When Sarah submitted her resume to her dream company, she thought she had nailed it. She had all the right qualifications, years of experience, and a passion for the role. But weeks passed, and she didn’t hear back. Frustrated and confused, she reached out to De Perfecte CV. After the resume review we noticed several resume mistakes that were likely costing Sarah her chance.
Sarah isn’t the only one who is making this mistake. Many job seekers unknowingly make avoidable errors on their resumes. Let’s dive into the top 10 common resume mistakes, using Sarah’s story as a guide, and explore how you can fix them to stand out from the competition.
Using an Outdated Resume Format
Sarah’s mistake: Her resume was designed in 2015, featuring heavy text blocks and no clear sections.
Why it’s a problem: Hiring managers spend an average of 7 seconds scanning a resume. An outdated format makes it harder to read and less visually appealing.
How to fix it: Use a modern, clean format with clear headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space. Download our Resume format for free here.
Focusing on Duties Instead of Achievements
Sarah’s mistake: Her resume listed tasks like “managed daily operations” but didn’t highlight measurable achievements.
Why it’s a problem: Employers want to know how you’ve added value, not just what you’ve done.
How to fix it: Quantify your achievements. For example, instead of “managed daily operations,” try “streamlined daily operations, reducing processing time by 20%.”
Spelling and Grammar Errors
Sarah’s mistake: A typo in her summary read, “attention to detial.”
Why it’s a problem: Spelling errors suggest a lack of attention to detail and professionalism.
How to fix it: Always proofread your resume. Use tools like Grammarly or ask a trusted friend to review it.
Including Irrelevant Information
Sarah’s mistake: She included hobbies like “playing the ukulele” that didn’t relate to the job.
Why it’s a problem: Irrelevant details clutter your resume and distract from your qualifications.
How to fix it: Tailor your resume to the role by highlighting skills and experiences relevant to the job description.
Ignoring Keywords
Sarah’s mistake: Her resume didn’t include keywords from the job posting.
Why it’s a problem: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords to determine relevance.
How to fix it: Analyze the job posting and incorporate keywords naturally into your resume, especially in your skills and experience sections.
Using a Generic Objective Statement
Sarah’s mistake: Her resume opened with, “Seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization.”
Why it’s a problem: Generic objectives fail to show how you’re a good fit for the role.
How to fix it: Replace the objective with a compelling summary that highlights your unique value. For example, “Results-driven project manager with 5+ years of experience delivering high-impact initiatives on time and under budget.” And give this section a sprinkle of a personal touch. Making this section personal will make the recruiter curious and they will want to know more about you.
Listing Too Many Jobs
Sarah’s mistake: Her resume included part-time jobs from college that weren’t relevant.
Why it’s a problem: Including unnecessary roles makes your resume look cluttered and unfocused.
How to fix it: Limit your work history to the past 10-15 years and focus on roles that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Not Customizing the Resume for Each Job
Sarah’s mistake: She used the same resume for every application.
Why it’s a problem: Generic resumes don’t address the specific needs of each employer.
How to fix it: Tailor your resume for each job by emphasizing the skills and experiences that align with the job description.
Neglecting Contact Information
Sarah’s mistake: She forgot to update her phone number after switching carriers.
Why it’s a problem: Inaccurate contact information means employers can’t reach you.
How to fix it: Double-check that your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn URL are current and professional.
Overloading the Resume with Buzzwords
Sarah’s mistake: Her resume was filled with phrases like “team player” and “synergistic leader.”
Why it’s a problem: Buzzwords without substance come across as empty and clichéd.
How to fix it: Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills. For instance, instead of “team player,” say, “Collaborated with a cross-functional team to launch a product, achieving a 15% increase in sales.”
The Result
After Sarah fixed these mistakes, she landed an interview within two weeks and eventually secured her dream job. We explained to her, “A well-crafted resume tells your story and shows employers why you’re the perfect fit.”
Take a page out of Sarah’s book and review your own resume for these common mistakes. A little effort can make the difference between being overlooked and landing your next great opportunity. Don’t forget to download your free resume template.
…Your resume is your first handshake, make it count….