period of time. It might make them think that you are not committed to a role and may not work hard for them. Here’s an article describing five ways you can talk about job hopping in your resume.
- Changing careers: Hiring managers might not like it when a candidate is changing fields. They might be worried that they will have to spend time and money training you. Additionally, They might worry that you are not interested in the new field. Here is an article on how to optimize your resume for a career change.
- Being overqualified: On the other hand, being overqualified for a position may also raise concerns. An employer might worry that the role will bore you and that you will not perform well. If you believe you are too qualified for the job you are applying for, read this article to learn what steps you can take.
- Owning a business: Employers may not like it if you have previously owned a business. They might think that you are using the job as a way to learn and find your next opportunity. Here’s an article detailing how you can list entrepreneurial experience on your resume and maximize your chances of getting a job.
Overall, it’s important to be aware of potential red flags on your resume. You should present a strong resume that clearly demonstrates your qualifications and commitment to a role. This will increase your chances of success in the job search process.
How a bad resume can hurt you.
On the flip side, a bad resume can have many negative consequences in the job search process. Here are three ways in which a poorly crafted resume can hurt you:
It can impact how your interviews go. Having resume mistakes can mean that you are going into a job interview at a disadvantage. An interviewer might bring up information that you are not prepared to discuss. And if you can’t answer their questions, you aren’t going to get the job. Having a well-written resume can help you feel more confident and relaxed during the interview process.
A bad resume can hurt your confidence. If you know that your resume is not as strong as it could be, it can make you feel less confident about your abilities and qualifications. This can impact your performance in interviews and may even make you less likely to apply for jobs that you are qualified for.
You might get a lower offer. Finally, a bad resume can mean that you don’t get jobs you are qualified for, and get lowballed during the negotiation process. Make sure your resume showcases your skills and experiences. Otherwise, hiring managers might dismiss you as being underskilled.
Overall, you want to ensure that your resume captures your qualifications and experiences. Avoid the resume mistakes discussed in this post. Present a strong and professional resume. This will increase your chances of success in the job search process.
Why a strong resume is important
Making sure you aren’t making these three common resume mistakes can be a big help in your job search process. If you have a well-written resume, it can help you increase your chances of being considered for an interview. It can allow you to showcase your skills, experiences, and accomplishments in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, it helps demonstrate your commitment and attention to detail, which are important qualities for an employer.
They say that the purpose of a resume is only to get you interviews, but in my 12+ years of helping marketing managers get higher-paying, more fulfilling jobs, I have found that a good resume can make such a strong impression that it can also lead to a much better offer.
Here are some other resources you might be interested in:
- How to Write a Resume From Scratch for a Marketing Manager Job
- How to Write a Resume From Scratch for a Director Manager Job
- Schedule a consultation here if you are interested in our one-on-one resume service.