Your resume is often your first impression with an employer. In just a few seconds, hiring managers decide whether to keep reading or move on to the next candidate. A simple mistake on your resume can cost you a great job opportunity, even if you're qualified.
In today’s competitive job market, you can’t afford to take chances. Below, we’ll cover the most common resume mistakes and how to avoid them, so you can present yourself as a polished and professional candidate.
1. Typos and Grammatical Errors
This is one of the most common and costly mistakes. Spelling errors or poor grammar suggest a lack of attention to detail and professionalism.
How to avoid it:
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Proofread your resume multiple times
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Use tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s spelling and grammar check
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Ask someone else to review it before submitting
2. Using a Generic Resume for Every Job
A one-size-fits-all resume rarely works. Employers want to see that you've tailored your application to their specific needs.
How to avoid it:
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Customize your resume for each job application
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Use keywords from the job description
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Highlight the most relevant skills and achievements
3. Including Irrelevant Information
Your resume should be focused and to the point. Adding unrelated job experience or outdated skills can make it harder for employers to see your fit for the role.
How to avoid it:
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Only include recent and relevant work experience
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Keep personal details, like marital status or hobbies, off your resume unless they directly relate to the job
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Stick to a clean, professional format
4. Poor Formatting
If your resume is cluttered, hard to read, or visually unappealing, it might be rejected before anyone reads the content.
How to avoid it:
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Use a clear and consistent font like Arial or Calibri
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Keep margins and spacing clean
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Avoid using too many colors or graphics
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Save your resume as a PDF to preserve the layout
5. Failing to Quantify Achievements
Listing job duties is not enough. Employers want to see results. If your resume lacks measurable achievements, it may come across as vague or unimpressive.
How to avoid it:
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Use numbers and metrics where possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 25% in six months”)
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Focus on accomplishments, not just responsibilities
6. Listing Responsibilities Instead of Results
Simply stating what you did in a role doesn’t show your value. Hiring managers want to understand how you made a difference.
How to avoid it:
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Use action verbs like “led,” “created,” “improved,” or “developed”
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Add context and outcomes to show your impact
7. Having an Outdated Resume Objective
Old-fashioned objectives that talk about what you want from the company don’t add value.
How to avoid it:
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Replace your objective with a professional summary that highlights your top skills, experience, and what you bring to the table
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Focus on what you can offer the employer, not just what you’re looking for
8. Ignoring ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
Many companies use software to scan resumes before a human ever sees them. If your resume isn’t optimized for ATS, it could get filtered out automatically.
How to avoid it:
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Use keywords from the job description naturally
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Avoid complex formatting like tables and graphics
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Stick to standard section headings like “Work Experience” and “Education”
9. Leaving Employment Gaps Unexplained
Unexplained gaps in your resume can raise red flags. Employers want to understand what you were doing during those periods.
How to avoid it:
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Be honest, but brief (e.g., “Took time off for family care” or “Pursued further education”)
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If possible, show how you maintained or developed skills during the gap
10. Including Unprofessional Contact Information
Your email address and voicemail greeting should reflect professionalism. Using a personal or outdated email can send the wrong message.
How to avoid it:
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Use a simple, professional email like firstname.lastname@gmail.com
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Double-check that your phone number is correct
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Make sure your voicemail greeting is polite and professional
Final Thoughts
Your resume is your marketing tool. Making mistakes can hurt your chances before you even land an interview. By avoiding these common errors and focusing on clarity, relevance, and professionalism, you can create a resume that stands out for the right reasons.
Before you hit "send," take the time to review and revise. That extra effort could be the difference between getting noticed and getting passed over.
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