Six Common Resume Problems and How to Fix Them

At Connexis, we are diagnostic and life sciences recruiters with over 20 years of experience. We work with hiring managers daily, so we know what content and format they look for in a resume, interview, or LinkedIn profile. Our approach is to help you develop all your professional assets to secure more job interviews and land your dream job in the health and life sciences industry. With this expertise, we've identified six common resume problems and how to fix them.

Problem #1: Missing Company Description

Your resume should include 1-3 sentences describing what each company you worked for does. Hiring managers may not be familiar with all the companies you've worked for, and including this information saves them from having to look it up.

Tip: Under the job title and dates of employment, add a brief description of each company. This should include the industry the company operates in and its primary products or services.

Example: "ABC Corp is a leading provider of diagnostic testing services, specifically focusing on oncology testing."

Problem #2: Missing Position Description

Your resume should also include 1-3 sentences that describe each position you've held.

Tip: Include a brief description of your role under each job title. This should go beyond your job title and provide insight into your responsibilities and the scope of your role.

Example: "As a Sales Manager, I led a team of 10 oncology sales representatives covering the Southeast and was responsible for driving regional sales strategies to meet quarterly targets."

Problem #3: Achievements Not Appropriately Documented

The bullet points under each position should document your achievements, not just your responsibilities. This is especially important for sales reps and managers, where performance is often quantified.

Tip: Include bullet points highlighting your key achievements for each position. Use quantifiable metrics where possible.

Example: "President Club Winner, 2023, Rookie of the Year, 2020, Ranked #1 of 50 reps in 2022."

Problem #4: Dates Not Properly Documented

Your resume should clearly show the month and year for each position you've held. This helps hiring managers see if there are any gaps in your employment history.

Tip: Include the start and end dates for each position in the "Month Year—Month Year." If you're currently in the role, you can put "Present" as the end date.

Example: "Sales Manager, ABC Corp, January 2018 – Present"

Problem #5: Resume Not ATS Compliant

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes. These systems may not be able to read images or tables, so it's important to format your resume appropriately.

Tip: Your resume should be formatted in a simple, clean style. Avoid using images or tables, and make sure your text is in a standard font that's easy to read.

Problem #6: Missing Address

Your resume should include your location, as recruiters often use this information to match candidates with jobs.

Tip: Include your city and state in the contact information section of your resume. If you're open to relocation, you may also want to note this.

Example: "John Doe, Chicago, IL. Open to relocation."

Wrapping It Up

Creating a standout resume in the health and life sciences industry doesn't have to be daunting. By addressing these common issues, you can craft a document that effectively communicates your qualifications and achievements, capturing the attention of hiring managers.

Remember, each detail on your resume can contribute to the narrative of your professional journey. Take the time to make sure your resume accurately reflects your expertise and readiness to take on new challenges in the diagnostic and life sciences fields.

What other challenges do you face when crafting your resume?

At Connexis Search Group, we understand the importance of a well-crafted resume. With over 22 years of experience in the life sciences industry, we connect our clients with exceptional talent, ensuring they hire the best possible candidates to drive their success. If you're looking for your next opportunity,

 contact us today.