Your resume is usually the first thing a recruiter sees, and first impressions matter. Yet many job seekers make the same avoidable mistakes that send their application straight to the rejection pile.
Here are the ten most common resume mistakes we see, and how to fix them.
1. Typos and grammar errors. This is the number one reason resumes get cut. Proofread carefully, then ask someone else to read it too.
2. Using one generic resume for every job. Tailor it to each posting. Mirror the language in the job description and lead with the skills that role actually needs.
3. Listing duties instead of results. Don't write "responsible for sales." Write "grew territory sales 28% in 12 months." Numbers get read.
4. Making it too long. One page is ideal for most candidates; two pages is the maximum unless you have 15+ years of experience.
5. Burying the important stuff. Recruiters spend about six seconds on the first scan. Put your strongest, most relevant experience at the top.
6. Ignoring the ATS. Most employers use applicant tracking software. Use a clean, single-column layout, standard headings, and real keywords from the posting so the system can read it.
7. A vague objective statement. Replace "seeking a challenging role" with a two-line professional summary that says what you do and the value you bring.
8. Missing contact details or an unprofessional email. Use a simple firstname.lastname email and include a phone number and city/state.
9. Inconsistent formatting. Pick one font, one date format, and consistent spacing. Sloppy formatting reads as sloppy work.
10. Never updating it. Refresh your resume every few months, even when you're not job hunting, so you never scramble when the right opening appears.
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