Knowing the right job-search numbers could make all the difference.

When it comes to your job search, most people don't want to worry about the numbers of the game; they just want a job and fast. But let us assure you, the numbers are important — especially when they are coming from the mouths of recruiters and experts alike. That's why we gathered our top data stories to share with you before you kick off your 2019 job search. Here's what you need to know.

Honesty is the best policy

Thinking of adding a little white lie to your resume to help you stand out? Think again. According to our survey, 97 percent of recruiters, hiring managers, and HR professionals admitted that discovering a resume lie would cause them to reconsider an applicant's candidacy — or outright dismiss it. The top resume lie that irked our respondents: lying about your academic degree. Want to know the rest? Click here to read more about lying on your resume.

Let out your inner grammar geek … or at least proofread

Did you know that proofreading could mean the difference between getting the new job and continuing the search? According to recruiters, hiring managers, and human resources executives, the biggest resume and cover letter deal-breaker, at 79 percent, was spelling and grammatical errors. This means that if you aren't careful, your resume could get dismissed because of a silly mistake. What are the other deal-breakers?  There are a bunch.

Don't forget to say “thank you”

When you were taught to say “thank you” as a child, you probably didn't think it would make a big difference now during your job search. Well, it does. 68 percent of recruiters and hiring managers revealed that receiving a thank-you note after an interview impacts their decision. That means you shouldn't be part of the 7 percent of job seekers who never send a thank-you note or email after their interviews. Here's what to do when sending a thank-you letter. 

Newly graduated? Be clear on your resume

Just because recent grads just finished school doesn't mean they are acing the job-search process. 67 percent of human resources professionals, recruiters, and hiring managers say that the biggest blunder recent graduates make is inappropriate or ineffective written communication skills — for emails, cover letters, and interview follow-up correspondence. Are you a recent grad? Make sure to avoid these recent grad mistakes.

Beating the bots matters

The applicant tracking system (ATS or “hiring bots”) is no small matter in the job-search world. TopResume analyzed 1,000 resumes to find out the biggest mistakes job seekers make when it comes to battling these hiring bots. The top mistake? Wrong file type. 43 percent of the resumes analyzed use a file type that was not compatible with all ATS software. Not sure what other mistakes you could be making? This infographic on ATS software could help.

Now that you know job-search data (and some tips to help you along), it's time to take this new year by storm and land your dream job.

Want to start off your job search on the right foot? It all starts with a spectacular resume. Let TopResume help you!

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