Top 10 Resume Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Many resumes fail to make an impact because of common mistakes. Fix these and you’ll see better response rates.

1. Vague summary statements

Instead of a generic line, write a concise statement highlighting your role, years of experience, and one key achievement.

2. Unquantified accomplishments

Whenever possible, add metrics: increased sales by X%, reduced costs by Y, managed a team of Z.

3. Too long or too short

Keep it focused: 1–2 pages for most professionals. Remove irrelevant early-career roles unless they matter to the role.

4. Poor formatting

Avoid dense paragraphs. Use bullets, consistent fonts, and a single-column layout.

5. Missing keywords

Mirror job description keywords where relevant to pass ATS checks.

6. Typos and grammar errors

Proofread carefully and have another person review your resume.

7. Unexplained employment gaps

Briefly explain gaps or focus on relevant freelance/volunteer work during gaps.

8. Generic job descriptions

Describe specific achievements, tools used, and results rather than listing responsibilities.

9. Not tailoring to the role

Customize your resume to highlight the most relevant experience for each application.

10. Overuse of buzzwords

Use concrete examples instead of vague buzzwords like "team player" or "hard worker" without context.

Conclusion

Fix these common issues and your resume will better communicate your value and perform better in ATS and recruiter reviews.