What common mistakes do you see in resumes, and how do you help clients avoid them?

If you’re applying for jobs, odds are you are applying to a business. And BUSINESS PEOPLE LOVE NUMBERS, because that’s how they count their money! One of the biggest mistakes I see is listing responsibilities instead of measurable achievements. See my profile video for what will happen if you don’t have measurable achievements. Typos, poor formatting, and using generic statements like "hard worker" also hurt your chances. Another major oversight is relying solely on cold applications—applicants who network stand out far more. Relationships often determine who gets an interview, not just the resume itself. 

Making an impactful first impression on hiring managers by avoiding common resume mistakes is a very important thing to do. From formatting to content issues, there is a way to detect and correct these errors, which is a great skill to possess.

Overcrowding or poor formatting
A layout that is difficult to read or inconsistent in design is an obstacle to recruiters in terms of quickly going through your resume. Overloading content or using multiple fonts is a common problem that detracts from the professional look of your resume. Stick to an empty, organized template that contains sections clearly marked.

Pro tip: Use a uniform format—same font size for headers, aligned dates, and plenty of white space for readability.

Ignoring ATS compatibility
The primary reason that many resumes don't make it through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is that they don't have the right keywords or have non-standard formats. Avoid columns, graphics, or strange fonts as they might mislead the ATS software. Prioritize the straight text that is right with the job listing.

Vague descriptions or responsibilities
Instead of saying, "Responsible for handling accounts," specify your contribution. Vague job descriptions don't show the results you achieved. Change them to focus on measurable accomplishments or detailed processes.

Example: "Managed over 50 accounts which increased client retention rates by 20% through personalized service plans."

Spelling and grammatical errors
A small mistake can create a bad impression, which is a sign of a lack of attention to detail. Misspelled names, an incorrect verb form, or a lack of punctuation mark are typical signs. Review thoroughly and edit carefully or request a trusted colleague for their comments.

Irrelevant or outdated information
Including an old summer job that has no relevance to the position you are applying for or listing hobbies that are unrelated to the position is completely wasting space on the resume. Focus on recent, relevant experiences and tailor your resume application for this particular job. Include only what adds value to your candidacy.

Adopt clear formatting, align to ATS, present quantifiable achievements, and keep your content relevant and correct as the ways to avoid common resume mistakes.

Common mistakes are:

Not enough keywords in the resume. Makes it almost invisible in the tracking systems.

Spelling mistakes as sometimes we don't understand the English Keyword Formats which clients is going to apply. Like US and UK version. To people makes a lot of mistakes while not knowing the requirements. 

Common mistakes I often see in resumes include:

1. Lack of Focus and Clarity: Many resumes are too broad or unclear about the individual's specific skills or career goals.

How I help: I assist clients in tailoring their resumes to the specific role they are applying for, highlighting relevant skills and experiences that match the job description.

2. Failure to Quantify Achievements: Some resumes list duties without showcasing how well those tasks were performed.

How I help: I encourage clients to quantify achievements with metrics such as increased sales, improved efficiency, or cost savings, demonstrating the impact of their work.

3. Overuse of Generic Phrases: Phrases like "hardworking" or "team player" are often used without supporting evidence.

How I help: I guide clients to replace these with concrete examples of how they demonstrated these qualities in the workplace, making their value clear to employers.

4. Inconsistent Formatting: Resumes with inconsistent font sizes, styles, or spacing can be difficult to read and look unprofessional.

How I help: I ensure that resumes have a clean, consistent format, with proper use of headings, bullet points and white space for readability.

5. Excessive Length: Some resumes are overly detailed, leading to unnecessary length, especially for candidates with fewer years of experience.

How I help: I help clients focus on the most important and relevant experiences, keeping resumes concise, typically one to two pages, without sacrificing crucial details.

6. Failing to Pass ATS: Many resumes don't include keywords relevant to the job, which causes them to be filtered out by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

How I help: I assist clients in optimizing their resumes with targeted keywords and phrases that align with job descriptions to ensure they pass through ATS filters.

7. Unprofessional Email Address: Some resumes include email addresses that are unprofessional or difficult to read.

How I help: I recommend using professional email addresses, ideally first and last name combinations, to create a more polished impression.

8. Missing Contact Information or Links: Contact details, LinkedIn profiles, or portfolios are sometimes missing or incomplete.

How I help: I ensure all contact information is up to date and that clients include relevant links, like LinkedIn profiles, GitHub (for tech roles), or personal websites, to make it easy for recruiters to connect.

By addressing these issues, I help clients create professional, targeted resumes that highlight their strengths and increase their chances of landing interviews.

One of the most common mistakes I see in resumes is that they often feel too general, lacking a clear focus. A great resume should tell your story, what you’ve accomplished and where you’re headed, while being tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. When resumes are generic, they fail to capture a recruiter’s attention and don’t make a lasting impression.

Another big issue is not highlighting achievements. Too many resumes read like a job description, listing duties instead of showcasing impact. Employers want to see the results you’ve delivered. For instance, rather than saying, “Managed a sales team,” it’s far more effective to write something like, “Led a team of 10 sales reps, increasing revenue by 25% in one year.” Numbers and concrete examples add real weight to your experience.

Formatting is another area where people trip up. Overly fancy designs, multiple fonts, or a cluttered structure can make a resume hard to read or even cause it to be rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). A clean, simple layout is always the best approach, it’s professional and ensures your key information stands out.

Resumes often fail to stand out due to avoidable mistakes. Here are some common ones I see and how I address them:

• Lack of Customization

Mistake: Sending the same generic resume for every job.

Solution: I tailor resumes to match the job description, focusing on relevant skills and experiences that align with the role.

• Overloading with Irrelevant Information

Mistake: Including too much detail about unrelated jobs or outdated experiences.

Solution: I prioritize the most relevant achievements and keep the resume concise, ideally within 1-2 pages.

• Keyword Gaps for ATS

Mistake: Not including enough job-specific keywords, leading to ATS rejection.

Solution: I analyze the job description and incorporate the right keywords naturally into the resume.

• Poor Formatting

Mistake: Using inconsistent fonts, improper spacing, or cluttered layouts that hurt readability.

Solution: I design resumes with a clean, professional format that is both ATS-friendly and visually appealing.

• Weak or Generic Summary

Mistake: Writing a vague summary that doesn’t highlight unique value.

Solution: I craft compelling, tailored professional summaries that immediately capture the recruiter’s attention.

• Spelling and Grammar Errors

Mistake: Small mistakes that make the candidate seem careless.

Solution: I proofread thoroughly to ensure the resume is error-free and polished.

• Overuse of Jargon

Mistake: Using technical terms or buzzwords without context.

Solution: I explain achievements in clear, professional language that is easy for both ATS and human readers to understand.

By identifying and fixing these issues, I ensure my clients’ resumes are polished, professional, and stand out to both hiring managers and ATS systems. Let me know how I can help refine yours!

These are the 5 most common mistakes I see as a recruiter.

1. Typos and Formatting Errors: A thorough proofread or peer review ensures the resume remains polished.
2. Generic or Impersonal Statements: Vague objectives like “Seeking a challenging role” fail to show genuine interest. Instead, tailor the summary and achievements to each specific job.
3. Lack of Quantifiable Achievements: Highlight measurable results such as “Increased sales by 15%” to demonstrate real value.
4. Overstuffing with Buzzwords: Use relevant keywords naturally and back them up with concrete examples.
5. Including Irrelevant Details: Focus on recent, pertinent experience that aligns with the position.

Common mistakes I see in resumes include:

1. Lack of Tailoring: Many candidates submit the same resume for every job. It’s crucial to tailor the resume to the specific role and industry, highlighting relevant skills and achievements.
2. Weak Branding: A resume should communicate the candidate's unique value proposition. Often, resumes list duties instead of showcasing accomplishments and strengths.
3. Irrelevant Information: Including outdated or unrelated experiences and personal details can clutter the resume and distract from the most important qualifications.
4. Poor Formatting: Resumes with inconsistent formatting or poor structure make it difficult for recruiters to quickly find key information. Clean, organized resumes are more effective.
5. Passive Language: Using phrases like “responsible for” instead of action verbs weakens the impact of a resume. Active language is essential to convey accomplishments clearly.
6. Typos and Errors: Small errors can hurt a resume’s professionalism. Even minor mistakes can lead to a resume being overlooked.

I help clients avoid these mistakes by emphasizing relevance, clarity, and concise, impactful language.