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Most job postings attract hundreds of applicants, and many resumes fail to stand out. In this article are 15 common mistakes that employers spot instantly and exactly how to fix them. Stay sharp, and you’ll have a resume that grabs attention for all the right reasons.
1. Poor Formatting and Layout
A cluttered, inconsistent resume layout can confuse both recruiters and ATS systems. Sections that are poorly aligned, margins that are too narrow, or excessive font styles can obscure your key job responsibilities. A clean, structured design ensures your qualifications are easy to read and presented professionally.
How to Fix It:
- Use a clean, one-column format with clear headers, ample white space, and simple fonts like Arial or Calibri (10–12 points).
- Avoid tables, icons, or graphics that confuse ATS systems.
Example:
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Good:2. Grammar and Spelling Errors
Typos and grammatical errors instantly make your application feel sloppy and unprofessional. They reflect a lack of attention to detail, a crucial trait employers value in any role. Proofreading your resume and using tools like Grammarly shows your commitment to presenting yourself in the best possible way.
How to Fix It:
- Proofread multiple times, and read it out loud to catch overlooked mistakes.
- Use tools like Grammarly or ask someone to review for a fresh perspective.
Example:
Bad:Good:3. Unusual Formatting Choices
Overly creative formatting often distracts from the content of your resume. Bright colors, fancy fonts, or decorative symbols may look flashy but risk coming across as unprofessional or hard to read. Keeping a simple, professional layout ensures your skills and accomplishments remain the focal point.
How to Fix It:
- Stick to neutral colors and professional, readable fonts like Times New Roman or Calibri.
- Avoid unnecessary symbols, graphics, or decorative elements.
Example:
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4. Overly Long Resumes
Recruiters spend seconds scanning resumes, and lengthy ones make it difficult to locate relevant details. A concise resume highlights recent achievements and focuses only on skills applicable to the role. Keeping your document to one or two pages ensures it’s impactful and easy to navigate.
How to Fix It:
- Keep it to one page (two for 10+ years of experience) and focus on recent, relevant roles.
- Highlight achievements, not tasks, and remove outdated or unrelated experience.
Example:
Bad:Good:5. Messy or Incomplete Header
Your resume header is the first thing recruiters see, so it needs to be polished and complete. Missing key details like an email address or phone number can frustrate hiring managers and make you appear careless. A clean header that includes your name, contact information, and LinkedIn profile ensures this section works in your favor.
How to Fix It:
- Include your name, phone number, professional email, city/state, and LinkedIn URL.
- Use a clean layout and a professional email format (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com).
Example:
Bad:Good:6. Lack of Customization
Generic resumes give the impression that you didn’t put much effort into your application. Employers want to see how your skills and achievements align specifically with the role. Customizing your resume with tailored keywords and relevant accomplishments shows you’re serious about the opportunity.
How to Fix It:
- Tailor your resume to the job description by using relevant keywords and skills.
- Highlight achievements that directly align with the role’s requirements.
Example:
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7. Unrelated Experience Without Explanation
Listing unrelated jobs without context can confuse recruiters and make you seem unfocused. Instead, emphasize transferable skills or explain how your past roles contribute to your qualifications for the current position. Framing your experience with clear connections shows intention and adds credibility to your application.
How to Fix It:
- Emphasize transferable skills, like leadership or problem-solving, that apply to the role.
- Add a brief summary explaining career pivots or how your experience is relevant.
Example:
Bad:Good:8. Buzzwords Without Substance
Generic buzzwords like “team player” or “self-starter” add little value if not backed by real examples. Employers are looking for specific achievements that demonstrate these traits in action. Replace vague language with measurable outcomes to show your true impact.
How to Fix It:
- Replace generic buzzwords with action-based achievements backed by numbers or results.
- Start bullet points with strong action verbs like “achieved,” “implemented,” or “led.”
Example:
Bad:Good:9. Job Hopping Without Context
Frequent job hopping can raise concerns about your reliability or career focus. Providing context for these transitions, such as contract roles or pursuing growth opportunities, can alleviate doubts. Highlighting skills gained in each position shows adaptability and makes your career path more coherent.
How to Fix It:
- Combine short-term roles under one title, like “Freelance Projects” or “Contract Work.”
- Address valid reasons for frequent changes, especially if you left for a same job with better growth opportunities.
Example:
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10. Unexplained Employment Gaps
Employment gaps often lead recruiters to speculate about your reliability or activity during those times. Briefly addressing gaps in your resume or cover letter shows transparency and professionalism. Highlighting skills, certifications, or volunteer work during the gap reframes it as a period of personal growth.
How to Fix It:
- Briefly explain gaps, such as caregiving, skill-building, or education, in your summary or cover letter.
- Highlight activities like freelance work, volunteering, or certifications during the gap.
Example:
Bad:Good:11. Listing Tasks Instead of Achievements
Simply listing your responsibilities doesn’t demonstrate your value or contributions to past employers. Recruiters want to see measurable achievements that show how you’ve made an impact. Focusing on outcomes with data or specific results makes your application stand out.
- Focus on measurable outcomes, like improved performance, saved time, or increased revenue.
- Use action verbs and include specific metrics where possible.
Example:
Bad:Good:12. Overloaded Skills Section
An overwhelming list of skills can make your resume seem unfocused or generic. Prioritize skills directly related to the job and group them into clear categories for easy reading. Providing context for those skills in your work history adds credibility and depth to your expertise.
How to Fix It:
- Prioritize skills directly relevant to the role and group them into categories for clarity.
- Showcase skills in context within your work experience to prove their value.
Example:
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13. Misleading Job Titles
Inflating your job titles might seem like a good idea but can backfire during background checks. Use your official title and explain additional responsibilities or promotions in your job description. Being transparent while showcasing your growth builds trust with recruiters.
How to Fix It:
- Use official job titles and highlight additional responsibilities in bullet points.
- If needed, clarify ambiguous titles with a brief note, like “equivalent to Manager level.”
Example:
Bad:Good:14. Irrelevant Personal Information
Including personal details like your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies adds no value to your resume. These details can distract from your qualifications or introduce bias into the hiring process. Keeping your focus on professional skills and relevant experiences ensures your resume stays on track.
How to Fix It:
- Remove unnecessary details like age, marital status, or photos unless specifically requested.
- Share personal interests only if they add value or align with the role.
Example:
Bad:Good:15. Inconsistent LinkedIn Profile
Mismatched details between your resume and LinkedIn profile can confuse recruiters and hurt your credibility. Employers often use LinkedIn to verify your experience, so consistency is crucial. Ensuring both platforms align shows attention to detail and professionalism.
How to Fix It:
- Highlight increasing responsibilities, achievements, or new skills within the same role.
- Include certifications, training, or professional development to show ongoing growth.
Example:
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Conclusion
Avoiding these resume red flags can make all the difference in landing that interview. Keep your resume clean, tailored, and results-driven to showcase your true value. Ready to make your resume shine? Start fine-tuning it today and take that next step toward your dream job!
