10 Common Resume Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Your resume is your ticket to getting noticed by employers—yet many candidates make small, avoidable mistakes that cost them big opportunities. Whether you're applying for your first job or switching careers, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to include.

Here are 10 common resume mistakes and how you can steer clear of them:

1. Typos and Grammatical Errors

Spelling mistakes—even just one—can instantly make you seem careless. Employers may assume you lack attention to detail.

How to Fix: Proofread your resume multiple times. Use tools like Grammarly or ask someone to review it.

2. One-Size-Fits-All Resume

Sending the same resume to every employer is a red flag. Hiring managers can spot generic applications a mile away.

How to Fix: Tailor each resume to the specific job. Use keywords from the job posting and highlight relevant experience.

3. Ignoring Formatting Basics

Cluttered layouts, inconsistent fonts, and hard-to-read sections hurt readability and make a bad impression.

How to Fix: Use clean formatting with clear section headings and bullet points. Keep it visually appealing.

4. Only Listing Job Duties, Not Achievements

Employers want to know how you added value—not just what you were responsible for.

How to Fix: Highlight accomplishments with measurable results (e.g., “Increased sales by 25% in Q2”).

5. Not Knowing How to Write a Perfect Resume

Many candidates don’t know the structure, tone, or content that modern resumes require.

How to Fix: Learn how to write prefect resume by following a step-by-step guide that covers formatting, keywords, and real-world examples. Investing time here will dramatically improve your chances.

6. Too Much or Too Little Content

A resume that’s too long overwhelms; one that’s too short lacks substance.

How to Fix: Keep it 1 page if you have under 10 years of experience, and no more than 2 pages if you have more.

7. Using Passive or Vague Language

Phrases like “responsible for” or “helped with” don’t clearly communicate your impact.

How to Fix: Use active verbs like “led,” “developed,” “solved,” or “increased” to show initiative.

8. Leaving Out Contact Information

Forgetting to include your phone number or email makes it impossible for employers to follow up.

How to Fix: Include your name, phone number, professional email, and LinkedIn profile at the top.

9. Ignoring ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

If your resume isn’t optimized for ATS software, it may never reach human eyes.

How to Fix: Use standard formatting, avoid images or tables, and include relevant keywords from the job description.

10. Overusing Buzzwords

Words like “go-getter” or “team player” are vague and unconvincing without proof.

How to Fix: Show your strengths through real examples and accomplishments, not clichés.

Conclusion

Your resume isn’t just a document—it’s your personal marketing pitch. Avoiding these common mistakes puts you miles ahead of the competition. Take time to get it right, and let your experience shine.