Your resume is your first impression. A strong one gets you interviews. A weak one? It gets ignored. Hiring managers spend only a few seconds scanning each resume, so mistakes can send yours straight to the rejection pile.
Avoid these 15 common resume mistakes to boost your chances of landing the job you want.
1. Using One Generic Resume for Every Job
A one-size-fits-all resume won’t cut it. Hiring managers can tell when you’ve sent a generic application.
Instead, tailor your resume for each job. Highlight skills and experience that match the job description. Small tweaks can make a big difference in getting noticed.
2. Ignoring Keywords from the Job Description
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human even sees them. If your resume lacks the right keywords, it may never make it past the system.
Review the job posting and incorporate relevant keywords naturally into your resume. Focus on industry terms and job-specific skills to improve your chances.
3. Including an Outdated or Unprofessional Email Address
Your email address matters. A professional-sounding address (like firstname.lastname@email.com) builds credibility, while outdated or playful addresses (partyanimal123@email.com) can cost you opportunities.
If you’re still using an old email handle from years ago, create a new one for job applications. It’s a small fix that makes a big impact.
4. Adding Too Much Personal Information
Employers don’t need to know your age, marital status, or home address. In some cases, including this information can even put you at a disadvantage.
Stick to the essentials—your name, phone number, professional email, and LinkedIn profile. Everything else is unnecessary.
5. Listing Duties Instead of Achievements
Hiring managers don’t just want to see what you were responsible for—they want to see what you accomplished.
Instead of saying, “Managed social media accounts,” say, “Increased social media engagement by 40% in six months.” Numbers and results show your impact.
6. Submitting a Resume That’s Too Long
Unless you have decades of experience, your resume should be one page. If you have 10+ years of relevant experience, two pages may be acceptable.
Keep your resume concise by cutting out outdated jobs, unnecessary details, and repetitive information. Focus on your most recent and relevant experience.
7. Using an Unreadable or Unprofessional Font
Creative fonts might look stylish, but they can make your resume hard to read. Stick to professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
Also, keep font size between 10 and 12 points for body text. Anything smaller makes reading difficult, while anything too large wastes space.
8. Leaving Gaps in Employment Unexplained
Hiring managers notice gaps in employment, and if you don’t address them, they might assume the worst.
If you have gaps, briefly explain them in your cover letter or resume. Mention career breaks for personal reasons, travel, education, or freelance work to reassure employers.
9. Failing to Quantify Your Impact
Numbers stand out. If you want to impress employers, show them how you contributed.
Instead of “Managed customer service,” say “Reduced customer complaints by 25% by streamlining support processes.” Adding percentages, dollar amounts, or time frames makes your accomplishments more compelling.
10. Using Overused Buzzwords Without Proof
Everyone claims to be a “hardworking team player” with “strong communication skills.” But without examples, these phrases are empty.
Replace vague buzzwords with specific examples. Instead of saying you’re “detail-oriented,” show it: “Reviewed financial reports with 99% accuracy, reducing errors in quarterly audits.”
11. Failing to Include a Summary Statement
A strong summary statement at the top of your resume helps hiring managers understand who you are and what you bring to the table.
Keep it short—two to three sentences summarizing your experience, skills, and value. This gives employers a quick reason to keep reading.
12. Using Passive Language Instead of Action Words
Hiring managers want to see results, and weak phrasing can make your accomplishments sound unimpressive.
Use strong action verbs: “Led,” “Increased,” “Developed,” “Designed,” and “Implemented.” Avoid passive phrases like “Was responsible for” or “Helped with.”
13. Not Proofreading for Typos and Grammar Mistakes
Even a small typo can make you look careless. Employers want candidates who pay attention to detail.
Run your resume through spellcheck, but don’t rely on it entirely. Read it out loud, ask a friend to review it, or use online grammar tools to catch mistakes.
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14. Forgetting to Include Relevant Skills
Your skills section is a key part of your resume. If you don’t list relevant skills, hiring managers may assume you don’t have them.
Customize this section based on the job description. Include both hard skills (like software expertise) and soft skills (like leadership abilities) that match the role.
Read More: I Took a Pay Cut for Work-Life Balance — Was It Worth It?
15. Not Updating Your Resume Regularly
A resume isn’t a one-time document—it should evolve with your career. If you’re only updating it when you need a job, you might forget key details.
Review your resume every few months. Add new achievements, skills, and experiences as they happen so you’re always prepared for the next opportunity.
Read More: Top 10 Resume Tips That Will Get You Noticed
