Crafting the perfect resume can feel like walking a tightrope. Too much information and you overwhelm the reader; too little and you seem underqualified. A well-written resume opens doors, while a flawed one might close them before you even get a chance to interview. The good news is that most resume mistakes are easy to spot—and fix. Let’s dive into some of the most common pitfalls and how you can avoid them.
1. Typos and Grammatical Errors
It may seem obvious, but typos are still among the biggest resume killers. Hiring managers often view them as signs of carelessness, even if the rest of your resume is stellar.
How to fix it:
Always proofread your resume multiple times. Better yet, have someone else review it. Tools like Grammarly can help catch basic errors, but a fresh set of human eyes can spot awkward phrasing or inconsistencies that software might miss.
2. Using a Generic Resume for Every Application
One-size-fits-all does not work when it comes to resumes. Sending the same version to every employer gives the impression that you didn’t take the time to tailor your application, and it can make you seem less invested in the role.
How to fix it:
Customize your resume for each job you apply to. Focus on the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the position. This might mean reordering bullet points, tweaking descriptions, or even changing your headline to align better with the job description.
3. Lack of Clear Structure and Formatting
A cluttered or confusing resume layout can make it difficult for hiring managers to quickly find the information they need. If your resume looks chaotic, they might not even read it at all.
How to fix it:
Stick to a clean, simple format. Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent fonts. White space is your friend—it makes your resume easier to skim. Aim for balance: your resume should look polished but not over-designed.
4. Listing Responsibilities Instead of Achievements
Many candidates make the mistake of simply listing their job duties rather than showing what they accomplished. Responsibilities tell what you were supposed to do; achievements show how well you did it.
How to fix it:
Focus on results. Use action verbs and quantify your successes whenever possible. For instance, instead of writing “Managed social media accounts,” say “Increased Instagram engagement by 35% over six months through targeted campaigns.”
5. Including Irrelevant Information
Not everything you’ve ever done needs to be on your resume. Irrelevant jobs, outdated skills, or long lists of hobbies can distract from what really matters.
How to fix it:
Be selective. Focus on experiences that add value to the role you’re pursuing. If you’re switching industries, highlight transferable skills rather than including an exhaustive work history that doesn’t relate to your new goals.
6. Overusing Buzzwords and Clichés
Words like “hardworking,” “team player,” and “go-getter” are so overused that they have lost their impact. Employers want to see proof, not promises.
How to fix it:
Show, don’t tell. Instead of declaring yourself a “problem solver,” describe a time you solved a major problem. Concrete examples carry far more weight than vague adjectives.
7. Ignoring Keywords
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human ever sees them. If your resume lacks the right keywords, it may get filtered out automatically.
How to fix it:
Carefully read the job description and mirror its language where appropriate. Incorporate keywords naturally into your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections. Avoid keyword stuffing—focus on authenticity and relevance.
8. Providing Too Much Personal Information
Details like marital status, age, religious affiliation, and personal photographs are unnecessary and could even invite bias. In some countries, including such information could violate employment laws.
How to fix it:
Stick to the essentials: your name, phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile (if it’s professional), and city/state. Let your experience and skills do the talking.
9. Having an Unprofessional Email Address
Your resume might be impressive, but if your contact information includes an email like “partyboy88@gmail.com,” it can undermine your credibility.
How to fix it:
Use a simple, professional email address—ideally a variation of your first and last name. Services like Gmail offer clean, modern options if you need to create a new account for job applications.
10. Making It Too Long or Too Short
Hiring managers typically spend less than 10 seconds on an initial scan of your resume. A resume that’s either overly dense or suspiciously brief can quickly land in the discard pile.
How to fix it:
Aim for one page if you have under 10 years of experience and no more than two pages if you have more. Focus on your most recent and relevant experience, and don’t be afraid to trim outdated or less impressive roles.
A resume is often your first impression—make it count. By being mindful of these common mistakes and taking the time to correct them, you set yourself apart from the crowd. A little extra attention can mean the difference between getting an interview or getting overlooked. In a competitive job market, every detail matters. Make yours work for you, not against you.