Your resume is your first impression with potential employers, so it’s important to get it right. Far too often we hear questions like: “what should I include in my resume? Or “how can I make my resume stand out to recruiters?” Here are 10 common resume mistakes that could be holding you back—and how to avoid them to land your next job faster.
1. Typos and Grammatical Errors
Misspellings and grammatical errors are red flags for employers and one of the most common resume mistakes made. They suggest a lack of attention to detail or professionalism. Double-check every word or use tools like Grammarly to ensure your resume is error-free. You can also have a trusted friend or family member proofread it for you.
👉 Check out How to Craft a Resume That Gets Noticed: 7 Essential Tips
2. Including Irrelevant Work Experience
If you’re applying for a specific role, make sure your experience is relevant. While you might have a range of jobs on your resume, focus on listing accomplishments that relate to the new position. For example, if you’re moving into customer service from a retail role, highlight your customer interaction skills rather than your cashier responsibilities.
3. Lack of Specifics
Avoid vague job descriptions like “Handled accounts” or “Managed a team.” Instead, quantify your accomplishments with results, such as “Increased sales by 20%” or “Led a team of 10 employees.” This helps hiring managers see the tangible impact you’ve had in your previous roles.
4. Listing Irrelevant Skills
Hiring managers care about the skills relevant to their job opening. Tailor your skills section to the job you’re applying for by reviewing the job description. If the job requires proficiency in a specific software, mention that instead of including every skill you’ve ever learned.
5. Using a Generic Resume for Every Job
If you send the same resume to every employer, it won’t stand out. Customize your resume for each application by using keywords from the job description and emphasizing the experience that best aligns with the role. This approach will also help your resume pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), increasing your chances of getting noticed.
Struggling to get past ATS?
👉 Learn more from our free resource: Resume Checklist
6. Having Outdated Contact Information
Ensure your contact information is up-to-date. A hiring manager can’t reach you if you’ve listed an old phone number or an inactive email. Also, make sure your email address is professional—no silly usernames here!
7. Focusing on Duties Instead of Achievements
Don’t just list your job duties—highlight your accomplishments. Employers want to know how you made an impact. Did you increase productivity? Save the company money? These are the details that set you apart from other candidates.
8. Making Your Resume Too Long (or Too Short)
Your resume should be concise but informative. One page is often ideal, especially for those with less than 10 years of experience. However, if you have significant, relevant experience, two pages may be appropriate. Be sure to avoid filling your resume with fluff just to make it longer.
9. Poor Formatting
A cluttered or visually chaotic resume will turn off potential employers. Stick to easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, and ensure there’s enough white space. Also, avoid adding images or bright colors, which can make it harder for ATS to process your resume.
10. Using an Unprofessional Email Address
Your email address might be the first thing a recruiter sees. If you’re using a quirky or outdated email handle, it’s time to create a new one that uses your first and last name or a similar professional variation.
Avoid these resume mistakes, and you’ll significantly increase your chances of standing out to employers. Ready to take your resume to the next level? RezzyCheck offers expert Resume Critique for Job Seekers to help you land the job you’ve been aiming for.
Landing interviews but not callbacks?
👉 Don’t miss our article: Mastering the Art of the Interview: Common Questions and How to Answer Them
