Introduction
You've sent out dozens of resumes but aren't getting callbacks. Sound familiar? The problem might not be your qualifications—it could be your resume itself.
After analyzing thousands of resumes, we've identified the most common mistakes that prevent qualified candidates from landing interviews. Here's what you need to know.
The Top 10 Resume Mistakes
1. Using a Generic Resume for Every Application
The Problem: Sending the same resume to every job posting signals that you haven't read the job description carefully.
The Fix: Customize your resume for each position. Mirror the language used in the job posting and highlight relevant experience.
2. Including an Objective Statement Instead of a Summary
The Problem: Objective statements are outdated and focus on what YOU want, not what you offer.
The Fix: Replace it with a professional summary that highlights your key achievements and value proposition in 2-3 sentences.
3. Listing Duties Instead of Achievements
The Problem: "Responsible for managing a team" tells employers nothing about your impact.
The Fix: Use the STAR method and quantify results. "Led a team of 8 developers, delivering projects 20% under budget and 15% ahead of schedule."
4. Poor Formatting and Design
The Problem: Cluttered layouts, inconsistent fonts, and walls of text make your resume hard to read.
The Fix:
- Use consistent formatting throughout
- Include plenty of white space
- Stick to 1-2 professional fonts
- Use bullet points for easy scanning
5. Including Irrelevant Information
The Problem: Your high school job at a pizza shop probably isn't relevant to your software engineering application.
The Fix: Only include experience relevant to the position. For most professionals, focus on the last 10-15 years of experience.
6. Typos and Grammatical Errors
The Problem: Even small errors signal carelessness and poor attention to detail.
The Fix:
- Use spell-check tools
- Read your resume backward to catch errors
- Have someone else proofread it
- Read it out loud
7. Making It Too Long (or Too Short)
The Problem: A 4-page resume is overwhelming; a half-page resume looks inexperienced.
The Fix:
- Entry-level: 1 page
- Mid-career: 1-2 pages
- Executive/Academic: 2-3 pages
8. Using an Unprofessional Email Address
The Problem: partyanimal2000@email.com doesn't exactly scream "hire me."
The Fix: Create a professional email using your name: firstname.lastname@email.com
9. Forgetting to Include Keywords
The Problem: Without the right keywords, your resume won't pass ATS screening.
The Fix: Carefully read the job posting and include relevant keywords naturally throughout your resume. Use tools like Rejectly to identify missing keywords.
10. Including Personal Information You Shouldn't
The Problem: Adding age, marital status, or a photo can lead to unconscious bias (and isn't expected in most countries).
The Fix: Stick to professional information: name, location (city/state), phone, email, and LinkedIn URL.
How to Fix Your Resume Today
- Audit your current resume against this checklist
- Rewrite your bullet points to focus on achievements with numbers
- Tailor your resume for your target role
- Run it through an ATS checker like Rejectly to identify issues
- Get feedback from someone in your industry
Use Rejectly for Instant Feedback
Not sure if your resume makes these mistakes? Upload your resume to Rejectly and get instant feedback on:
- ATS compatibility issues
- Missing keywords for your target jobs
- Formatting problems
- Suggestions for improvement
Conclusion
Your resume is often your first impression with an employer. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can dramatically increase your chances of landing interviews.
Remember: A great resume doesn't just list your experience—it tells the story of your professional value.
