1. Sending the Same Resume Everywhere
The problem: Using one generic resume for each job application.
Why it matters: Hiring managers can recognise a resume that’s too generic. Every company and position has its own needs, and your resume should match those specifics.
Fix it: Change your resume to fit each job by:
- Revising your summary section.
- Emphasising the skills and experiences most relevant to the job.
- Including important words from the job listing.
Pro Tip: Build a solid resume template first. Then tweak it to apply to each job to save effort.
2. Highlighting Responsibilities Over Achievements
The mistake: Listing tasks instead of showing results.
Why it matters: Employers prefer knowing what you’ve accomplished. Just listing what you were in charge of doesn’t help them see your impact.
- Highlight what you accomplished using the STAR method. Start with the situation, explain the task, share the actions you took, and end with the results you achieved.
- Example: ❌ “Handled social media accounts.” ✅ “Increased Instagram followers by 40% within 6 months using a well-planned content strategy.”
- Use numbers to describe your achievements. Numbers stick in the reader’s mind.
3. Avoid Typos and Grammar Mistakes
- The problem: Spelling mistakes, poor grammar, or uneven punctuation.
- Why it’s important: It might make you appear sloppy or not detail-oriented, which could hurt your chances of getting the job.
- How to fix: Proofread to spot errors and polish your writing.
- Use tools like Grammarly to check spelling and grammar.
- Read your resume aloud to spot anything that sounds off.
- Have someone you trust review it before you submit it.
Even one small error can stand out — check everything more than once.
4. Messy Format and Design
The issue: A resume that’s disorganised or tough to read.
Why it’s important: Hiring managers might ignore it if it’s not easy to follow.
How to fix it:
- Organise your resume with clear sections like Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
- Use simple fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica.
- Skip flashy graphics or bright colours.
- Keep bullet points and spacing consistent throughout.
- Limit your resume to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience, or two pages at the very most.
Quick Tip: Save your file as a PDF so the layout stays the same.
5. Adding Irrelevant or Old Details
The problem: Writing down every single job you’ve ever had, even those from over a decade ago, that don’t relate to the job. This is one of the major resume mistakes to avoid.
Why it matters: Recruiters care about how your background matches their needs, not your entire career story.
How to fix it:
- Look at the last 10 to 15 years.
- Focus on the roles and abilities that connect most with the job you want.
- Don’t list old software or hobbies that don’t matter.
Keep things sharp and up-to-date.
6. Skipping Important Keywords
What’s wrong: Your resume doesn’t use the same terms as the job listing.
Why it’s a problem: Many businesses rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sort resumes before anyone reviews them. Without the right keywords, your resume might get filtered out by the system.
How to fix it:
- Go through the job description.
- Use the key phrases and terms from it.
- Pay close attention to job titles, software names, and unique skills.
Example: If the job asks for “project coordination,” make sure you use the exact wording if it matches your skills or experience.
Also Read: Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them.
7. Using an Unprofessional Email Address
The mistake: Having an email like “partygirl2020@hotmail.com.” It comes across as casual or outdated.
Why it matters: Employers might see it as unprofessional or even old-fashioned.
Fix it: Set up an email that sounds simple and professional based on your real name.
Example: john.doe@gmail.com or jane.smith2025@yahoo.com are good options.
Do not use the email address from your current workplace either. It creates a bad impression.
8. Leaving Gaps Unexplained
The mistake: Failing to explain breaks in your work history.
Why it matters: Employers might question the reason for the gap and think negatively about it.
How to fix it: Be upfront. Mention gaps in your resume or cover letter if necessary.
Example:
“Took one year off to care for a family member and came back to work with a new focus and stronger skills.”
There’s no need for too many details. Keep your explanation simple and clear.
9. Adding “References Available Upon Request”
The mistake: Using space on an outdated and unnecessary phrase.
Why it matters: Employers already assume you’ll share references if they ask, so writing it isn’t needed.
Fix it:
Use the space to add an extra bullet that highlights one of your achievements or an important skill.
10. Lying or Stretching the Truth
The mistake: Misrepresenting your experience or skills to look more qualified.
Why this is a problem: Getting caught can harm your reputation and might even lead to you losing the job, whether before or after you’re hired.
Fix it:
Always tell the truth. Focus on presenting what you’ve done in a way that highlights your strengths.
Example:
Rather than saying, “Managed a team,” say, “Supported the team lead by helping to manage timelines and communications on projects.”
11. Leaving Out a Summary or Objective
The mistake: Kicking off your resume with work history and skipping an introduction.
Why it matters: You lose the chance to grab attention and show what makes you stand out.
How to fix it:
Open with a professional summary. Write a few sentences about your background, strengths, and what you aim to achieve in your career. These are resume mistakes to avoid so as to stand a chance.
Example:
Experienced accounting specialist with over 7 years of expertise in financial reporting, budgets, and tax laws. Delivered proven results improving accuracy and simplifying reporting processes.”
12. Writing in Passive Voice
The mistake: Choosing boring or weak descriptions that don’t make your work shine.
Why it matters: Strong, active language grabs attention and shows you took charge of results.
Fix it:
Kick off bullet points with powerful action words such as: Managed, Designed, Executed, Cut, Enhanced, Bargained and Simplified. These words help highlight what you’ve accomplished.
Finally
Think of your resume as your personal sales pitch. It should showcase the best version of you professionally. Sidestepping common pitfalls can boost your chances of getting interviews, so make sure these resume mistakes to avoid are taken into consideration.
- Customise your resume for each role.
- Highlight achievements, not just duties.
- Keep it neat, focused, and free of mistakes.
- Use it to craft a clear, engaging story of your career path.
Keep in mind, the aim is not to grab attention but to secure an interview. Correcting these resume errors will move you closer to getting the job you’re after.
