Top 5 Resume Mistakes Job Seekers Make (And How to Fix Them)
Your resume is your first impression, and small mistakes can cost you the opportunity to land the job you want. Many job seekers unknowingly make common errors that can hurt their chances of getting noticed. Here are the top 5 resume mistakes and—more importantly—how to fix them to improve your chances of success.
1) Using a Generic Resume for Every Job
Sending the same resume to every job application might feel efficient, but it can severely limit your chances. Employers want to see how your skills and experiences align specifically with their job posting.
How to Fix It:
- Tailor your resume for each job you apply to. Customize your skills, summary, and experience to reflect the job description.
- Highlight key achievements that match the position’s requirements.
Tip: Keep a master resume with all of your experience and pull relevant details for each application.
2) Including Too Much or Too Little Information
Some resumes are too long and packed with irrelevant details, while others are too short and don’t provide enough context about your qualifications.
How to Fix It:
- Keep your resume concise and relevant—aim for 1–2 pages, focusing on what’s most applicable to the job.
- Provide context for your accomplishments, but avoid listing every responsibility you’ve ever had.
Example: Instead of “Responsible for managing a team,” use “Managed a team of 10 developers, increasing project completion rate by 25%.”
3) Ignoring Formatting and Design
A resume that’s hard to read—or filled with fancy designs, images, and unusual fonts—can hurt your chances of passing an ATS scan or leave a negative impression on recruiters.
How to Fix It:
- Use a clean, professional layout with standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
- Avoid images, charts, or excessive color—ATS software may struggle to process them.
- Keep formatting simple with clear section headings like Work Experience, Skills, Education.
Tip: Consistency is key—make sure spacing, bullet points, and fonts are uniform throughout.
4) Focusing on Responsibilities Instead of Achievements
Listing job responsibilities alone doesn’t show how you added value. Employers want to see impact.
How to Fix It:
- Focus on accomplishments rather than responsibilities.
- Use measurable results and action verbs to describe your impact.
Example: Instead of “Managed sales team,” use “Led a sales team of 10, resulting in a 30% increase in revenue over six months.”
5) Neglecting Keywords
Many resumes don’t include the right keywords that match the job description, causing them to be filtered out by ATS software.
How to Fix It:
- Tailor your resume to include the exact keywords from the job description that match your experience—skills, certifications, and job functions.
- Don’t overdo it. Use keywords naturally within your Skills and Work Experience sections.
Tip: If the posting mentions specific tools or skills (e.g., “Adobe Photoshop,” “project management”), include them when relevant to your experience.
Conclusion
Your resume is a crucial tool in your job search, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can hurt your chances. By tailoring your resume, focusing on achievements, and optimizing for ATS, you can avoid these common pitfalls. At ViaSkill, we help you create a polished, customized resume that ensures you stand out and get noticed.